The unsinkable ship sinks… and the show’s
a hit

A review by DONNA LUKIW

FORESTBURGH, NY — As I took my seat in the Forestburgh Playhouse for the dress rehearsal of the musical “Titanic,” the ensemble cast, costumed in early 1900s garments, sang and danced, and I stared in awe at the talent, the striking stage and the professionalism.

Unlike the movie, this Broadway musical doesn’t have any main characters; there are no Leonardo Dicaprio or Kate Winslet substitutes; instead, it’s an ensemble cast that share the stage, the script and the songs. Although mostly college students (but not all), each actor and actress genuinely looks like an original Titanic passenger; the first class women wear fur coats and velvet dresses with bun-styled hairdos and the men sport slicked-back gelled hair.

With keyboardists Kyle Norris and Kevin Wallace, violinist Erin Slaver and bassist Stacy Joergle, the sounds, the music and the compositions echo throughout the playhouse, synchronizing perfectly with each actor’s moves.

Anthony Holds, who plays Thomas Andrews, begins the musical with his rendition of “In Every Age” while instruments lead him on his journey and accompany his dominant yet pure voice.

The three Kates, as they are called, played by Morgan James, Bronwyn Stayoch and Kym Chambers, have an extensive amount of energy on and off the stage. It was amazing to see such an animated cast; I felt more attached to the characters solely because the actors appear connected and elated.

Even though this was only a dress rehearsal with frequent expected stops, (this was the cast’s first time rehearsing on the playhouse’s main stage), I saw the difference that one simple direction could produce, making a scene flawless. And it was perfect, as the director, choreographer, sound designer and, of course, the actors worked together to deliver this outstanding musical.

It was surprising to see how the scenery designers assembled the stage to get that “on the water” feeling without displaying an actual boat. The use of simple props, spectacular lighting and intensifying sound effects were seamless in dramatizing the metaphorical Titanic.

“I think the story of the Titanic is a story that resonates with audiences today in a very special way,” said producer Norman Duttweiler. “The sinking of the Titanic was a cataclysmic event that altered the western world’s psyche, similar to the events of 9/11. It forced people to realize that man was not as invincible as the earlier optimism of the age suggested.”

“Titanic” will run from July 22 to August 3. The box office is open on Sunday and Monday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Matinee performances are presented Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m., and evening performances are presented every Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

For reservation call 845/436-4227.