Vintage

News item excerpt from the South Oxfordshire Courier

"When news of a musical version of Titanic was first rumoured to be opening on Broadway, it become the butt of every joke in town. However, when it finally opened in 1997, it was acclaimed by some of Broadway’s most notorious critics and went on to win five Toni Awards including best musical and best score – the musical was yet another amazing success for composer Maury Yeston, whose previous musicals, Nine and Grand Hotel had both garnered a whole raft of awards on Broadway. Nine is shortly to be released as a movie. There is somewhat of a local connection too, as Maury Yeston has deep ties with this country with several close relatives living in Henley.

This emotive and emotional show Titanic - The Musical is being performed by Award winning Henley Operatic & Dramatic Society * at the Kenton Theatre, Henley and tells the story real-life passengers and crew as the gigantic luxury liner, RMS Titanic embarked on her maiden voyage in April 1912, from Southampton to New York. Hailed as a modern wonder, the “unsinkable” ship carried a diverse mix of passengers from the wealthy and influential to poor émigrés looking forward to a new life in America, little knowing the tragedy that would strike their epic journey. Coupled with Maury Yeston’s inspirational score this award winning musical is a moving tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the frailty of life.

What the critics say: “Titanic The Musical works. This is one of those rare musicals that achieve tragic dignity. A five star hit!” – Charles Spencer, The Daily Telegraph

“The greatest American musical to have been written in the last fifteen years. A triumph. A score which soars, a masterpiece.” Sheridan Morley, The Spectator

Titanic The Musical opens with a matinee at 4.00pm, Sunday 16 and runs to Saturday 22 November 2008.

Evening performances commence at 7.45pm. Kenton Theatre, Henley Box Office 01491 575698. Tickets from £12 with concessions – Contrary to previous notices in the press, there is no matinee on Saturday 22nd. - Don’t miss the boat!! 

*NODA Best Production Award for West Side Story, 2008"