TITANIC at Signature Theatre in D.C.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 9:55am

Performances start tonight for the limited run of Titanic at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia. Currently scheduled to run through January 29, 2017.

Sig is constantly blowing me away with the caliber of their shows when I visit DC. Will anybody be seeing this?

[freewilma]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 11:11am

It's definitely on my radar...but I haven't pulled the trigger to purchase a ticket yet.  While clearly I know the story, I'm actually not familiar with the show or music.  But they have a terrific cast lined up.  

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 11:11 AM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 1:56pm

I'm seeing it next Tuesday.  There were a bunch of performances listed on Goldstar and those tickets sold out rather quickly.  I had wanted to see it a second time.

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 2:24pm

Would love to see this! At first I thought it was the "chamber" production of TITANIC that was supposed to play the Ahmanson in Los Angeles last year...but it seems like a brand new "immersive" production.

http://www.theatermania.com/washington-dc-theater/news/signature-titanic-music-video_79283.html

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 9:55pm

freewilma said: "It's definitely on my radar...but I haven't pulled the trigger to purchase a ticket yet.  While clearly I know the story, I'm actually not familiar with the show or music.  But they have a terrific cast lined up.  

 

"

The score is great, but the book is lacking, to say the least. If the cast lined up is good, it may be worth the price to hear them perform the score.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 12/16/16 at 4:26pm

This looks amazing. Signature constantly delivers perfect productions.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/a-titanic-challenge-creating-the-floating-city-within-relatively-limited-space/2016/12/16/3789c9ca-c0a7-11e6-afd9-f038f753dc29_story.html?utm_term=.ac242b6beffb

Updated On: 12/16/16 at 04:26 PM

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 12/16/16 at 4:52pm

MichelleCraig said: "Would love to see this! At first I thought it was the "chamber" production of TITANIC that was supposed to play the Ahmanson in Los Angeles last year...but it seems like a brand new "immersive" production.

http://www.theatermania.com/washington-dc-theater/news/signature-titanic-music-video_79283.html"

 

An "immersive" Titanic? Will it say on your ticket whether you live or die (like the Titanic Exhibition)?

[STEVEPCPA]

Posted: 12/16/16 at 6:35pm

Seeing Carousel at Arena Stage tomorrow matinee , then Titanic at Signature tomorrow night ! 

[itis2l84u]

Posted: 12/16/16 at 7:11pm

STEVEPCPA said: "Seeing Carousel at Arena Stage tomorrow matinee , then Titanic at Signature tomorrow night ! 

 

"

Please report back on how titanic is! Im still debating getting tickets to it.

[CouldBeWorse]

Posted: 12/16/16 at 7:59pm

Seeing it tonight. Almost time!

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 12/16/16 at 11:13pm

STEVEPCPA said: "Seeing Carousel at Arena Stage tomorrow matinee , then Titanic at Signature tomorrow night ! "

 

I would love to know what you thought. I adored the "Carousel" at Arena. I haven't seen "Titanic" yet, but Signature always does amazing shows and usually outshines Broadway. Their "West Side Story" last year was 10 times better than the lousy revival Broadway did a few years ago. "Company" better. "Miss Saigan" better.

 

[CouldBeWorse]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 6:27pm

AEA AGMA SM said: "An "immersive" Titanic? Will it say on your ticket whether you live or die (like the Titanic Exhibition)?"

Programs contain a boarding pass with a brief biography of a passenger and a link to Signature's website to find out if they survived. 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 6:30pm

Any actual thoughts/commentary yet?

[CouldBeWorse]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 7:07pm

I'm typing from my phone, so I'll keep this brief, but I loved it. The cast is scaled back from its original Broadway counterpart and the set consists of a series of ramps connected to an angular platform. However, this works. With expectation away from the heavily technical like in the original, the score becomes the focus. I honestly forgot how much I liked Yeston's work until last night. While the orchestrations have been redone by Joshua Clayton to fit seventeen musicians (seated in the balcony), the music fills such an intimate theatre. There were some issues with amplification at the top of the show with just Andrews but, thankfully, it evened out in the larger numbers. The cast pours power into this music. I was basically in tears for the last fifteen minutes because of how beautiful it sounded. 

The technical aspects were interesting. The platforms mostly work, though I had the vantage point of the balcony. Not sure how easily all the action is seen in the orchestra. I loved the staging of the crash as well as "Mr. Andrews' Vision", which has some surprises I won't spoil. 

I really enjoyed the cast, particularly Iyona Blake and Tracy Lynn Olivera. It was also nice to see Florence Lacey as Ida Straus. "Still" and the preceding scene were haunting. 

[STEVEPCPA]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 7:53pm

Just left our hotel across the street at 7::40 as Maury Yeston was hurriedly checking in. Assuming he'll be catching the show tonight as well. Starts in 10 minutes .  Will report back tomorrow ! 

Updated On: 12/17/16 at 07:53 PM

[STEVEPCPA]

Posted: 12/17/16 at 11:11pm

WOW! Just got back from the show. What a beautiful production . In my opinion it rivaled the original (which I loved ) and surpassed it in many ways. We got to speak briefly with director Eric Schaeffer and Maury Yeston after the show . Mr. Yeston  said ""It was the best he's ever heard it sung.... because of the intimacy of the space, the acoustics , and the performers impeccable diction."

If you are a fan of this score, you will not be disappointed at all....and if you aren"t, it may cause you to have new appreciation for it.

It really exceeded our expectations..The singers are top notch . Not a weak link..and the director's choice at the end was a powerful visual. (No spoiler here)

A special shout out to Sam Ludwig as Barrett. The notes he hit in his song were spectacular 

The cast was beautifully miked...and you could here every single word and every bit of harmony.

They should be very proud of this production . If you can get in to Arlington, it's totally worth the trip!

[lynnetoomey]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 8:54am

I was there last night, and was thrilled to see Maury Yeston in the lobby at intermission. He was beaming, and with good cause.  This is one of Signature's finer achievements. Visually arresting, emotionally intense, and musically impeccable.   Eric Schaeffer has wisely turned the focus to the heart and soul of the characters, and let us into their plight.

At the end of the day, Titanic rests on the Yeston's stunning score, and this production hits a grand slam.  Kudos to Signature for engaging a 17 piece orchestra. The ensemble singing was thrilling and robust, and I spent most of the evening wiping away tears at the sheer glory of the sound.

[lambchop2]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 2:23pm

Would anyone be willing to PM me the details for Mr. Andrews' vision and the director's visual at the end?

I'm curious to see if this production took nods from the Southerland production I saw in Toronto.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/20/16 at 11:55pm

I got in a short while ago from this evening's performance.  Titanic has got to be one of the best productions I have seen at Signature Theatre!!  I saw the Broadway production nine times over the course of the run.  The cast at Signature is very strong in the acting and vocal departments.  The opening number brought tears to my eyes.  A cut song for Caroline and Charles was added.  The role of Charlotte Cardoza was introduced in the opening number, but was cut from the rest of the show.  The card scene with the first class men and Charlotte was cut as well.

This show was done in the round and was staged effectively.  I don't think there's a bad seat in the house.

I will add to this post, but thought I'd quickly write something before I head to bed.

[Sinfonian4life]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 8:55am

I have never been to Signature Theatre and would love for this to be my first there! Tickets are going CRAZY fast (limited to Sunday/Saturday's as I live a good 3 hours away.)! I see they have the limited $40 tickets. Can anyone report on how the views are? I know it says typically in the sides and rear, just looking for more of an idea. Would it work for this show?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 9:34am

I personally don't think there's a bad view in the house.

[bruzson]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 10:36am

Saw it last night and agree that it is stunning.  We also saw the original Broadway production a few days before opening night in 1997 and this is better.  More intimate and more massive, which strangely aren't contradictions in this production.  Beautifully sung and the standout for me was the guy who played the telegraph operator -- a wonder performance full of the appropriate pathos. We were sitting underneath the orchestra, but despite not have a direct view of the musicians, they may be some of the better seats in the house for viewing every other aspect of the show.  I agree that any of the cheap seats (if you can still snag them given the qualified rave in today's Wash. Post) should be good.  The show is not perfect (some slow spots) but the opening 15 minutes and the closing 10 minutes are easily worth the price of admission

[TweetyPie2]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 12:29pm

Can anyone who has been to this shed light on which side is the best place to sit? North or south? 

[bruzson]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 2:58pm

there are 4 sides (balcony only has 3 as orchestra is in the 4th).  Sitting facing the orchestra is probably best but we were under the orchestra and they were great seats.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 4:24pm

I'm taking a trip from nyc to arlington this weekend just to see this show! Can't wait!