Titanic Sets Sail at Spotlight Players

On the eve of the 100th anniversary of Titanic's ill-fated maiden voyage, Spotlight Players sets sail on its 2011-2012 season with the blockbuster Broadway hit, Titanic – The Musical. 

The show will take audience members on an emotional roller coaster ride, from the excitement of boarding the largest moving object in the world, to the thrilling and dramatic second half, after the ship collides with a massive iceberg.

Join us as we hear about the hopes and dreams of immigrants eager to make the voyage to start a better life in America, about the pride of some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals on earth, and about acts of bravery and devotion, cowardice and selfishness, as all aboard the ship face the unthinkable and inevitable.

“This production of Titanic places the audience in the center of the action as the players move about the entire theater during the course of the show,” says director Cliff Greene, of Freehold. “Staging the show this way envelops the audience so they feel more a part of the soaring melodies of the musical than ever before. I wanted them to fully experience Titanic, not just watch it.”

The cast is largely made up of adult actors, singers, and dancers from Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. To increase the opportunities for cast members in this large ensemble show, many roles have been double-cast, allowing the company to better showcase multiple talents.    

Director Cliff Greene of Freehold, who has both directed and acted in numerous Spotlight shows, leads a large and dedicated production staff including Producers Meredith Henriques of Matawan and John Haschak of Bayonne, Assistant Director Lizz Naishtut of Red Bank, Dramaturge Sam Guistiniani of Cranford and Stage Manager Abby Samaha of Aberdeen.

Titanic is Musically Directed by Justin Ryan of Ocean Grove, who leads a large orchestra of talented musicians from the area. Also on the production team is Katie Rowe of Middletown as the Student Assistant Director, a position Spotlight Players created several years ago to foster interest in the theater among young people. It allows high school students to learn the practical ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of staging a full musical.

Performances will take place on Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Nov.13, 19 and 20 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $18 for regular admission and $15 for seniors and students. Complimentary refreshments are served at intermission. 

All performances are at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan located at the intersection of Franklin Street and Route 34 in Matawan. Free parking is available. Additional information about the show can be found on the Spotlight website, www.spotlightplayers.org, or by visiting the Spotlight Facebook page at facebook.com/spotlightplayersnj.  

Reservations can be made by calling (732) 583-7874, or by completing the online reservation form on www.spotlightplayers.org.