Titaníque is the smash Broadway show that couldn’t come at a better time in queer history.
The jukebox musical blends Céline Dion’s renowned discography into the plot of the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic — with a fictional Dion (Marla Mindelle) also taking on the roles of narrator and passenger. Add plenty of camp, hunky men at every turn, and a legendary cast that includes Deborah Cox, Melissa Barrera, Jim Parsons, and Frankie Grande, and audiences are transported to a slice of gay heaven.
With sold-out crowds almost nightly at St. James Theatre, Titaníque secured four Tony nominations this year, including for Best Musical. Although the recognition has been rewarding, Cox also welcomed the unique opportunity to go back to her roots by stepping into the role of the Unsinkable Molly Brown.
Deborah Cox as Unsinkable Molly Brown in 'Titanique'Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
In fact, Cox began her career in the music industry as a background singer for Dion in the early 1990s. Now, she gets to revisit all of the songs she got to sing alongside Dion in the early stages of her career by performing them in Titaníque.
“It’s really wild how this whole thing has become full-circle. There’s a lot of songs I remember singing background on tour in my early career. It’s been really fun to tell this story and reminisce while I hear all those songs that I grew up singing as well,” Cox says.
Titaníque first made its debut as a one-night-only show in Los Angeles in 2017. The musical eventually moved to New York City’s Green Room 42 in 2018, which later evolved into a fully staged, surprise-hit off-Broadway production in 2022. Nearly a decade since it premiered, the unapologetically queer show is finally receiving its flowers by defying expectations.
“This is a show people will absolutely remember, and they keep coming back,” Cox says. “They want to experience the laughter, the joy of being queer, the joy of being silly, and not taking yourself so seriously. This cast is really incredible. They commit to the crazy!”
One of the reasons Titaníque has become so popular over the years is its heightened levels of unseriousness; at one point, for example, Dion improvises a stream-of-consciousness monologue that is lip-synched by Jack (Constantine Rousouli) and Rose (Barrera). If there’s one word that could define all of the shenanigans that take place…it’s camp.
“We need camp! We need a good distraction. When you’re in a show that allows that, it’s worth it,” Cox says. “As soon as we get to act two, I find myself really letting loose and having fun. Jim Parsons kills it. There’s so many moments in this show that will have you keeling over with laughter. I’m literally backstage entertained every single night.”
With so much negativity surrounding the LGBTQ+ community in today’s hostile political climate, Cox is grateful that this musical can serve as the ultimate form of escapism for fans from around the world.
Deborah CoxKeith Major
“It’s a real honor and joy to be a part of it. It’s just hilarious storytelling by Céline Dion of her experience on the Titanic, which is very comical. You have to lose yourself in it. None of us are taking ourselves that seriously, but we are at the same time. When you say you found your people, this group is full of support and love. It’s all welcome here!”
Since breaking through as a hit artist with her 1995 debut album, Cox has used her platform to advocate for equality of marginalized groups, especially for the queer community. The singer, now 51, believes life is too short to hide.
“There’s no reason to not want to be who you are authentically, and I think this show really celebrates all of that,” Cox says. “I’ve always been an advocate for civil rights, human rights, and for the LGBTQ+ community. People should be accepted and seen for who they are. It’s just that simple! Whoever you feel you are in your spirit is who you should be.”
Besides her fierce activism, Cox’s biggest hit, “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” is universally adored by gay fans, particularly drag artists, for its powerhouse vocals and incredible melody. The legacy of the song makes Cox’s heart beat with pride.
“It’s so incredible to see how that song has had such an impact to this day,” she says. “It just shows you the longevity of great songs and great music. That makes me feel really good. That’s why I wanted to get into this industry. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to do something that would stand the test of time. I really feel blessed to have shaped an industry and musically contribute something very different and special. That’s always been my goal!”
Titaníque is playing at Broadway’s St. James Theatre through September. Learn more at titaniquebroadway.com.
This article is part of OUT’s July-Aug 2026 print issue, on newsstands July 7. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue through Apple News+, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting June 18.
Hunter Doohan on the cover of Out's July/August 2026 print issue
