'Titanique' is the hit jukebox musical now playing in Sydney, which satirises and parodies the original source material, the 1997 cinematic 'Titanic' by James Cameron.
Featuring 17 of Celine Dion’s greatest hits (such as 'Taking Chances', 'I Drove All Night', and 'My Heart Will Go On'), it's a hilarious retelling of the classic romantic film, all told through the narrative perspective of Celine Dion herself. She remembers that fateful night very differently. . .
“From the very beginning of the show, the audience is made well aware that they are in for a ridiculous night, where nothing and everything makes sense. They just have to buckle in and come along for the ride,” says Marney McQueen, who takes on the role of Celine Dion in the show.
'Titanique' is a clever and poignant production pulling from the original source material: “The level of detail that the writers have gone to in producing the small moments from the film, and replicating them on stage, is so good!” Marney exclaims.
Marney McQueen grew up impersonating her school teachers throughout primary school, and later built on her ability to entertain at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) Sydney. “I’ve loved the kick that you get out of an audience recognising that person [impersonation] on stage,” Marney says. 'Titanique' allows the cast to pull improvisations into the performance, another skill that McQueen picked up, from being mentored by Australia’s Barry Humphries for the better part of 20 years.
Image © Daniel Boud
It is a considerable leap from impersonating actors, cabaret artists, individuals and the like. . . To Celine Dion. McQueen worked with a vocal coach in the lead up to 'Titanique', predominantly to build on her own repertoire and solidify the tone required.
“I’ve watched hours and hours of Celine Dion interviews, which has just been brilliant. The thing I have just grown fond of – to laugh so much about Celine Dion – is that she’s such an incredible, dynamic entertainer. Not just a singer.”
“Just when I think that I might be taking it over the top, I’ll see her do something online and realise there’s no such thing as going too far in your impersonation, which is just magical! It gives you so much freedom on stage.”
'Titanique' comes from the creative minds of writer/director Tye Blue, who has worked on 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' among many other television credits; Constantine Rousouli, who also originated the iconic role of Jack Dawson, and holds credits with 'AJ And The Queen', 'Charmed', and '9-1-1'; and actress, writer and composer Marla Mindelle. Audiences can expect a healthy dose of camp production elements, not only from the creators, but from McQueen – who was in the original stage production of 'Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert' approximately 20 years ago. “I have thought a lot about that production whilst doing 'Titanique', in that it was all about acceptance and diversity.”
Image © Daniel Boud
“It was both extremely camp, and had a love for people of all backgrounds!”
'Titanique' is currently performing at The Grand Electric in Sydney.
“It’s an incredible theatre, and so kooky. You follow a little cobblestone pathway to get to the theatre, and the whole time you’re thinking ‘where am I going? / what have I got myself into?’ Then it opens up to a bar, and the pre-show music. . . Before the show even starts, audiences are having a good time!”
While the theatre holds 400 people, there are no bad seats. . . But be careful of the splash zone, as Celine Dion (McQueen) will interact with audiences that get up close and personal. “Audiences are very much involved in the show, so I really love the intimacy of that.”
The production holds brevity, and entertainment in equal measure – but 'Titanique' had a choppy beginning. Borne from a dire situation that the three writers found themselves in, in 2020 (the first Trump Administration and the COVID-19 pandemic), the creatives decided that they would contribute to the world at that moment, with a show that would bring 90 minutes of joy – to cut through the severity of the socio-economic environment.
“We found ourselves in a similar situation [recently] when the election results were confirmed,” Marney reflects.
Image © Daniel Boud
“At the end of the show, when I speak personally as myself to the audience, I said ‘if you’re ever feeling a bit frazzled by international events or by anything that’s happening in your life, we’re so lucky that we can turn to art – and we can turn to theatre’.”
While many of us go through moments where we’re adrift on a door like Rose, art and entertainment help to bring clarity, expression, and mental wellbeing in such a way that helps build resilience. “People need that kind of nudge to enjoy the arts every day.”
And just like Celine Dion once said, 'My Heart Will Go On'. . . Which is also McQueen’s favourite song to perform during 'Titanique'.
“There’s the beautiful first line/two verses, which are soft and gentle – then there’s the chorus where we bring it all home. I love singing that!”
If impersonations, musical theatre, and cabaret weren’t enough – there’s a secret role in the show with a big performance – “I really can’t reveal it. We’ve also got three backing vocalists in the show who are dynamic, exceptionally agile singers, and they really keep the show going!”
It's an epic adventure full of heart, melodies, and an electrically intimate vibe – catch it before it settles on the seabed.
'Titanique' plays The Grand Electric until 19 January, 2025.
