As Titanique prepares for its final Broadway bow at the St. James Theatre on September 20, John Riddle reflects on the extraordinary journey of a show that has become one of Broadway's most beloved, joy-filled hits.
Riddle, who originated the role of Cal Hockley in the Off-Broadway production, recently joined Christine Nagy on iHeartRadio Broadway's Inside Broadway podcast to discuss the musical's unlikely rise from a small concert presentation to a full-fledged Broadway phenomenon.
The actor recalled seeing an early version of the show and immediately recognizing that it was something special. That excitement has stayed with him as the production evolved from intimate downtown performances and a pandemic-era livestream to its current home on Broadway.
"It's been a four-year chapter of my life," Riddle said. "It's been sort of a heavenly ride."
Part of Titanique's success is its passionate fan base. The musical's hilarious retelling of the Titanic story through the eyes of Celine Dion has inspired many theatergoers to return again and again. According to Riddle, some audience members have seen the show dozens of times, drawn back by the energy, humor, and surprises that make every performance feel unique.
Riddle cherishes that connection between performers and audience most.
"The amount of energy that's going back and forth between the audience and the cast is incredible," he said. "It's not always like that."
Beyond the laughs, Riddle also spoke about the realities of life as a Broadway performer. Maintaining an eight-show-a-week schedule requires discipline, preparation, and sacrifice.
"There are a lot of sacrifices Broadway performers make in order to maintain our bodies and our instruments," he said. "But we're very fortunate to get to do what we do, so the sacrifice is worth it."
As the Broadway run comes to a close, Riddle is looking ahead to new projects, including the release of his live album, Blue Lady. He also shared that Titanique will continue its voyage with a national tour, giving audiences across the country the opportunity to experience the musical's unique blend of comedy, heart, and powerhouse vocals.
For now, though, he's focused on enjoying every remaining performance and celebrating a production that has left a lasting mark on both its cast and audiences.
As Riddle summed it up, "Titanique is just the most fun you've ever had in a theater."
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images