As ‘Titanique' opens in Chicago, talking to the actress who plays Céline Dion
'Titanique,' a musical spoof of both the famed 1997 movie 'Titanic' starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and the Canadian vocal diva Céline Dion, opens at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago on Wednesday night. The Chicago staging follows successful productions in New York, London and Sydney, among other places, and is directed by the original director Tye Blue, featuring Chicago-based performers in a collaboration between the Broadway producer Eva Price, Broadway in Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre.
The Chicago actress Clare Kennedy McLaughlin, a Northwestern University graduate, plays the character named Céline. Our following conversation has been edited for clarity and length.
Q: How did you first hear of this show?
A: I was in New York for a callback and I saw a poster on the subway for what looked like a French production of 'Titanique.' I couldn't understand why it was misspelled.
Q: So, Céline huh?
A: The queen of the power ballads. One of the greatest singers of all time. A role to which every belter can aspire. What a catalog! So many super-emotional ballads. 'My Heart Will Go On.' You know.
Q: But you are doing a spoof.
A: Yes. I love doing comedy. But not many belting roles let you be comedic. Truly, it's a parody of 'Titanic' more than a parody of Céline herself. It's more of a love letter to all that Céline is — but seen through that quirky lens you can also see when she does her interviews.
Q: Her stuff is hard to sing, no?
A: The belting is insane. People know that Céline has this huge range and incredible belt but what is more interesting to me is her use of the dynamic, her ability to pull back. She really does her own audio mixing just through her microphone placement.
Q: And the accent?
A: So, so specific. She's Quebeçois, but she's lived in the U.S. and traveled all over the world. A lot of her vowel sounds are unique only to her. I'm really trying to home in on all those nuances.
Q: Is Chicago's show the same as in the other cities?
A: We've added little local references that make it specific to Chicago, as has been done before. And it's a Chicago cast with lots of people I've looked up to. It's a bit like the Chicago 'Avengers.' I get to play with all my friends.
I can't imagine getting sick of doing this, given how much freedom we have with all the improv and the talking with the audience. Actually, the speaking element, all the narration, is more challenging for me than the singing. I am going to have to go full diva on my days off and wear a sign around my neck that says 'on vocal rest.' Just like Rachel in 'Glee.'
Q: So is this show a signature moment for you, personally?
A: Oh yes. It's not just a big thing for me, it's a big thing for me doing Céline. My parents have seen the show three times already and we've only had seven previews.
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