Photo Flash: The Roaring Twenties Roll Into Orlando Shakespeare Theater this Spring with their Production of THE GREAT GATSBY
By: A.A. Cristi Jan. 13, 2017
Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF presents F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece, The Great Gatsby from February 8 - March 26, 2017 in the Margeson Theater. Adapted for stage by Simon Levy, The Great Gatsby will play in repertory with William Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost (February 22 - March 24, 2017). Tickets to both productions are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).
When Nick Carraway is befriended by his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, he is drawn into a glitzy world of lavish parties and secret speakeasies. But as Gatsby's elusive past is uncovered and his intentions revealed, Nick finds himself a pawn in a love triangle so scandalous, it threatens to destroy all those around him. This American classic is a poignant examination of prohibition America-exploring the notions of love, morality, identity, and the corruption of the American Dream.
"Following Orlando Shakes' success with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and To Kill a Mockingbird, we are thrilled to be bringing another literary classic to life," said Anne Hering, Director of Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of The Great Gatsby. "F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is full of bold, thought-provoking literary devices and symbolism that translates perfectly for the stage."
Making his Orlando Shakes debut as the charming and mysterious Jay Gatsby is Matthew Goodrich. Past credits include The Nance (The Lyceum Theatre), Picnic (American Airlines Theatre), White Lighting (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), and Tom Jones (Florida Studio Theatre).
Kathryn Miller stars as the beautiful, yet self-absorbed Daisy Buchanan. Miller's past Orlando Shakes credits include the 2016 productions of Beauty and the Beast, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and their 2015 production of Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens.
Also returning to Orlando Shakes is Buddy Haardt, taking on the role of the optimistic, but naïve Nick Carraway. Haardt last graced an Orlando Shakes stage in their 2012 production of Red. Other credits include Good People (Hartford TheaterWorks), The Matchmaker (Asolo Repertory Theatre), and Twelfth Night (Baltimore Center Stage).
ChristIan Ryan joins the cast as the brutish and unfaithful Tom Buchanan. Ryan was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2013 production of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Recent credits include Picture Ourselves in Latvia (New Light Theater Project), Twelfth Night(Westport County Playhouse), and The Great Gatsby (Alabama Shakespeare Festival).
Additional casting includes Philip Nolen as Meyer Wolfsheim (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and Nicholas Nickleby), Aubrey Saverino as JorDan Baker, Jacob Dresch as George Wilson, Georgia Mallory Guy as Myrtle Wilson, Alexander Mrazek as Mr. Chester McKee (Nicholas Nickleby and The Exit Interview), Maddie Tarbox as Mrs. McKee, and Madelyn James as Mrs. Michaelis. The ensemble cast includes Eric Eichenlaub, Maxel Garcia, Mike Nilsson, and Gabrielle Toledo.
Director Anne Hering's Orlando Shakes directing credits include The Tempest, The Turn of the Screw, Yankee Tavern, and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Additional regional directing credits include Cabaret, Into the Woods, Bat Boy: the Musical, and Hay Fever. She currently serves as Director of Education at Orlando Shakes.
The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Fight Coach David Reed, Choreographer Rachel Arnett, Scenic Designer Dan Conway, Assistant Scenic Designer, Tyler Herald, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Jack Smith, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky,AEA Stage Manager Stacy R. Norwood, and AEA Assistant Stage Manager Laura Lockner.
The Great Gatsby is presented by OUC. This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.
Photos by: Luke Evans
Buddy Haardt as Nick Carraway, Kathryn Miller as Daisy Buchanan, and Matthew Goodrich as Jay Gatsby star in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of The Great Gatsby. Photo by Luke Evans taken at The Ballroom at Church Street.
Buddy Haardt as Nick Carraway, Kathryn Miller as Daisy Buchanan, and Matthew Goodrich as Jay Gatsby star in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of The Great Gatsby. Photo by Luke Evans taken at The Ballroom at Church Street.
Matthew Goodrich as Jay Gatsby stars in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of The Great Gatsby. Photo by Luke Evans taken at The Ballroom at Church Street.
Kathryn Miller as Daisy Buchanan stars in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of The Great Gatsby. Photo by Luke Evans taken at The Ballroom at Church Street.
Buddy Haardt as Nick Carraway stars in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s production of The Great Gatsby. Photo by Luke Evans taken at The Ballroom at Church Street.
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