Sad news rocked Titanic when Michael Braun, who was producing the musical along with Richard Pechter & Dodger Productions, died of an apparent heart attack Jan. 26 at age 60.

Production spokesperson Amy Jacobs told Playbill On-Line Braun's passing would have no affect on the show's Broadway schedule (previews March 27, opening April 23) and that the financing for the show will not change.

Braun's other credits include a book on the Beatles' first world tour.

Titanic: The Musical, the Maury Yeston/Peter Stone show about the infamous shipwreck of the luxury ocean liner, will open in time for 1997 Tony Award consideration. The start of previews and opening were originally scheduled for March 12 and April 10, respectively. The new date intensifies the rush of openings that will take place -- as they did in 1996 -- just before the deadline for the Tonys. This year, the deadline is April 30 -- unusually early.

Braun, 60, graduated from Harvard and went on to assist filmmakers Stanley Kubrick and Roman Polanski. His other credits include a book on the Beatles' first world tour (he was, allegedly, the inspiration for the song "Paperback Writer"). He spent most of his working life in the Hollywood film industry, including serving as executive of creative affairs for the Edward R. Pressman Film Corporation. He is survived by his sister, Kathy, and son, Nicholas. Here is the new late-April booking lineup, as of Jan. 29: Titanic: The Musical on April 23, Steel Pier April 24, The Little Foxes April 27, Jekyll & Hyde April 28, Candide April 29 and London Assurance and The Life April 30.