Review: TITANIC: THE MUSICAL at Arts Bonita

Arts Bonita Actors Theatre’s production of TITANIC: THE MUSICAL is an ambitious undertaking, and under the direction of Kody C. Jones, it rises to meet the scale and emotional weight of the story. With a large cast and sweeping scope, the production captures the human stories behind the historic tragedy, weaving together themes of hope, class, and loss that define this Tony Award-winning musical.

One of the standout elements of the evening is the performance by Eric Ortiz as Hartley. Ortiz brings a compelling presence to the role, but his impact extends beyond performance - his choreography is one of the production’s strongest assets. The movement feels intentional and dynamic, enhancing the storytelling and adding a sense of fluidity that helps unify such a large-scale ensemble piece.

Equally impressive is Cameron Rogers as Andrews, whose performance provides a grounded emotional core. Rogers navigates the role with sincerity and nuance, making Andrews’ journey one of the most affecting elements of the production. The rest of the cast is equally strong, contributing to a cohesive and engaging ensemble that supports the many interwoven storylines.

Visually, the show makes a strong impression. The set design by Kody C. Jones and Joseph Brauer is notably expansive, a welcome choice in this space. The scale of the set helps convey the grandeur of the ship. Complementing this is the costume design by Danielle Black, which feels authentic to the period and adds another layer of immersion to the world of 1912.

Jones’ direction ties all of these elements together effectively. Balancing a large cast and a complex narrative is no small feat, but the production maintains clarity and momentum throughout, ensuring that the emotional arcs remain front and center. While the script itself isn’t my personal favorite, the strength of the performances and production elements elevate the material.

Overall, TITANIC is a visually striking and thoughtfully executed production, elevated by strong performances and standout choreography. Arts Bonita Actors Theatre has taken on an ambitious piece - and delivered an evening that is both engaging and impactful.

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