BroadwayRadio Review Recap: ‘Titanique’ Original Broadway Production

Host: Matt Tamineni
Date: April 13, 2026
Episode Focus: A roundup and analysis of critical reviews for the Broadway opening of “Titanique” at the St. James Theater.

Episode Overview

BroadwayRadio’s Matt Tamineni recaps the varied critical reactions to the Broadway premiere of “Titanique,” the Celine Dion-powered parody musical that spoofs James Cameron’s “Titanic.” The show’s creative team, notable cast, and origins are discussed, with a synopsis of review highlights from critics ranging from The New York Times to Entertainment Weekly.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Show Background & Creative Team (00:01 – 01:50)

• Premise: “Titanique” is a musical parody of the “Titanic” film, told through the lens of Celine Dion, featuring her songs.
• Creative Team:
  • Written by Ty Blue, Marla Mendel, and Constantine Rossulli.
  • Directed by Ty Blue; choreography by Eleanor Scott.
  • Starring Marla Mendel (as Celine Dion), Constantine Rossulli (as Jack), and Melissa Barrera (as Rose), with Broadway debuts and special on-stage turns from Luigi Williams (the Iceberg), Deborah Cox (Molly Brown), and more.
• Production Journey: Originated in a small NYC basement theater, earned an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, and is now staged at Broadway’s St. James Theater.

2. Critical Roundup: Review Aggregates & Critic Highlights (01:51 – 07:20)

General Critical Reception

• 15 reviews collected by DidTheyLikeIt.com: 7 Positive, 6 Mixed, 2 Negative.

Review Highlights by Outlet

The New York Times – Elizabeth Vincentelli [Mixed] (02:00)

• “Never bet against Broadway's thirst for bold-faced figures, especially when they have an appeal as broad as the Titanic movie and the Canadian superstar Celine Dion.”
• Praise: “The show fills the St James stage surprisingly well with its functional scenic design by Gabriel Hainer Evanson and Grace Laubacher from Iron Bloom Creative Productions.”
• Caveat: “The musical does not quite live up to its premise... delivers a storm of gags, pop culture references, slapstick and audience interaction.”
• On Performances: “Improvisation is not just welcome, but also built in... the night I attended, she [Mendel] riffed on her Broadway neighbors Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele.”
• Summary Judgment: “Sometimes Titanique lands and sometimes it merely treads water. Sometimes it achieves an exhilarating lunacy, and sometimes it is just exhausting.”

Vulture – Sarah Holdren [Positive] (03:50)

• “Titanique is the kind of giddy, dippy, fan-friendly spectacle that invites you to arrive a glass and a half deep, literally and spiritually.”

Theaterly – Koby Castle [Positive] (04:05)

• “Now amped up about as high as it can go with an all star cast, Titanique is guaranteed to deliver the most fun you will have at the theater this year.”

Deadline – Greg Evans [Positive] (04:25)

• “Campier than the Campy Cats... Titanique on Broadway is bigger than a mere hoot, it's a riotous, high cresting celebration just when we need it most.”

Variety – Frank Rizzo [Mixed] (04:45)

• “The show's established and millennial friendly fan base should be coming back for seconds... the Broadway gig will give cachet to future cruises.”
• “While the musical is not quite a night to remember, let's just say the show is, well, fantastique.”

Entertainment Weekly – Shayna Russell [Positive] (05:15)

• “Titanique maintains the scrappy seat-of-your-pants energy that helped it set sail in the first place. It has the heart of an ambitious school production... put together with spit, glue and love for the sole purpose of making people laugh.”

New York Post – Johnny Oleksinski [Positive] (05:35)

• On the Theater: “The humongous St. James Theater... is hardly any show's favorite port of call. Its distancing size is not an asset to a musical that thrives on a dirty little secret energy... actors dashing 10ft to the wings doesn't suit a staging packed with rapid-fire gags.”
• On Essence: “Its new set... is more concert tour than comedy hour, yet the unhinged underdog retains its essential charms.”

AM New York – Matt Windman [Negative] (06:05)

• “Titanique begins with a splashy premise but ultimately struggles to stay afloat. Occasionally a joke lands, but more often Titanique simply isn't funny, inventive or especially interesting.”
• “At 100 minutes, the show plays less like a fully developed musical than an extended sketch, with scenes frequently interrupted by asides and non sequiturs.”

New York Theatre Guide – Gillian Russo [Positive] (06:40)

• “A shining comedy showcase, a bona fide arena concert, and a well built musical that doesn't require much Titanic knowledge to enjoy.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Matt Tamineni on the show’s spirit:
  “It reimagines Jack and Rose's timeless love story aboard the ship of Dreams through the French Canadian eyes of someone who was totally there. Celine Dion. The superstar singer remembers the doomed romance with more shocking twists, mega diva antics and face melting vocals belting her favorite hit songs and not even an iceberg can stop her.” (01:09)

• Elizabeth Vincentelli (NYT):
  “Sometimes Titanique lands and sometimes it merely treads water. Sometimes it achieves an exhilarating lunacy, and sometimes it is just exhausting.” (03:30)

• Greg Evans (Deadline):
  “Titanique on Broadway is bigger than a mere hoot, it's a riotous, high cresting celebration just when we need it most.” (04:30)

• Shayna Russell (Entertainment Weekly):
  “[It] has the heart of an ambitious school production... put together with spit, glue and love for the sole purpose of making people laugh.” (05:20)

• Matt Tammanini (Host, on negative review):
  “I feel like Matt Wenman does not understand the point of this show because I think that pretty much is the point of the show.” (06:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01: Introduction and show background
• 01:09: Description and cast highlights
• 01:51: Show’s critical reception overview
• 02:00 – 06:40: Review highlights and notable critic reactions
• 06:20: Host reflection on negative critique
• 06:40: Final positive review (New York Theatre Guide)
• 07:20: Conclusion and next steps for interested listeners

Summary

BroadwayRadio’s recap delivers a balanced perspective on “Titanique’s” Broadway debut, illuminating its campy humor, strong performances, and Celine Dion-infused zaniness. Critics largely agree on its fun, communal energy—though opinions vary on whether the show’s over-the-top antics reach comic brilliance or strain credulity. Unanimously, though, it’s recognized as a bold transfer of a scrappy, offbeat downtown favorite to the bright lights and grand stage of Broadway.

For further reading: Matt Tamineni refers listeners to the “Did They Like It” critic roundup for full reviews.