Theater review: First class all the way
Titanic at Toby’s – Columbia
by Celeste H. Breitenbach
news@timesheraldnews.com
Everything about the production of Titanic – The Musical is first class at Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia. As with all her shows, Toby Orenstein sees to every tiny detail. This time, she has outdone herself.
Even many of the delicious buffet offerings are directly off a menu served on that ill-fated maiden voyage of the “largest moving object in the world.”
Hamilton resident Lawrence B. Munsey co-directs Titanic with Toby. Multi-talented Munsey also is choreographer and costume designer. Additionally, he plays a leading role as Titanic’s pompous owner, J. Bruce Ismay, who boastfully declares, “God himself couldn’t sink this ship.”
Munsey is impressive as Ismay. Throughout the voyage, he urges the captain to go faster and take the shortest route so the mega-ship will set an Atlantic crossing record of six days. He’s already persuaded designer and builder Thomas Andrews to sacrifice some life boats so the first-class cabins and social areas can be built larger.
Yet, when the more northerly course causes the ultimate iceberg cataclysm, Ismay becomes the proverbial rat who abandons the sinking ship, disguising himself as a woman to secure a seat in one of the few lifeboats. (There were 20 for 2,200 passengers; 54 were needed. More than 1,500 persons drowned; only 711 survived.)
The story stays true to that April 14, 1912 disaster. The cast poignantly portrays the pathos of passenger and crew members.
Outstanding are Sam Ludwig as Frederick Barrett, the stoker who looked forward to marrying his sweetheart upon his return, as well as Robert Beidermann and Melynda Burdette, as Macy’s owner Isidor and wife Ida Straus, who chose to remain together as they had throughout life.
And, of course, David Bosley-Reynolds as Captain E.J. Smith and Russell Sunday as Thomas Andrews, the ship’s builder. The costumes are exquisite.
Set Designer Richard Montgomery deserves special kudos for transforming Toby’s theatre-in-the-round.
I almost expected to turn around and see the 11-story-high, quarter-mile-long, 46,000 ton vessel when the full cast sang “Godspeed Titanic” with such powerful emotion. Sound Designer Drew Dedrick’s chilling effects also merit applause.
Ninety-five years after the “unsinkable” ship sank, its story still fascinates. Toby’s telling of that “night to remember” is nothing short of spectacular.
Photo cutline: Hamilton resident Lawrence B. Munsey as J. Bruce Ismay, owner of the ill-fated Titanic, at dinner in the ship’s first class saloon. Munsey also co-directed the production, along with being choreographer and costume designer. Photo by Chris Christiansen, courtesy Toby’s – Columbia
Go backstage at Centerstage
Centerstage invites theater fans from the Baltimore/Washington area to our annual Backstage @ Centerstage Open House on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For years, Centerstage has been opening doors and sharing theatrical secrets with the community at Backstage @ Centerstage. This family-focused, fun, free event is a highlight of our season.
Backstage @ Centerstage features activities for people of all ages. Experience the
inside world of theater with self-guided tours of Centerstage, behind-the-scenes costumes, scenery and props presentations, and an exciting light and sound demonstration. Play the part you’ve always dreamed of with our costume photo booth, and transform yourself with theatrical make-up lessons – including the secrets of making stage blood, just in time for Halloween!
All activities are FREE and open to everyone.
Please RSVP to 410-332-0033 or e-mail backstage@centerstage.org.
Centerstage is an artistically driven institution, producing and developing an eclectic repertory in collaboration with leading theater artists for a diverse audience, interested in challenging, bold, thought-provoking work.
Values central to its mission are: the centrality of the artistic vision to all institutional decision making, a rigorous pursuit of excellence, the courage to take risks, and a commitment to diversity. Simply put, artistry – in service both to artists and audiences – is Centerstage’s top priority.
Centerstage is also committed to serving the community, both locally and nationally, helping to bring the arts to Maryland students; partner with local and national civic groups and arts advocacy organizations; and work to educate the public about the process of creating live theater.