Make a day out of 'Titanique' in New York City

Set sail toward these attractions and eateries that pair perfectly with the Off-Broadway spoof of James Cameron's Titanic film, set to Celine Dion's music.

Gillian RussoAugust 8, 2024, 04:00

Shall we go for it? If you're willing to go beyond Broadway to get your musical comedy fix, you'll find Titanique, the sleeper hit comedy that's been making waves in NYC since 2022.

Born out of low-budget dinner theatre in Los Angeles, Titanique is a musical spoof on the 1997 James Cameron film Titanic, known for (among other things) Celine Dion's iconic song "My Heart Will Go On." This version incorporates more Dion music, ever-changing jokes from pop and queer culture, and a "kooky-crazy" version of Dion steering audiences through it all.

Similarly, we are here to steer Titanique fans toward other NYC attractions that pair perfectly with a trip to the show, from a floating restaurant to more campy entertainment. Read our recommendations for how to have a boatload of Titanique-themed fun in the city, and get tickets to board the Ship of Dreams at the Daryl Roth Theatre.

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The Frying Pan

Near, far, wherever you are, we believe that the stomach does go on. Get in the nautical spirit by grabbing pre-show eats at The Frying Pan, a seasonal outdoor eatery located on a boat in the Hudson River. (It's Titanique-approved, as the original cast met the press there.)

The Frying Pan isn't your only option for eating on the water. Uptown at 125th Street is Baylander Steel Beach, and off Pier 81 in Hell's Kitchen (near 41st Street) is La Barca Cantina. This taco spot doesn't just stay docked; it actually cruises around the Hudson while Latin beats play.

Address: Red Boat In Park, 207 12th Ave. (Frying Pan)
Price: $

Intrepid Museum

We promise this one won't sink. The Intrepid, a National Historic Landmark aircraft carrier, has housed a popular science and technology museum since 1982. Maritime, military, and aviation history all collide on this massive floating museum on the Hudson.

Explore the ship's decks as you learn about its history, learn about space exploration on board the first space shuttle, and bring the kids to the interactive Exploreum — though, if you're with kids, we don't recommend bringing them to Titanique. (The musical is suitable for ages 13 and up.)

Address: Pier 86, W. 46th Street Price: $

Titanic Memorial Lighthouse and South Street Seaport

In 1913, a year after the sinking of the Titanic, NYC paid tribute to the lives lost with the creation of a memorial lighthouse, funded by public donations big and small. It was built by Warren & Wetmore, the architects of Grand Central Terminal.

The lighthouse currently stands at the entrance to the South Street Seaport historic district. This charming area of Lower Manhattan sports cobblestone streets, various shops and restaurants, pictureqsue views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge, and the Seaport Museum, dedicated to maritime history.

Address: Intersection of Fulton and Water Streets
Price: $-$$$

The Canuck and Canadian Pancake House

Celebrate the Canadian heritage of Celine Dion by getting a pre-show drink (or a few) at The Canuck, New York's only Canadian sports bar. Enjoy customizable poutine with a Bloody Caesar cocktail or one of the bar's vast selection of Canadian beers. And if the menu is not enough to drive the Canadian theme home, the giant moose head above the bar (named Monty) sure will.

Want to grab pre-matinee brunch instead? Check out the Canadian Pancake House, a casual spot in Midtown East. The menu is small — pancakes, French toast, blintzes, waffles, and fruit only — but très mighty.

Address: 202 Ninth Ave. (The Canuck); 122 E. 57th St. (Canadian Pancake House)
Price: $

NYC drag show

We won't spoil exactly what it is, but there's a moment in Titanique directly modeled after RuPaul's Drag Race, including one iconic moment from season 9. What better way to continue the excitement than seeing a full drag show with Drag Race alums?

The Daryl Roth Theatre is a 15-minute walk from Greenwich Village, where popular drag bars like the Stonewall Inn, Pieces, and Playhouse are located. You can pop in almost any night and catch a live show featuring famous and local drag queens and kings.

Address: Various locations
Price: $-$$

NYC karaoke

Singing during shows is generally frowned upon, but there's one moment in Titanique when the audience is encouraged to join in. It just might make you want to belt out more Dion hits — and the best place to do so is a karaoke bar.

The Koreatown neighborhood is Manhattan's main karaoke hotspot, with 10 bars located on one block of 32nd Street alone (between Broadway and Fifth Avenue). The area is less than 15 minutes from the Daryl Roth Theatre by car or subway.

Address: Various locations
Price: $$

Titanique

Now that you've explored all things nautical, Canadian, and pop-centric in New York, what do you say to taking chances on Titanique? Learn the real story about what happened to Jack, Rose, and more aboard that fated ship — as told by Celine Dion. The result, our critic wrote, is "a titanic amount of pure joy."