Titanic, the Musical, at Serenbe Playhouse: One of a Kind Production
You might find it odd to have to drive well beyond the Atlanta city limits to watch quality live theater, but Serenbe Playhouse serves it up time and time again, and its latest production, Titanic, the Musical, is no exception. There truly is nothing else like it in this area. This production will take you deep (literally) into the drama of this catastrophic journey on the water. The set is the star of this show, though the performers are solid, as well. You really can’t help but be impressed by the version of the ship used as the stage for this performance, with floating docks used in conjunction with scaffolding to provide the shell of a ship four stories high. Each level is used to illustrate the crew, first, second, and third class passengers, with a floating dock in front of the ship that serves multiple purposes throughout the performance. Even the 5½ foot chandelier you see from the very beginning offers a bit of a thrill, a’la Phantom of the Opera (I’m looking to say less for the sake of not ruining the fun for those of you who have yet to see it). Seeing this show as the sun sets, when the sky turns cotton-candy pink in the background, only adds to the atmosphere.
If you are going in expecting this to be a remake of the movie, drop those thoughts now. That’s not what this version is about. Essentially, this story is told from the point of the view of the shipbuilder, and it opens with guests in their nightgowns, ghostly in appearance. As the scene evolves, you see the guests board the ship in all their best dress, and are introduced to several of the key figures who play a role in the story.
They cruise along through the scenes, and into intermission, with Broadway-caliber musical performances by several of the actors. But it’s after intermission when this production really leaps into epic levels. By this point, the characters are facing a struggle to survive and the drama steps up many levels—and down, too, into the water.
Think about it: when else can you go to a live production of Titanic where some of the cast ends up floating in the water around the ship—literally—and true to the real story, most of them aren’t in boats. I don’t want to give any spoilers to anyone who doesn’t know this story (not sure how that would be possible, but I’d rather err on the side of caution). Just trust me…what the Director Brian Clowdus has done with this production is going to transport you on board the ship, as well, and have you on the edge of your seat to get a better view of the action happening around you.
If you want to see more about how this production came to be, watch this video.
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Yes, it’s a heck of a drive down to Serenbe for most of us, but well worth the journey for this outdoor experience. It runs through August 12th and I highly recommend you make the trip. It’s a great date night event (be sure to get boarding pass photos taken–it’s an extra perk of the event), but it’s totally appropriate for families, too.
(Note to readers: I was invited to attend media night for this performance. I was not otherwise compensated and my opinion remains my own.)
