A Google search this evening lead me to this thread, a thread I forgot I had started!
I am a HUGE Titanic geek (my love for the ship and its history is what lead me to seeing the musical on its tour back in 2000, thus sparking my interest in musical theatre), and the discovery that a new Titanic computer game is in the works has put me in 'Titanic mode' for the past few days. Today I gave the glorious score a listen as I googled away to find information and images from the musical that might have slipped my mind.
Bumping this thread because the information you all shared is so wonderful, but also to share this link (I apologize that I am still uncertain of how to correctly post a link in these threads.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb91dVfIRaQ&feature=related This is the first part of the 2006 Australian production of Titanic. (The entire production is up on YouTube.) I urge those of you who are interested/fans of the musical to take a look at this.
The set, though possibly even more bare bones than the Broadway production was, is very effective. The different levels of the bridge that spans the stage and the various scrim pieces that fly in and out create lovely and seamless transitions.
What strikes me the most from this video, and the entire production, is the genius staging for the opening through Godspeed, Titanic. The general activity taking place during the number; luggage being placed on Dolly's, cargo being flown in to take inventory, the crowds bursting through the sliders in excitement to give their tickets and board the ship; exactly captures what would be occurring before the ship's launch. Much more interesting and effective staging when compared to the OBC, in which I remember a lot of people entering the stage, looking out into the audience, and singing towards the mezzanine, doing little else.
I'll take the wind and soar.