Monday August 5th 2024
The cast of Gatsby. Photo credit: Lolita Bozhko
Amongst all shows at the Fringe, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a show that captivates audiences while leaving others feeling slightly out of sync. Such was my experience with Gatsby, a production that, despite its brilliance and undeniable craftsmanship, proved to be a mismatch for my preferences. As I dove into the storytelling, dynamic characters, and stunning visuals, I found myself both entranced and perplexed.
The Hall stage was much smaller than I expected, yet Saturday’s noon show was nearly sold out, with only a few seats remaining. A palpable sense of anticipation was in the air, which only heightened as the performance began. One of the most remarkable highlights was the cast. Each performer delivered their roles with exceptional skill, whether conveying deep emotions, singing, dancing, or even doing both simultaneously. These are challenging tasks, and they executed them brilliantly. The standout cast member for me was the actor portraying Jay Gatsby. As the show began with Gatsby reflecting on his life, his emotions were palpable, and I sensed the impending tragedy of his story. He embodied the main character perfectly, and I was utterly captivated by his performance.
Another high point was the music, which, in my opinion, matched the show’s pace and storytelling perfectly. All the gifted actors who performed the songs did so brilliantly, their powerful voices resonating deeply with the audience.
Now, let’s discuss a couple of important points to consider. First, I want to clarify that my perspective comes from reading the book quite some time ago in high school, so my recollections of it today are a bit fuzzy. Because of this, I can’t definitively say whether the performance accurately reflects F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. However, I strongly recommend that if you’re interested in attending the show, to either read the book itself or at least familiarize yourself with a summary of the plot and main characters. Without this background, you might find the show confusing or difficult to follow.
The performance clocked in at only 30 minutes instead of the advertised 45. I’m not sure if this was intentional, perhaps to suggest an open-ended narrative, but honestly, the reason is irrelevant. I left feeling a bit confused, sensing that the story lacked a resolution. It was akin to discovering a series I instantly loved, binge-watching the entire season in one day, only to find out it was canceled after just one season. To add to my disappointment, that first season ended without revealing anything about the fates of the main characters. If provoking that feeling was the intent, then they certainly succeeded.
In sum, Gatsby at Central Hall was an impressive display of talent and creativity. If I were to give this show a rating, I would settle on four stars out of five. Despite that, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I might not be the target audience. That said, if you’re a fan of the novel, I believe you will thoroughly enjoy this rendition.
Purchase your tickets for Gatsby here. Make sure to act quickly, as they only have two shows scheduled!
