Titanic The Musical

A Thrilling theatrical voyage marks 100th anniversary of Titanic. Haunting. Emotional. Beautiful. Thrilling. Stagecrafters’ latest production, Titanic – The Musical is all of these and more. While the fateful and tragic ending of the luxurious ocean liner is known worldwide, this compelling musical gives voice to the many passengers who were actually aboard the ship. Titanic – The Musical runs April 13th through May 6th at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in downtown Royal Oak.

Although the ensemble is large – 49 actors from the Detroit area, small, individual vignettes give life to personal stories about the different classes of passengers and why they are aboard. A small sampling of the passengers on deck include Isidor Strauss (Bill Glace of Ferndale) with his wife Ida (Nancy Cannava of Rochester Hills), travelling in First Class. Strauss was co-owner of Macy’s Department Store. Second Class passengers are represented by Alice Beane (Megan Meade-Higgins of Northville) and her husband, Edgar (Vince DeRita of New Baltimore). In steerage, representing the Third Class passenger are three Irish lasses -- each named Kate. The private narratives from the passengers and their interpersonal relationships humanizes the tragedy.

Rodel Salazar of Ferndale volunteered to direct this musical based on his fascination with the tragedy. “Even before the musical or the big blockbuster movie came out, I’ve always been fascinated with Titanic’s magnificent story.  My first encounter with the musical was in the fall of 1997 when I went to New York City and saw the original Broadway production.  I fell in love with the music and the show instantly. I was immersed in the grandeur and radiance of the play.  When the opportunity to direct this show arose in 2010, my wonderful journey commenced with this glorious musical,” say Salazar.

Titanic – The Musical was written by Peter Stone, and Maury Yeston wrote the music and lyrics. Yeston was drawn to work on the script after the discovery of the Titanic in 1985. The musical opened on April 23, 1997, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, running for 804 performances  before closing in March 1999. The show received five Tony Awards in 1997 including Best Musical. The original wardrobe from the Broadway production is on display at the Costume World Broadway Collection in Pompano Beach, Florida. The musical is not based on the James Cameron blockbuster movie, Titanic, which was released in December 1997.

In addition to the 14 scheduled performances, Stagecrafters has added a fundraiser,Titanic Dining Experience, on April 12^th. Guest for the special fundraiser evening will enjoy a champagne toast, delicacies from the original menu, a presentation from Titanic historian Ron Bartsch of Dearborn, a silent auction and the final dress rehearsal of the musical. Although the Dining Experience sold out weeks ago, Stagecrafters has opened up the remainder of the seating in the auditorium for “Third Class” attendance. Third Class ticket holders will enjoy Mr. Bartsch’s presentation, inclusion into the silent auction bidding and the show. Tickets are $30 each and are still available by calling 248-541-6430, or purchasing online at www.stagecrafters.org.

Advance tickets for regular performances are $18 and $20.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.stagecrafters.org or by phone at 248-541-6430 using Visa and MasterCard. All seats are reserved.  If shows have not sold out, tickets can be purchased at the box office one hour prior to the performance for an additional $2.00 per ticket.

Show dates and times follow:

Friday, April 13 - 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 14 - 8:00 pm

Sunday, April 15 - 2:00 pm

Thursday, April 19 - 8:00 pm

Friday, April 20 - 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 21 - 8:00 pm

Sunday, April 22 - 2:00 pm

Thursday, April 26 - 8:00 pm

Friday, April 27 - 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 28 - 8:00 pm

Sunday, April 29 - 2:00 pm

Friday, May 4 - 8:00 pm

Saturday, May 5 - 8:00 pm

Sunday, May 6 - 2:00 pm

About Stagecrafters

Stagecrafters, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit community theatre, is in its 55th year of providing opportunities for members of the community to develop their talents and to volunteer their time to create an enriching, quality theatrical experience through its Main Stage, 2^nd Stage, and Youth Theatre productions. At the Baldwin Theatre since 1985, Stagecrafters has been named Best Community Theatre by Hour Detroit (2011), Real Detroit Weekly (2011 & 2012) and the Daily Tribune (2011).

Stagecrafters offers shows that appeal to a wide variety of ages and interests and prides itself on providing professional quality shows at affordable prices, making the performing arts accessible to individuals in our "regional" community.

Contact: Colleen Muench, 248.541.8027, stagecrafters@sbcglobal.net