From Sierra Leone to the Spotlight, we chatted to Abu (he/they) about his journey to 'Titanique'. There is no denying that Celine Dion's iconic power ballad, 'My Heart Will Go On,' is an unforgettable part of the soundtrack to James Cameron's Oscar-winning blockbuster 'Titanic'.
But what if Celine had her own version of events aboard the ill-fated ship? Enter "Titanique," the hilarious new juke box musical where the Canadian diva herself retells Jack and Rose's love story, set to her greatest hits.
This off-Broadway sensation won last year's Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and has quickly become a cult favourite, especially among LGBTIQ+ audiences.
'Titanique' is now sailing to Australia and opening at Sydney's Grand Electric Theatre.
The masterminds behind this theatrical spectacle are Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli, who co-wrote the show alongside director Tye Blue, of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame.
Featuring one of Australia's most versatile talents, Marney McQueen (Hairspray, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, Into the Woods) as Celine Dion, 'Titanique' promises an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and maritime mayhem.
Ahead of 'Titanique's' Sydney premiere, David Blanco from FUSE Magazine caught up with rising Australian musical theatre star Abu fresh off roles in 'Kinky Boots', 'Choirboy', and 'Tina: The Tina Turner Musical' — to talk about there journey from Sierra Leone to the Sydney stage and his scene-stealing role as the Iceberg in 'Titanique'.
Abu's path to the stage is as unique as the roles he plays. Moving to Australia with his family in 2013, Abu has spent 12 years embracing his passion for performing.
"I've always loved creating and playing different characters," he shares. "Even as a kid, I'd round up my siblings to put on little plays. In high school, I discovered formal drama studies, but growing up in Africa, drama was different — it's woven into the culture as part of traditional storytelling. Here in Australia, I realised it could be a career, something I could do as well as something I love.
Photo: Abu. 'Titanique'
Abu's inspiration to pursue acting came from a deeply personal place. "My mum has been one of my biggest inspirations. As a sickly child, I spent lots of time with her, and she would sing to me and tell stories about how I'd grow up to be strong.
Her love for storytelling sparked my passion for performing. It was all about the power to dream. That sense of possibility ties into my role in 'Titanique', in that I get to create something fresh with every performance."
In 'Titanique', Abu takes on the role of Iceberg, a character that is iconic and unexpected. "Iceberg is cheeky, camp, and totally unexpected! He really captures the essence of 'Titanic' and is the heart of the show. Plus, Iceberg is unapologetically queer, which makes him even more fun to play. I absolutely love this role, and audiences are in for a huge surprise when they meet Iceberg!"
Playing such a dynamic character comes with its challenges. "Iceberg is larger than life, as a character and a challenge for me! It's not just about difficulty, but about sustaining the energy to bring this glamorous, outrageous figure to the stage while balancing his strength as the ship-sinker with a softer edge. As rehearsals go on, I'm discovering more layers to the look and feel of Iceberg."
Abu's love for Celine Dion also plays a part in his enthusiasm for 'Titanique'. "I'm a huge, huge fan of Celine! Growing up in Sierra Leone, my stepdad would play her music at home, and that was my first real introduction to her. All those songs I loved back then, they were hers! So, when I started working on 'Titanique' and saw my favourite Celine song, 'I'm Alive,' in the show, I was really excited!"
Reflecting the world as it is: Choir Boy’s Abu (He/They) Photo by Giulia McGauren.
When asked about the message he hopes audiences will take away from 'Titanique', Abu reflects on the power of laughter. "Our director said it best, he told us the mission of our show is to bring the humanity of laughter to people. Laughter lifts us up, gives us hope, and is like medicine that lets us lose ourselves for a while. When you're in an audience, it's a shared experience filled with love.
'Titanique' is all about delivering laughter, great music, and pure joy to everyone who sees it."
'Titanique' has developed a cult following, especially among LGBTQIA+ audiences. Abu believes this is because the show truly celebrates our community.
"The show highlights the love, creativity, and uniqueness that comes from the LGBTIQ+ community. Queer people have this amazing ability to turn something ordinary into pure glitter and magic. 'Titanique' is an example of this! It holds up a mirror to the queer community, showing off its beauty and uniqueness, letting everyone just have fun."
"The show has so many iconic queer references, inside jokes, and moments that make you think, 'Oh my God, I know this!' As an actor, it's such an incredible experience to be a part of."
For aspiring young LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse actors looking to break into the theatre industry, Abu offers heartfelt advice. "I would say from the bottom of my heart, we need you. I honestly believe the future generations of actors and performers will be the agents for the change we need in the arts industry, championing the LGBTIQ+ and culturally diverse communities. We really need every single one of you.
So, if you want to give it a go, take a chance. If you can see the dream, you can achieve it. Go for it!"
All aboard! The off-Broadway cult musical sensation that has all of New York scrambling for a ticket to take their seat on the ship of dreams.
Titanique
From 12 September 2024
The Grand Electric, Surry Hills, Sydney
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