American Dream at center of 'Great Gatsby' play

A classic drama “The Great Gatsby” opens this weekend as the spring production for the Whitefish Theater Co.’s 39th season.

Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and adapted for the stage by Simon Levy “The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings.

Directed by WTC Artistic Director Jesse DeVine, “The Great Gatsby” runs at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on April 20-21 and 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 22 at 4 p.m. A sneak preview performance will be held on Thursday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.

“Fitzgerald originally wanted to title this work “Under the Red, White and Blue,” although this was rejected and changed to ‘The Great Gatsby’ as it was believed to be more marketable,” says DeVine. “Upon reflection, I find Fitzgerald’s original title choice more fitting as it addresses the bigger picture that I think he was aiming to tackle. While Gatsby is the focus of the play, his story is the shared experience of any man or woman that goes after the American Dream.”

In the play, chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is here that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super-rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, he pens a tale of improbable love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

DeVine says the genius of “The Great Gatsby” is that it reminds us that all that glitters is not always gold.

“Although the story illustrates the perks of great wealth and privilege with unapologetic passion, it also delves into the ethical and moral compromises that people make to achieve that status,” she said. “In the end, this theme makes the story timeless and relevant to today. As the disparities of American wealth remain as apparent as ever, “The Great Gatsby” tells the enduring story of trying to find your personal moral compass and the true value of life amidst a world of deceptions, inequalities, and influence.”

The production features Anthony Mead as Jay Gatsby, Paul Jorgenson as Nick Carraway, Becky Rygg Mead as Daisy Buchanan, David Reese as Tom Buchanan, Jen Stebbins-Han as Jordan Baker, Kara Bauer as Myrtle Wilson, Stuart Green as Wilson, Andrew Matulionis as Meyer Wolfsheim, Mikey Winn as Mr. Chester McKee, Sarah Bell as Mrs. Lucille McKee, Cole Burger as a policeman, and Angie Green as Mrs. Michaels.

Ensemble actors include Lindsey Gardner, Alexandra Chambers, Eden Scrafford, Lynn Grossman, Dayle Miller-Hernandez, Clifford Noga, MaryAnn Donovan, Cathy Kraft, Kona Luke, and Laurell Watson.

Tickets for the sneak preview on April 19 are $12 for adults and $10 for students and are available only at the door. Tickets for other performances are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students, with reserved seating.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performance times. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by McGarry’s Roadhouse.