Auditions

WHAT
TITANIC, The Musical

WHEN
Auditions May 12 & 13 at 6 OR 7pm

We prefer an in-person audition, but if not possible, please email video to rene@thebelmont.org  by May 12.

SHOW DATES

PREPARATION
Please prepare 32-bars of a song in the style of the show.

Please bring accompaniment on your phone. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided.
NO a cappella singing.

Dress comfortably and be prepared to dance. In the show, there are technical dancers who instruct passengers to dance as a fun activity. Technical dancers will also be maids, waitresses and waiters who will dance in some of the scenes to prepare for dinner, etc with music.

Initial audition will be vocals and dance only. We will hear accepted candidates read at callbacks. Please indicate on audition form if you are familiar with other dialects such as Irish or British.

PRINCIPALS
Thomas Andrews
The ship’s designer and builder, appear late 30’s
Tenor (A2-G4). • Stage age 30s/40s • Slight Irish accent, not a heavy brogue • Perished.
39, was in charge of the plans for Titanic at Harland & Wolff Shipbuilders. He sailed to observe how well she did on her maiden voyage, constantly noting problems and ways to further perfect her functioning and comfort for passengers and crew alike. Strong yet quiet, and full of integrity, he is the moral compass and intellectual barometer of the show. In his deep desire to successfully balance the strength & safety necessary to navigate rough seas, with the beauty necessary to surpass wealthy expectations of opulence, he made several compromises in Titanic’s construction that could have saved her — his recognition of those missteps is extraordinarily painful. Sings multiple solos, including the gut-wrenching climactic Andrews’ Vision as the ship sinks onstage.

J. Bruce Ismay
The ship’s owner, appear late 40’s, fastidiously dressed, dark hair and moustache
Baritone (A2-G4) • Stage age 40s-50s • British • Survived.
49, was chairman and owner of the White Star Line. Savaged by the press for escaping in a lifeboat when so many others perished, it’s hard to know how much of the blame he actually deserved but he plays the role of misguided villain in the show. The line’s success & reputation matters more to him than anything else, including being liked, and he pushes the captain for more speed in order to make headlines with an early arrival in New York. High-brow, aloof, easily frustrated when disregarded, carries the burden and anxiety that goes with leadership. Featured singer in several songs including The Blame.

E.J. Smith
Captain of the Titanic, grey-bearded
Baritone (B-flat 2 to F4) • Stage age late 50s-60s • British, lived in Liverpool, but would speak proper English • Perished.
62, was lured out of an intended retirement to take command of one last maiden voyage. Unfortunately it was his last, as he went down with the ship. A fatherly figure with white hair and beard, he commands with deep care for his passengers and encouragement toward his younger officers. He takes his responsibility for all the souls aboard very seriously, and struggles over conflict with Ismay on how best to proceed, complying too often. Featured singer in several songs including The Blame.

Murdoch
First officer; doubles as 2nd-Class Passenger, a Scotsman, appear as age 39
Baritone (C3-F#4) • Stage age 30s-early 40s • Scottish born, could veer British • Perished, possibly by shooting himself before the final plunge.
1st Officer, 39, was an experienced officer who really should have been a captain by now, but wasn’t sure he was up to it. He was Captain Smith’s right hand, and was at the bridge in Smith’s place when the iceberg was sighted. Murdoch made the decisions and gave the orders that sealed Titanic’s fate. He wrestles with horrific guilt at the end; in wanting to prove to himself that he was capable of flying solo, he instead played a part in the death of 1517 souls. Featured singer in several songs, and has a poignant solo moment considering the meaning of being the one in charge – holding the fate of all those aboard in his hands ( To Be a Captain ).

Harold Bride
Radioman
Baritone (C3-G4) • Stage age 20s-early 30s • British • Survived by standing atop overturned lifeboat Collapsible B all night.
22, was one of two wireless operators on the Titanic who received ice warnings and relayed the SOS call, but in the show he is the only operator. A shy and socially awkward young man, he obviously yearns for connection, but stumbles in relationships with other people. He has found in his telegraph machine a fascinating and thoroughly engaging way to connect to people the world over – much like the awkward souls of today find the web an easier place to connect than real life. Sings several solos including The Night Was Alive.

Frederick Barrett
Stoker
Baritone (C3-G4) • Stage age 20s-early 30s • British • Survived by standing atop overturned lifeboat Collapsible B all night.
22, was one of two wireless operators on the Titanic who received ice warnings and relayed the SOS call, but in the show he is the only operator. A shy and socially awkward young man, he obviously yearns for connection, but stumbles in relationships with other people. He has found in his telegraph machine a fascinating and thoroughly engaging way to connect to people the world over – much like the awkward souls of today find the web an easier place to connect than real life. Sings several solos including The Night Was Alive.

Frederick Fleet
Lookout; doubles as 1st-Class Passenger & 2nd-Class Passenger
Tenor (C3-G4) • Stage age 20s-early 30s • Born in Liverpool • Survived in Lifeboat #6 • This actor may also double as 1st class dancer in “Latest Rag” and 3rd class in “Ladies’ Maid” & “Wake Up.”
24, was one of two lookouts in the crow’s nest when the iceberg was sighted, but far too late due to poor visibility and missing binoculars. In the show he is the only lookout. He completes the main trio of young crew in the opening number, sings the soaring solo lead in No Moon, and calls out the fateful warning, “Iceberg, right ahead!” Actor cannot be afraid of heights, as Fleet will be perched on a tiny platform about 20 feet in the air for a good 15 minutes!

Henry Etches
Senior 1st-Class Steward; doubles as 3rd-Class Steward; Appear as age 50
Tenor (B2-G4) • Stage age 40s-60s • British upperclass accent • Survived in lifeboat #5 • This actor may double as 3rd class with a solo in the Opening & Ladies’ Maid.
Senior Steward, 41, was an experienced steward to first class passengers (something like a butler) who had served many of the same glitterati on the Olympic before reestablishing care for them aboard the Titanic. He sings the lead in Remarkable Age and has several scenes that underscore the smooth discretion he must exhibit, and the great pride he takes in his work, always remembering the likes, dislikes, and needs of his “people.” Some might call him stuffy, but he just really cares . His work is a vocation rather than a job, one that he continues even in the face of death. His scene with the Strausses at show’s end is incredibly moving.

Joseph Bell
Chief engineer, doubles as bandmaster Wallace Hartley & 3rd-Class Passenger
Tenor • Stage age 30s-50s • East Midlands • Perished • Doubles as Wallace Hartley & 3rd class
soloist in Ladies’ Maid.
Chief Engineer, 50. A small speaking role, he has a slight argument with Barrett over executing orders to speed up.

Isador Straus
1st-Class Passenger; doubles as 3rd-Class Passenger; appear late 60’s
67, owned Macy’s Department Store.
Bass/Baritone (F2-F4) • Stage age late 50s-70s • Jewish, from Bavaria • Perished • Doubles as 3rd class in Ladies’ Maid.

Ida Straus- Actual age was 63
Mrs. Isidor Straus; doubles as 3rd-Class Passenger
Alto (G3-D5) • Stage age late 50s-70s • Jewish, from Germany • Perished • Doubles as 3rd class in Ladies’ Maid.

The Strauses were returning from a trip to Europe on the Titanic. Perhaps one of the most poignant and enduring Titanic stories is that of Ida’s refusal to leave Isador on the ship, with the phrase “Where you go, I go.” They share an incredibly touching scene on the boat deck in act two after the decision is made and there’s no turning back, re-affirming their love through the soaring song Still. Strong singer/actors needed.

Alice Beane
2nd-Class passenger, middle-aged, American with middle-west accent
(See Second Class below.)

Kate McGowan
A young Irish girl and 3rd-Class passenger
(See THREE KATES below under Third Class.)
Soprano/Mezzo (A3-F#5) • Stage age early-mid 20s • Strong Irish accent • Survived
Although there was a Kate McGowan who perished on the Titanic, this Kate’s story is based instead on Kate Gilnagh, who did actually know Mullins, Murphey, and Farrell, and who survived . 17 years old, Kate is escaping a big mistake made in Ireland by boarding the Titanic for America. Single, she is pregnant (although not yet showing) with the child of a married man. Not one to expend much energy on shame or despair, she is simply driven: this is a predicament she must solve – she needs a husband, and fast! She spots Jim Farrell at the dock and manages to secure an engagement in less than 4 days – a testament to her charm, her positive spirit, and her forthright, assertive approach! Kate is an indomitable spirit who knows what she wants and how to get it. She sings the lead in Ladies’ Maid and has several other solo sections. Requires a powerful actress who can command our attention whether cheerful, distressed, or quietly introspective.

OTHER OFFICERS & CREW
Lightoller
Second officer; doubles as 2nd-Class Passenger
Stage age 30s-early 40s • British, born in Lancashire • Survived atop Collapsible B.
2nd Officer, 38, was the highest ranking officer to survive the sinking, and consequently it is through his testimony that most of our knowledge of the tragedy stems. (In the 1958 Titanic film called “A Night to Remember,” he is the main character.) Confident & competent, he strictly adhered to “women & children only” in loading lifeboats, and survived himself on the same overturned boat as Harold Bride, organizing all those balancing atop it so that they didn’t capsize. Significant speaking role, with several featured solo moments as well.

Pitman
Third officer; doubles as The Major & Fourth Man; 32
Stage age late 30s-late50s • British, born in Somerset • Survived, in charge of lifeboat #5 • Doubles as the Major & 3rd class with a solo in Ladies’ Maid.
3rd Officer, 33, served faithfully aboard the Titanic, helped uncover the lifeboats, and was placed in command of lifeboat #5, in which he survived. In the show he has the lion’s share of the solos in the opening number (loading the ship with cargo and introducing passengers) He may also double  as The Major in 1st class and as a 3rd class passenger. Because of tripling, this actor must be a chameleon, able to differentiate distinct character types. He will be most featured as the Major.

Boxhall
Fourth officer; doubles as Taylor, Rogers & 3rd-Class Passenger; Appear as age 28

Baritone-Stage age 30s-50s, due to doubling • British, born in Yorkshire • Survived, in charge of lifeboat #2 • Doubles as Taylor & Rogers
4th Officer, 28, served on the White Star Line’s Oceanic & Arabic before Titanic. As a junior officer he aids in navigation, keeps watch, and assists passengers and crew as needed. He was the one who tried in vain to signal the SS Californian by Morse code and flares. In the show, the actor playing this role may doubles as 2nd class bandsman Taylor who sings the trio Latest Rag , and 1st class passenger (and card shark) J.H. Rogers. High energy and distinct characterizations required for this possible triple-cast role.

Hitchens
Quartermaster; doubles as Bricoux & 3rd-Class Passenger, a CornishmanStage
Baritone-age 20s-40s • British, born in Cornwall • Survived, in charge of lifeboat #6 • Doubles as Bricoux & 3rd class in Wake Up.
Quartermaster, 29, was responsible for steering the ship, and carrying out the helm orders. He was at the wheel on that fateful night and obeyed the famous order “hard a’ starboard” which is the dramatic final tableau in Act 1. It is said that the next 37 seconds ruined his life. Although we won’t see this in the show, he was in charge of lifeboat #6 that carried “the Unsinkable” Molly Brown, who threatened to throw him overboard when he refused to row back and save others. This actor may also play bandsman Roger Bricoux who sings the trio Latest Rag, and a 3rd class passenger in Wake Up .

Bellboy
Doubles as 3rd-Class Passenger
Stage age 13-15 • East Midlands • Perished • Doubles as 3rd class in Ladies’ Maid.
16, takes care of passenger needs, announces meals, and generally helps out the other serving staff. He has a poignant moment with the Captain (Edward Smith) as the ship is sinking, wherein the captain sees a younger self in this namesake.

The Major
Baritone
Doubles as Pitman

FIRST CLASS PASSENGERS/SATB (all double as 3rd-Class Passengers)
John Jacob Astor
Stage age 47• Baritone
46 • Stage age late 30s-early 50s • American • Perished.

Madeleine Astor, Appear as age 19 — the very young Mrs. Astor
Mezzo-Sopran, -Stage age 17-20 • American • Survived in lifeboat #4
18- She is proud of  her or embarrassed -will be interesting for these actors to explore. J.J. came from one of the wealthiest families in the U.S.; his body was recovered from the sea with over $2440 cash in his pockets (more than $50,000 today.) He was rumored to have opened the Titanic’s kennels to give the dogs a fighting chance.

The Astors were returning to America to give birth to their first child after a honeymoon in Egypt, where they had been waiting out the gossip that followed their scandalous marriage. (J.J. was only recently divorced and remarriage was not common, plus Madeleine’s youth added to the buzz, and the fact that she was pregnant very quickly.) She is very much a naïve child still, while he is fiercely protective of social mores (i.e. arrogant.) Whether he is proud of her or embarrassed will be interesting for these actors to explore. J.J. came from one of the wealthiest families in the U.S.; his body was recovered from the sea with over $2440 cash in his pockets (more than $50,000 today.) He was rumored to have opened the Titanic’s kennels to give the dogs a fighting chance.

Benjamin Guggenheim 
An American millionaire
Stage age 40s-50s • American • Perished • May double as 3rd class with a solo in Ladies’ Maid.
6, American mining and smelting tycoon, was a regular cross-Atlantic traveler, with a home (and mistress) in Paris. The mistress, Mme. Aubart, accompanied him on the Titanic. He reveals some guilt for his lifestyle, and an ability to be deeply self-reflective after the lifeboats have left the 1st class men on the ship.

Mme. Aubert  Guggenheim’s French mistress
Stage age 20s • French • Survived in lifeboat #9
Soprano. 24, was a singer in Paris and mistress to Benjamin Guggenheim.

John B. Thayer
Baritone, Stage age 40s-50s • Perished • Doubles as the doctor onshore.
49, was Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Marion Thayer
John’s wife
Soprano. Stage age 30s-40s • Survived in lifeboat #4.
39, from “old money.”

Jack Thayer
Their nine-year-old son
Stage age 15-18 • Survived atop collapsible B • Doubles as 3rd class in Ladies’ Maid.

The Thayer Family was returning from a European trip on the Titanic to their home in Haverford, PA. Their parting when the lifeboats are boarded is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the show, as John tries to stifle fear and calmly assures Marion and Pauline that he and Jack will be just fine. He did not survive, but Jack did, after quite an adventure in the water including a close call with one of the giant funnels falling near him

George Widener 
Doubles as Carlson
Baritone, Stage age 40s-50s • American • Perished
50, came from money and made his own in the trolley line.

Eleanor Widener 
George’s wife
50, Stage age 35-50 • American • Survived in lifeboat #4.
(Note: Their son Harry, 27, was also on the ship, and died with his father, but is not in the show.)

The Wideners were heirs to the largest fortune in Philadelphia, and spent their time on the ship in leisure.

Charlotte Cardoza
A handsome woman in her 40’s
Stage age late 40s-50s • American, from Germantown, PA • Survived in lifeboat #3, and insisted that her son (not in the show) be allowed into a lifeboat as well.
58, booked Titanic’s most expensive suite, and traveled with 14 trunks full of designer clothes, jewels, and 91 pairs of gloves, yet possessed an indomitable free spirit that is belied by those seemingly superficial trappings. A big game hunter, a yachtswoman who circumnavigated the world twice, a patron of the arts, and an independent woman who divorced her husband when she learned of his infidelity, Charlotte didn’t let anything stop her! Her unconventional ideas cause a near-clash with some of the 1st class men when she tries to bend the gendered traditions onboard, but her charm and charisma wins them over. Actress must be able to captivate a room with her infectious good spirits and joyful approach to life, while remaining classy and graceful.

Edith Corse Evans 
Doubles as 2nd-Class Passenger
Stage age late 20s-30s • American, from NYC & Philadelphia • Perished • Doubles as Susan Webber (2nd class)
36, a single woman, was returning to America alone on the Titanic from a family funeral in England. She became acquainted with Colonel Gracie (who may be the inspiration for our “Major” described next.) He offered her his services as a companion on the ship, and helped her find a lifeboat. Unfortunately there was only one spot left, and she convinced a new friend to take it, because the friend had children. Interested in geneology and other such studies, she had recently visited a fortune teller who told her to beware of the water.

J.H. Rogers
Doubles as Boxhall, a bespectacled American in his 40’s
Baritone • Stage age 30s-40s • American • Doubles as bandsman Taylor & Officer Boxhall.
A gambler and card shark whose real name was Jay Yates. Smooth, unassuming, very comfortable in social situations. Before the sinking he writes a note to his sister to let her know he died on the ship, since he was registered under an assumed name in order to escape police detection. He was thought to have perished (and perishes in the show) but in real life he was later arrested in Maryland, thus it was discovered that the note was a hoax; Yates paid a woman to pose as a survivor and deliver the note to the newspaper, thereby faking his death. A con man through and through!

SECOND-CLASS PASSENGERS
Alice Beane
Mezzo (G2-D4) • Stage age mid 40s-50s • American • Survived
Middle-aged, American with middle-west accent (SOLO)/ is a tricky role: comedy wrapped in truth. It requires an actress who can make us laugh by revealing the depths of Alice’s heart, rather than by playing her for comedy. She is like a child playing dress-up; the reality seems absurd but the fantasy is earnest. Also her litany of 1st class gossip in the opening number is a singer’s challenge.

Edgar Beane
Bari/Bass (G2-D4) • Stage age mid 40s-early 60s • American • Perished. • Doubles as 3rd class Husband of Alice/ is goodhearted, often exasperated, has a dry wit, and is not worried about impressing anyone.

The Beanes are returning from a vacation on the Titanic. Edgar owns a hardware store in the Midwest, and Alice is a homemaker who wishes she was a socialite, and finally has the chance to approximate one on the Titanic! She gleefully shares the latest gossip about each and every millionaire on the ship, and hones in on their every private space and private occasion as an area or event to crash, with sheer delight. This is the life she desperately wants, and she can’t understand why Edgar doesn’t have the same aspirations. He desires to please her, and works hard to satisfy her many wishes and desires, but is confused, hurt, and a little lost when it isn’t enough. They love each other deeply, and if she could just relax into the comfort of the life he has created for them, he could happily enjoy her company indefinitely. The grief of accepting the reality of their circumstances is deep for them both. These characters are loosely based on Edward & Ethel Beane, 2nd class passengers on the Titanic.

Charles Clark
British and middle-class
Tenor (B2-F#4) • Stage age late 20s-mid 30s • British • Perished • Doubles as 3rd class Italian duet in Ladies’ Maid & 1st class dancer in Latest Rag

Caroline Neville
Young, British and aristocratic
Stage age late 20s-mid 30s • British • Survived • Doubles as 3rd class Italian duet in Ladies’ Maid & 1st class dancer in Latest Rag

Miss Susan Webber
Soprano •  Stage age late 20s-30s • British, from Cornwall • Perished • Doubles as Edith Corse Evans (1st class)
37, was alone on the Titanic, emigrating from England to Connecticut to live with her nephew and his wife as their housekeeper. In other words, this trip reflected defeat – she was officially an old maid who needed to rely on family to care for her financial needs. We do not get to know her story in the show, but she participates in the same scenes as the Beanes and Clarkes above and has a significant doubled role.

THIRD-CLASS PASSENGERS (all double as 1st-Class Passengers)

Jim Farrell
A handsome Irishman
Stage age 17-30 • Strong Irish accent • Perished in real life. Survives in the show. May double as the other stoker in Barrett’s song.
26, is the love interest of Kate McGowen, and can’t help but be amused by (and eventually fall for) this confident and self-assured beauty. He’s not a pushover, he’s just charmed and knows a good thing when he sees it! He has a pleasant boyish charm of his own that turns manly when circumstances demand it. In real life Jim saved several 3rd class women, by shaming a crewman who was keeping them locked below decks, and eventually breaking down the gate. He solos in the trapped-in-stairwell scene/song and the Act 1 Finale.

The Three Kates
Young Irish girls:
Kate McGowan – See PRINCIPALS
Kate Mullins
Alto • Stage age mid teens-early 20s • Strong Irish accent • Survived in real life, perishes in the show
21, was a young Irish lass (one of 8 children) traveling on the Titanic to a new life in America where she intended to live with her sister and become a maid. In the show she is the most frightened of the Kates, overwhelmed by the scope of everything she sees, and grateful for the comfort and care of her traveling companions. She sings solos in Ladies’ Maid , and several other moments.

Kate Murphey
Alto • Strong Irish accent • Survived in real life, perishes in the show.
16, was one of thirteen children in Ireland. With a sickly mother she was forced to grow up early, and dealt with a forceful and overbearing older brother. She was secretly running away from his rule by boarding the Titanic! Although we do not hear the details of her story in the show, it underlies her tough, no-nonsense character. She wants to be self-sufficient and has always been independent. She sings solos in Ladies’ Maid, and several other moments.

3rd Class Children
A few children will be cast as 3rd class children. Children mayl double as first class children in The Latest Rag and perform as 3rd class in the rest of the show

OTHERS
Frank Carlson
An American on shore; doubles as Widener

Andrew Latimer
Steward in First Class
Baritone • Stage age 20s-40s • From Liverpool • Perished • Doubles as the Stevedore (dockworker) in the Opening, Frank Carlson onshore, & professional dancer Mr. DaMico in Latest Rag.
55, serves under Etches, and does his best to meet the needs of his high-level passengers. It is through Latimer’s drastically different treatment of the 3 classes that we see the impact of social stratification on the Titanic. Must be a strong dancer and actor, due to multiple doublings.

Stewardess Robinson
Soprano

Stewardess Hutchinson
Soprano

The DaMicos
 Professional dancers

Wallace Hartley  Bandmaster (doubles as Bell)

Taylor
Bandsman; doubles as Boxhall

Bricoux
Bandsman; doubles as Hitchens

Bandmaster and Bandmen: Hartley is leader. All take great pleasure in bringing joy to the passengers by setting the mood and providing skilled entertainment, so all thee need to be skilled entertainers! The Titanic’s orchestra has gone down in history for playing on the boat deck till the very end, to keep the other passengers calm. In the show, all three sing the one lively dance number in the show, Doing the Latest Rag. Hartley also sings the haunting Autumn in the 1st class smoke room at the end of act 1, and he in particular must be a confident showman who can hold a crowd in the palm of his hand. In an ideal world, all 3 actors cast in these roles would also know how to play stringed instruments (Hartley: piano & violin, Bricoux & Taylor: cello, or possibly violin/viola) as there are some gorgeous featured moments while playing the instruments. If we do not find musician/actors, then these actors will need to learn to fake it very precisely.

Stevedore
TB

Stokers
TB

Sailors
TB

Stewards
For all three Classes
TB

Additional 1st-Class Passengers: in addition to Fleet, Farrell, McGowan, Mullins and Murphey

Additional 2nd-Class Passengers: in addition to Murdoch, Lightoller, Fleet and Edith

First Man — from 3rd Class; doubles as Thayer
Second Man — from 3rd Class; doubles as Widener
Third Man — from 3rd Class; doubles as Guggenheim
Fourth Man — from 3rd Class; doubles as Pitman
German Man — from 3rd Class; doubles as Isidor
Italian Couple — from 3rd Class; double as Mr. & Mrs. Astor

Additional 3rd-Class Passengers:  in addition to Boxhall, Hitchens, Bell, Bellboy, Ida, Aubert, Marion, Jack, Eleanor, Cardoza and Edith

EACH CLASS IS A CHARACTER

Each class has a collective character. In general more is known about First Class because they represented a selection of the most famous names of the day. Less is known about the ordinary folks in Second & Third class, particularly about those who died. But an understanding of the classes on the whole is very possible. They shared distinct perspectives that define who they are and what they represent.

FIRST CLASS
1st class included every important American multimillionaire, except two (who booked passage but missed the sailing.) As a group they are the social elite, accustomed to lavish opulence and leisure, and they have a fascination with the

Newest, biggest, fastest, and most expensive. Their primary motivations are to ACQUIRE and perhaps more interestingly, to PROTECT; protect their family names, their fortunes, their way of life, their children’s marriage prospects, etc. In order to protect, they must keep the commoners in their place, showboat to demonstrate their status and keep up appearances, and conceal any personal truths that are painful, ugly, or scandalous.

Most of the first class passengers have featured introductions in the opening number, many have individual scenes, and all perform in:

● The lively afternoon on-deck entertainment Latest Rag
● Act 1 finale No Moon
● The unsettling post-iceberg Wake Up and Dressed in your Pyjamas in the Grand Salon

SECOND CLASS
2nd class was made up of merchants, professionals, and tourists. As a group they were largely socially ambitious, trying to brush up against the 1st class in the hopes that the golden magic would rub off. They are the most similar to most of us in America today: fascinated with fame, eager to acquire a little for themselves, hoping for the most and the best that they could achieve. Their primary motivation is to ASPIRE – whether to a better job, a better social standing, a better house, or a better new suit. However much they aspire though, they still know their place, and remain deferential to the 1st class.

Note that although second class characters are based on real passengers, their stories, ages, and fates are largely representations of common tales in the class as a whole, rather than specifically tied to a historic figure. Except Alice, all second class passengers double as third and/or first class. As a group they are introduced in the opening number, individually most have scenes of their own, and perform in:

●  The Glinkas – where we learn more about the circumstances of the Beanes and the Clarkes
●  I Have Danced (Alice & Edgar only)
●  Act 1 finale No Moon
●  The unsettling post-iceberg Wake Up
●  Dressed in your Pyjamas in the Grand Salon
●  The heartbreaking To the Lifeboats through the Finale .

THIRD CLASS
3rd class or “steerage” was made up of European emigrants leaving the old world for the new, fleeing poverty and hopelessness in search of the opportunity for a better life. As a group their primary motivation is to BETTER themselves – but not just for the sake of feeling important or accomplished like the 2nd class, but to ensure the SURVIVAL of their families, their children, and themselves. They dream big and are extremely brave (or desperate) to leave a whole life behind in search of a new one in a foreign land. They are deferential to crew and to both classes above them, and are used to being told what to do. For many, this is the first time they have ever been idle for several days straight, and the accommodations and food on board are extremely high quality compared to what they are used to. In the show they represent dreams, and largely the sadness of dreams that will never come to fruition: lost potential.

Third class passengers are introduced in the opening number, and perform in:

●  The dream-filled Ladies’ Maid led by the 3 Kates

●  The Act 1 Finale (where Kate McG and Jim get engaged)

●  The unsettling Wake Up where they are pulled from their beds

●  A song/scene that’s not on the Broadway album where the 3 Kates & Jim are trapped
below decks trying to find a way up to the lifeboats

● The heartbreaking To the Lifeboats through the Finale .

Note that although third class characters are based on real passengers, very little is known about these individuals -So the stories, ages, and fates of our characters are largely representations of common tales in the class as a whole.

SYNOPSIS
April 10, 1912: the RMS Titanic sets out from London on her maiden voyage, across the Atlantic. Billed as “The Largest Floating Object in The World,” the Titanic is already big news. April 15, 1912: Titanic, the “unsinkable” ship, sinks, killing over 1500 men, women and children. In a stunning chamber musical as massive as the ocean liner that shares its name, Yeston and Peter Stone’s musical, Titanic, tells the stories of the people on board the legendary steamer and the men who got them there. Spanning all classes, Titanic captures the stories from the whole range of humanity aboard the ship: from workers in the boiler room to first-class attendants, from the poorest passengers, who scraped together their life savings to purchase third-class tickets to America, to some of the wealthiest men of the Victorian age, including John Jacob Astor and Benjamin Guggenheim. Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s musical tells the tragic story with a compassionate book, intelligent lyrics, and soaring melodies. Full of memorable characters based on the real men and women on the ship, Titanic is a powerful, complex look at the making of a tragedy.