Dion parody is setting sail for T.O.
Musical ‘Titanique,’ loosely based on ‘Titanic,’ features Quebec singer’s music
“Titanique,” a musical parody of James Cameron’s “Titanic” set to the music of Canadian pop superstar Céline Dion, will dock in Toronto this December for a five-week run.
The off-Broadway hit will make its Canadian premiere at Montreal’s Segal Centre from Oct. 27 to Nov. 24 before transferring to Mirvish’s CAA Theatre from Dec. 5 to Jan. 12, 2025.
The irreverent comedy, which features Dion chart-toppers like “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself” and “To Love You More,” was a critical hit in New York City, earning three Lucille Lortel Awards, including for outstanding musical.
The new Canadian production will be identical to the version off-Broadway and helmed by director Tye Blue, who cowrote the musical with Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli.
“Obviously the entire world worships Céline, but I know how much more she means to the Canadian people,” said Blue in a statement announcing the new production.
“She belongs to you in a very special way and I aim to deliver that personal connection in a very tangible, meaningful way onstage. It will be one of the great honours of my career to be entrusted with such an endeavour.”
“Titanique” made its world premiere in 2022 at the Asylum Theatre in New York City, before transferring later that year to the Daryl Roth Theatre, where it continues to run. The parody loosely retells the story of the Oscar-winning 1997 film “Titanic,” pairing it with songs from Dion’s musical catalogue.
Véronique Claveau, a Québecois performer known for her work on stage and screen, will star as Dion in the Canadian premiere. She was a finalist in 2004 on the reality television show “Star Académie.” Claveau also lent her voice as Princess Anna in the Quebec version of the animated film “Frozen.”
“I’ve often had the chance to play Céline Dion in various sketch projects. But to have the chance to play the Quebec icon in a full musical is truly an honour, especially in a show as hilarious as this one!” Claveau said.
The rest of the 13-member Canadian cast, drawn from auditions in Toronto and Montreal, will be announced at a later date.
“Titanique” will be part of the 2024-25 off-Mirvish season, which will be fully revealed at a later date.