‘Titanic’ Voyage

“Titanic” is a delightful show in my opinion, not the white elephant described in Don Shirley’s review (“The Water Is Dotted With Icebergs,” Jan. 12). If we are looking for real characters, we find them in the musical, not in the contrived and ridiculous figures in the movie.

No stage production can compete with the over-the-top special effects of the movie, but they are not needed here. My advice: Go see the musical, it’s well worth the price.

MAXINE TREVETHEN

Rancho Palos Verdes

*

I saw “Titanic” in New York last year. I saw “Titanic” in Los Angeles last week. The only thing the same about them was my $70 ticket.

What made it extra special in New York, and one of the reasons it won the Tony, was its magnificent sets. You felt you were on board with its three-leveled scenes, its piano, tables and glasses crashing across the stage.

What a rip-off! The ads should have stated “This is NOT the original staging.” I am embarrassed that Los Angeles has stooped to what one might expect of a road company in Des Moines!

THE REV. RICHARD F. DRASEN

Palm Springs

*

Shirley suggests that “Titanic” won the 1997 Tony due to a lackluster season. On the contrary, it competed for the award with two far more entertaining shows: the vastly superior Cy Coleman musical “The Life” and the delightful Kander & Ebb fantasy “Steel Pier.”

I suspect Shirley didn’t see these shows and unfortunately I doubt Los Angeles audiences will see them either.

RICHARD GENOVESE

Toluca Lake