Greenville Theatre is set to open its 101st season with a heartfelt rendition of “Titanic: The Musical,” running from September 11 through September 27 at the historic venue on College Avenue. Unlike many adaptations that spotlight the disaster itself, director Ahsha Daniels emphasizes that the show is about the people aboard the ill‑fated liner – the passengers and crew whose lives, ambitions, and relationships give the story its enduring human dimension.
Human stories at the heart of the production
“You will fall in love, laugh, and cry with all of these characters,” Daniels told the press. “The passengers and crew members all had hopes and dreams for the future, which gives this story a timeless quality.” The musical, which predates James Cameron’s 1997 film, paints a portrait of a floating society in 1912, divided by class yet ultimately united by catastrophe. Daniels notes that once the iceberg is struck, “there are no more classes,” underscoring the way tragedy can erase social barriers.
Scale and ambition
The production features more than two dozen performers who double, triple, and sometimes even quadruple roles, shifting from third‑class passengers to first‑class aristocrats as the narrative unfolds. The stage is transformed to represent the ship’s deck, bridge, balconies, and multiple levels, creating an immersive environment that fills the entire theatre.
Live music adds depth
A live orchestra will perform the score from the pit, an element Daniels says is the show’s greatest strength. “This was the first musical that I’ve ever done where I fell in love with the score first,” she explained. “The music is just so, so beautiful.”
Director’s biggest challenge yet
Daniels describes “Titanic” as possibly the largest production she has directed, rivaling her earlier work on “Anastasia” at the same venue. Managing a large cast and intertwining storylines while maintaining suspense in a tale whose ending is already known presents a central challenge. Yet she hopes audiences will leave with more than admiration for the spectacle.
“It’s really nice to bring these passengers back to life and retell their stories,” Daniels added, highlighting the production’s intent to honor the real individuals who lived through the tragedy rather than merely using the disaster as a backdrop.
Practical details
Tickets range from $43 to $45 and can be purchased by calling 864‑233‑6238 or visiting greenvilletheatre.org. The show runs nightly through September 27, offering Greenville residents a chance to experience a richly layered musical that blends history, music, and human drama.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
