‘The Great Gatsby’ takes Hilberry back to the roarin’ ’20s

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a glamorous tale of romanticized debauchery, idealism and the American dream. The Hilberry Theatre takes the words of the book to life beginning Friday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m.

Nick Carraway guides the story as he navigates the bustling social sphere of high society New York during the 1920s. After coming across the enigmatic self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby, he is swept away by the bravado of both Gatsby’s persona and lifestyle. Throughout the play the notions of desire, disillusionment and decadence are dissected.

Baz Luhrmann’s contemporary movie adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” in 2013, as well as the story’s presence as a staple on several high school and college reading lists is indicative of its popularity. However, audience members who are familiar with it should still enjoy experiencing the performance at the Hilberry.

“You may know the book and the movie, but you don't know our show,” said Allison Baker, the play’s stage manager.

Simon Levy’s adaptation directed by Blair V. Anderson features an impressive ensemble of experienced WSU graduate theatre students who have been supported by a production crew with hefty repertoires.

According to Baker, production design began in April and hard work has been put into creating a set fit for the Gatsby theme. Baker wants the set to maintain a quality of timelessness while being specific to the ’20s era.

“Our set is based around the image of the green light that is so carefully sewn through the novel,” Baker said. “It is as if the audience is looking into the lens of that light at the end of the dock. We use the sides of the lighthouse as a projection screen to transport us to the many locations.”

Santino Craven, a graduate theatre research assistant, will be playing the role of Jay Gatsby. After hearing a claim made by Carlyle V. Thompson, an associate professor of African American and American literature at Medgar Evers College, the City University of New York, that Fitzgerald originally wrote Gatsby as a black man passing for white, Craven knew he wanted to be a part of the production.

“I personally love this story,” he said. “Even though it lives in extravaganza, it is grounded in the truth of human experience: the good, the bad and the ugly. The excellent cast we have in this production has (made us) able to create an extremely powerful dynamic that addresses the theme of race in a way that takes a lot of creative courage."

Craven has had the ability to make deeper discoveries about his character throughout the rehearsal process. He said the challenge for him has been to show the rougher aspects of Gatsby while maintaining his smooth, charming and timelessly cool demeanor.

“He (Gatsby) is typically thought of as a wondrous romantic who is flawless and infallible,” Craven said. “I want the audience to see the humanness of him and not just the ideal of him.”

Assistant Sound Designer Mario Raymond worked under assistant theatre professor Brian Dambacher to produce music for the play. They have stayed loyal to the 1920s jazz vibe and focused on enhancing the overall production. Raymond has a few things that he wants the audience to keep their ears open for, but you will have to be in attendance to experience the best parts.

“The music makes you want to snap your fingers and tap your foot to the beat,” Raymond said.

Props Master Emily Willemse said she has thoroughly enjoyed designing the props for “The Great Gatsby.” The best part was “hunting” through her stocks to find the perfect vintage elements. Willemse is particularly proud of the gas pump that sets the stage for Wilson’s garage.

“I think all the elements in addition to the props, the lights and set will catch the audience’s eyes,” Willemse said.

In celebration of both Halloween and the production’s opening night on Oct. 30, a 1920’s themed pre-show costume party will begin at 7 p.m. Drinks are on the house, and the two guests who show up with the best time period costume will win a special walk-on during the play.

“The Great Gatsby”will run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7 and again from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9. Morning matinee performances are on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., the following dates: Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Feb. 9, March 8, March 22, March 29 and April 5. For detailed showtimes and tickets, please visit http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=28587&schedule=list.

Contact Reporter, Aleanna Siacon at (586)354-5040 or fv7748@wayne.edu. Follow her on Twitter: @Aterese11.

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