Last night, a former studio mom and friend, Linda Utt, picked me up and we ventured eastward to The Greene where we met another former studio mom and friend, Karen McLain at El Toro for dinner. After a nice dinner and equally nice chat, Karen went on to her event and Linda and I went to see TITANIC: THE MUSICAL on the large screen. 

I loved Maury Yeston’s score upon first hearing it in the mid-1990s. When I was in NYC for THE WIZARD OF OZ, some colleagues and I went to see TITANIC during its previews. Two nights in a row, we could not see the cancelled performances because the hydraulics were not operating and the ship, therefore, would not sink!  It would not be until the tour came through Dayton that I got to see it at The Victoria Theatre. Later, I was thrilled to watch a number of former students in leading roles at Wright State University.

Fathom Events writes: “Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic: The Musical is ‘breathtaking’ (the Guardian) and ‘magnificent’ (the Telegraph), a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them, the Third-Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the Second Class imagine they too can join the lifestyles of the rich and famous, whilst the millionaire Barons of the First Class anticipate legacies lasting forever.

With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone — the pair have collectively won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, an Olivier Award and three Tony Awards. The original Broadway production of Titanic: The Musical won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. This stunning production, captured live on stage for cinema screenings, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its London premiere, where it won sweeping critical acclaim.”

I did enjoy the presentation, but I found several things disappointing: Captain Smith did not seize command of the character and seemed as though he would be better suited sitting at the chummy CHEERS bar. The orchestra was thin and seemed to produce less fullness than the actual tiny orchestra aboard the 1912 Titanic. And then there was the prima donna beside us who had the incessant and rude urge to sing along with the movie. This was not a ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW presentation which encourages audience participation. I hope that she, one day, finds the perfect stage, show, and role but I guarantee, it will not be in this lifetime.

There were some incredible moments and performances: “The Night Was Alive” was beautifully staged and performed. British actor Barnaby Hughes made an impressive Etches, and there were several outstanding portrayals of others.

As I watched the movie, on my maternal grandfather’s 102^nd birthday, it occurred to me that the Titanic’s 1912 tragic maiden voyage was nine years before his birth. Two of my great-grandparents were fifteen years old.

“Sail on, sail on great ship, Titanic,

Across the open sea.

Pray the journey’s sound till your port be found,

Fortune’s winds sing ‘Godspeed to thee.’

Fortune’s winds sing, ‘Godspeed to thee.”

…From TITANIC: THE MUSICAL

Make it a great day!