***** I love to laugh! Anyone who knows me, or has sat in my vicinity at a funny play, knows this about me. My wife often feels that I should hold back, yet, I cannot and I am not sure the performers would want me to. Laughter is contagious and for some reason, I get everything! Well, Chicago has a premiere in town, a musical farce that explores a story that has been told in film, book and onstage about the ship named the Titanic. The musical is called “Titanique” with a book by Maria Mindelle, Constantine Rousoull & Tye Blue and the music of Celine Dion.

This 100 or so minutes of music and merriment (no intermission) is directed by Tye Blue and has sparkling choreography by Kasey Alfonso. The set by Jeffrey D. Kmiec is not truly a ship, but a cascading staircase and some side areas for action. This is a show that is very akin to the “Forbidden Broadway” satirical comedies of yesteryear. While this show does speak to the tragic event of the sinking of the Titanic, it is in such a fun way, we lose sight of what the actual story is about and instead of tragedy, we have comedy and stamping of feet, and clapping of hands and some thunderous laughter.

There are some sparkling performances in this production and the cast of local performers allows us to see some truly “breakout” performances. For example, in the role of Jack ( our hero) is Adam Fane, who Chicago audiences have seen mature over the years. He is zany, he is fun and we get to see him shine as never before. As Rose, Maya Rowe is dynamic, energetic and very into having fun.

The hostess for the adventure Celine Dion is played to perfection by Clare Kennedy McLaughlin. She is powerful and truly makes one feel that we are indeed being taken on a special voyage with her music and many of the players from the story itself. Jackson Evans is a wonderful Victor Garber ( he also does a few other smaller characters), and Adrian Aguilar as Carl, Rose’s fiancée is amazing!

Many Chicago theater audiences know Rob Lindley for his work in both the theater scene as well as the Cabaret scene. You may not be ready for what he brings to the show, but his Ruth is hysterical and will have you laughing your socks off ( even if you are not wearing sox). Abby C. Smith is Molly Brown and her voice will astound you. The last character is the Seaman/Iceberg ( a wonderful surprise role) that is played by Lorenzo Shawn Parnell. In tonight’s performance, these roles were more than handled by Eric Lewis ( who is normally one of the three back-up singers). Lewis did a great job in both of his roles tonight.

The back-up singers are Elaine Watson, Caroline Lyell and Lewis, but in tonight’s show his part was handled by Jordan Douglas Ellis who worked in perfect harmony with the two ladies. The musicians are onstage for the entire 100 minutes and under the direction of Dr. Michael McBride truly make the music shine. The electronic music( Justin Kono) and music supervisor ( Linda Madonia) make sure that we get to hear every word that help to tell this version of the story.

This production is brought to us through Broadway In Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre. If you are a regular Porchlight Theatre attendee, you will probably recognize the talent you are seeing in this wonderful production. If you have never attended one of their musical productions, perhaps after seeing this, you will make it a point to follow them and make them a priority on your theater list.

 

“Titanique” will continue Thru – July 13th with performances as follows: