TITANIC The Musical composer Maury Yeston has sent his best wishes from America to York Musical Theatre Company as members sail into the last few rehearsals for next Saturday’s centenary concert performance of his Broadway hit.

“How fantastic that you are willing to take on as challenging and daunting a presentation as Titanic!” he wrote. “I want to thank all of the cast, crew, musicians, stage-hands, lighting and sound-people, director, choreographer and designers for what I know will be a massive undertaking and a superb performance due to all of your efforts and talents.

“I am so grateful that you have chosen to invest your combined energy in the performance of my work, and I am quite sure you will be more than up to the task. I know that the beauty and love of music within each of you will radiate from your stage.

“I wish you a thrilling and successful production. Sail on!”

Yeston’s musical opened on Broadway in 1997, going on to win five Tony Awards that year including Best Original Score and Best Musical.

York Musical Theatre Company staged the British premiere in 2004 under the direction of artistic director Paul Laidlaw. He is at the helm once more, as director and musical director, for the one-off concert performance on April 14, the date 100 years ago when the fateful iceberg was struck by the Titanic on its maiden voyage.

The company will be in full costume, accompanied on stage by a 12-piece orchestra and a large chorus of singers.

Chairman Jim Welsman will lead from the front, playing the ship’s Captain, returning to the role he played in the premiere eight years ago.

“In 2004 we were privileged to present the UK premiere in the presence of Maury Yeston, and our members have fond memories of that production and the impact the story had on all of us with the addition of Maury’s fantastic music. It’s such an honour to not only be performing on this centenary occasion, but also to have a message of goodwill from Maury himself”.

Further company members include Richard Bainbridge as designer and builder Thomas Andrews; Mike Walsh as owner J Bruce Ismay; John Ramsden as first-class passenger Isidor Straus; Jessa Liversidge as second-class passenger Alice Beane; and Toni Feetenby as third-class passenger Kate McGowan.

Next Saturday’s 7.30pm show is heading for a sell-out with only a few limited seats still available at £10 on 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Did you know?

Titanic The Musical composer Maury Yeston also wrote the music for Nine, Rob Marshall’s 2009 film that starred Dame Judi Dench, Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren and Penelope Cruz.