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About 12 years ago in New York City, friends Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli had the idea to create a parody of the blockbuster movie Titanic featuring the music of Céline Dion. They brought that idea to a venue, but it was rejected. Then the 2016 U.S. elections happened. RuPaul’s Drag Race casting director Tye Blue took out his credit card and texted his friends to say “We’re doing this.”
“Donald Trump getting elected was the spark. I was very depressed and I needed something joyful and exciting to look forward to and to put out into the world. The three of us got together on Monday nights with a bottle of wine to be silly and come up with ideas.”
WHY CÉLINE?
“She is the best singer that ever lived. I believe her instrument and vulnerability genuinely impacts people in a positive way. Through her music she heals people,” Tye shares. “I have friends who would tell me their personal stories about how her music pulled them out of dark times. I thought, if I have seven friends who feel that way, surely the masses must have seven friends who feel that way. Plus, her music is so theatrical, it’s screaming to be put on a stage. Think about her show at Ceasar’s Palace! To me, it’s a natural choice. I would love for her to do the show one day. Could you imagine?”
How did New York audiences react? “People were carrying around so much trauma, they didn’t even realize how badly they needed to laugh. I want to gift people 100 minutes of absolute escapism and pure joy. That’s what I call the show; a waterfall of joy!”
BRINGING TITANIQUE TO CANADA
Lisa Rubin, the Artistic and Executive Director of the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, knew she wanted to bring the show to Canada instantly. She saw the original off-Broadway production of Titanique during the pandemic. “As soon as I walked into the basement theatre, I saw a big sign with a photo of Celine saying ‘Hello Beautiful’, and I knew right away that it was going to amazing.” The co-production with Toronto’s Mirvish Productions beginned in Montreal on October 27th, and runs through November 24th, and then it floats to Toronto. Lisa has been working with the creative team behind the show for a year. “People ask me if I’m exhausted. No! I spend my days laughing. Laughter really is the best medicine!”
BACKSTAGE FOR A SIP OF THE SHOW
It’s a rainy day in Montreal. I’m headed to a rehearsal at the Segal Centre staged for the press. I wonder if the cast will have full energy? The show opens in two weeks and the theatre is under construction. New plush seats are being installed, so I enter to the sound of drills. We are brought down to the basement into a room painted black. The floors are taped to mark the steps of the infamous ship deck. The cast is laughing over someone’s quip. We can’t hear what was said, but we can definitely feel the crackle of excitement. They are all very aware that this is big.
”We are all sick,” Tye tells me as he clears his throat. Lisa flurries around talking to the press – all sparkly smiles. Then, we hear the piano player begin. Jack (Seth Zosky) and Rose (Mariah Campos) dramatically walk towards each other. Their “meet-cute” song is beautifully romantic, but very quickly I am laughing out loud while shivers from the gorgeous melody flurry over my skin. All my feelings tell me this is going to be a huge hit. It’s Broadway, baby!
Véronique Claveau quietly perches upon a stool behind them, but in a flash, she sashays across the stage. She takes over with her uncanny Céline-esque mannerisms, voice and theatrical facial expressions. Before I know it, the whole cast has erupted into song. Their harmonic voices thunder through my heart. What will it be like when their voices are back and the sun is out?! Watch out Canada! The number ends quickly, and my heart is beating just as fast. I am in love.
A CHAT WITH VÉRONIQUE CLAVEAU
Star-Academie alum Véronique Claveau has been celebrated for impersonating Céline Dion since she was a pre-teen. She is wearing black leggings, sneakers, a nautical blue sweatshirt and sports a cute blonde bob. There is nothing more electrifying than watching her give 110% of herself to a show she has been destined to do, and has been rehearsing for her whole life. She may not physically look like Céline, but she embodies her expressions, voice and effervescence.
We walk backstage and sit down at a white plastic table surrounded by stage lights and ladders. I want to know what it feels like to embody this epic performer. Listen to Véronique impersonate Céline and share what it feels like to become her!
CONTAGIOUS LOVE FOR CÉLINE
As Tye walks away from me, I ask him. “How many times did you see her show in Vegas?”
“Once.”
“How was it?” I ask.
“It was the best night of my life.”
I see the show tomorrow night and my hopes are high. I expect to get swept away by this campy hilarious rock concert. Tye’s and his friend’s love for Céline, along with Lisa’s relentless passion and Veronique’s reverence is contagious.
“I know Céline is your hometown hero. I want to do her proud. I want to make her family proud. I hope audiences receive it as the love letter to her that it is” Tye says.
Titanique will go on, and on. Productions in Australia have already begun. The Chicago production begins in 2025.
Near, far… wherever you are… Titanique will be lifting hearts and making us laugh.
Get your tickets here.
