Review: Hilberry Theatre Presents Heart-wrenching Drama THE GREAT GATSBY Thru Jan 9

By Dr. Anton Anderssen and Marco Airaghi

Now on stage at the Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University is The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance production of THE GREAT GATSBY. This moving drama tells the story of greed, betrayal and inequality in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. The young and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby (played marvelously by Santino Craven) has a quixotic passion and obsession for the beautiful former debutante Daisy Buchanan (played beautifully by Devri Chism). The drama brings the classic 1925 novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald to life.

Michael Manocchio is magnificent as Nick Carraway; he delivers his lines with aplomb and grace. As the narrator of the story, everything hinges on his performance, which was stellar. Choreography in this show is wonderful as the ensemble recreates the roaring 20s, featuring The Charleston; the costumes are absolutely beautiful.

Santino Craven (Jay Gatsby) looked like a million dollars in his white "Fantasy Island" suit and Devri Chism (Daisy Buchanan) was breathtaking in her white dress flanked by pink roses. Michael Phillip Thomas (Tom Buchanan) was dashing in his suit with his classy straw boater; he gave a fantastic performance as the philandering husband.

It was really heart-wrenching to see the scene when Tiffany Michelle Thompson (as Myrtle Wilson) told Ernest Bentley (as George Wilson) she was leaving him. It brought tears to the eyes of patrons all across the room. Many of us know of situations where one person wants out of a relationship and the other is crushed at the loss. This scene was absolutely crushing.

I loved Breayre Tender's line as Jordan Baker, "We're all white here." It helped break some of the tension between the fighting couples.

The great asset in this show is all the actors are theatre students who have both talent and passion for acting. You get people on stage who have made the cut and matriculated into the university program. These are professional quality actors blazing their trails toward stardom.

On opening night, the producers organized a pre-show costume party with attendees dressed in "roaring 20s" attire. There was also a fantastic pre-glow buffet for patrons to enjoy. It was a perfect opening to a magnum opus.

To purchase tickets or for more information about the Hilberry, Bonstelle, Studio, or Allesee Dance theatres, call (313) 577-2972 or visit www.theatreanddance.wayne.edu.

The cast:

Santino Craven (Jay Gatsby), Michael Manocchio (Nick Carraway), Devri Chism (Daisy Buchanan), Breayre Tender (Jordan Baker), Michael Phillip Thomas (Tom Buchanan), Tiffany Michelle Thompson of Detroit (Myrtle Wilson), Ernest Bentley of Detroit (George Wilson), Brandon A. Wright (Meyer Wolfsheim), Mary Sansone (Lucille McKee), Kyle Mitchell Johnson (Chester McKee), Wesley Cady (Mrs. Michaells), and Cody Robison (Policeman).

The production team includes Blair Anderson (Director), Allison Baker (Stage Manager), Ryan P. Jones (Assistant Stage Manager), Sarah Pearline (Scenic and Projection Designer), John Woodland (Costume Designer), Thomas Schraeder (Lighting Designer), Brian Dambacher (Technical Director & Sound Designer), Mario Raymond (Assistant Sound Designer), Emily Willemse of Dearborn Heights (Properties Master), Thomas Libertiny (Master Electrician), Jill Dion (Choreographer), Wayne David Parker (Fight Choreographer), Michael J. Barnes (Dialect Coach) and JP Hitesman (Publicist).

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