Broadway in Chicago presents THE GREAT GATSBY.
Nick is a struggling stockbroker renting in West Egg, the community of the nouveau riche. Across the harbor, his cousin Daisy and her aristocratic brute of a husband live in East Egg. When his landlord, the mysterious wealthy Gatsby, asks him to invite Daisy to tea, Nick becomes the bridge between past and present love and old and new money.
Author F. Scott Fitzgerald penned a tale scrutinizing the moral decay of American values during the indulgent Roaring Twenties. A hundred years after its debut, his masterpiece continues to scrutinize the carelessness of the affluent. Their champagne-soaked disregard for the pulse of humanity is -unfortunately- a relatable and timeless theme.
The creative team of Kait Kerrigan (book), Jason Howland (Music) and Nathan Tysen (lyrics) do a terrific job of translating the tragic love story to a glam staged musical. Haunting solos like Gatsby’s “For Her” and Daisy’s “For Better or Worse” provide poignant and vulnerable explanations for their actions. Other upbeat tunes, “Roaring on”, “The Met” and “Shady” bring glitz, hilarity and flair. Choreographed to perfection by Dominique Kelley, these dance numbers are mesmerizing. The ensemble is kicking it up for party fun, slithering over revolving furniture or dramatically swirling trench coats.
The dazzling visual is aided by the pure posh of the design team. Scenic and Projection Designer Paul Tate dePoo III and Costume Designer Linda Cho capture the era in an Art Deco elegance meets flapper sass. dePoo’s sophisticated gold-plated scenic panels seamlessly flow on and off stage as Cho’s colorful satin and beaded fringe bring the party. These uber classy looks sharply contrast the downtrodden gas station and its symbolic glasses advertisement or the tranquil shimmer of the harbor at night.
Director Marc Bruni plunges us into this world of excess and inspires us to hope that love conquers all. Bruni’s principals are both amazing singers and actors. Solos are met with thunderous applause -often interrupting the final few lines. Leading the fanfare is an adept Jake David Smith (Gatsby) balancing endearing innocence and infatuation. The lovely Senzel Ahmady (Daisy) embodies a subtly complex persona, resigned survivor. Joshua Grosso (Nick) charms the effervescent Leanne Robinson (Jordan) and the entire audience. Grosso’s amusing delivery of “The Met” is a standout. And nod out to the strong supporting cast (Lila Coogan, Will Branner and Tally Sessions) and marvelous ensemble. So much to love about this production!!
THE GREAT GATSBY is THE indulgence you’re going to want to have. This Chicago party only lasts a couple weeks so get your tickets soon!
Running Time: Two hours and forty-five minutes includes an intermission
At Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Book by Kait Kerrigan
Music by Jason Howland
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Directed by Marc Bruni
Music Supervision and Arrangements by Jason Howland
Choreographed by Dominique Kelley
Performances are:
Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm
Tuesdays, WednesdaysThursdays, Fridays at 7pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm
Sundays at 1pm
Thru May 3
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Evan Zimmerman
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago
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