Reviewed by B. K. Grant

Our bright yellow White Star Line Boarding Pass shouted “PERMISSION TO BOARD The Largest Vessel in the World...R.M.S. TITANIC”.

With a production team and cast totaling nearly 80 very talented individuals, director Bob Laviolette has triumphed with the presentation of “Titanic”. It was no easy task to render the celebrated tale of the ill-fated steamer’s demise from the ship’s point of view without relying on previously aired material. It went off seamlessly. The clever use of stills (rippling waters, the ornate staircase, a starlit sky, the signal flares) projected on the back wall of the stage combined with minimal props (railings, deck chairs and benches, a tilted piano) effectively set the scenes.

In Act One, the Titanic’s proud designer Thomas Andrews, played by John Woytowicz, gives a lengthy dissertation on the ship’s strength, size and beauty, convinced that her maiden voyage will be world famous. Referring to her as the “Ship of Dreams”, the crew gestures adoringly toward the great vessel; passengers scramble to get in line, singing “I must get on that ship”.  The crowd is rich with characters from the elite, affluent vacationers to the common people hungry for a better life. As the eclectic mix of passengers is boarded into first, second, and finally third class areas, one is reminded of the unfortunate class system in 1912 England. Not only were there separate quarters but also separate decks, the lowest being the final resting place of most of the hopeful third class. An uplifting musical number alluding to prosperity “In America”, expresses the hopes and dreams of the working class passengers. The overall mood is jovial, excited and energized. The wonderful bejeweled, aproned and uniformed costumes depict the wardrobe of the era accurately, lending to the production’s authentic atmosphere.

While the passengers take full advantage of the amenities on board, the pompous owner of the White Star Line, J. Bruce Ismay (well played by Eric Johnson) is insistent the Titanic is unsinkable. She must be known as a “six day ship”, referring to the journey over the Atlantic to New York City. Ismay repeatedly badgers Captain Smith (Jeff Clayton, who even looks like the real Captain) regarding her speed and his leadership. The Captain’s reluctance and the “safety first” cautioning of the ship’s designer can not deter Ismay’s course and the order is given to increase speed. Back on deck, subtle changes occur in the party-goers’ attire – furs, jackets and layered sweaters are worn as evidence of cooling temperatures.

Although the Captain was given coordinates of nearby ice floes via telegraphy from other ships, arrogant persistence on the part of Line owner Ismay and the Captain’s own pride combine to propel them onward at full speed to meet their destiny. April 14th, 1912, 11:40PM.

The first act closes as the great ship hits the iceberg.

Eager for more, this reviewer didn’t want (or need) an intermission. The second act opens seven minutes later with a wake up call; some appear in pajamas, others still in party garb, as they are ushered to the grand salon. Confusion, reassurance, questions and encouragement permeate the air; all remain cautiously hopeful until an empty serving cart is observed slowly rolling across the floor. The lower deck’s staircase is seen blocked, forcing third and some second class passengers to frantically search for an alternate escape route. Life vests are distributed and the mood is still not desperate; most feel a rescue is imminent and enjoy the music and a last glass of wine until they meet again. The Carpathia was on her way; however it would be almost four hours in coming. The life boat scene nearly brought this reviewer to tears: since there were enough life boats for only half the passengers, women and children went first; wives clinging to their husbands, then separated; children begging their fathers to join them; families torn apart. Further accenting the futility of the situation, designer Andrews struggles in his last hour to find the flaw in his blueprints as doomed passengers desperately cling to the sinking bow’s railing.

And the band played on until they could play no more.

The story of the Titanic’s maiden (and only) voyage is one of tragedy, courage, selfishness and sacrifice. This Exit 7 presentation is one of challenge, illumination, musical artistry and entertainment not to be missed.

FYI: http://www.titanic-nautical.com/titanic-facts.php

        http://www.titanic-facts.com/