Roaring '20s Will Roll Into Orlando Shakespeare Theater with THE GREAT GATSBY
By: BWW News Desk Dec. 08, 2016
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, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and 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.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS:
Preview Dates: February 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Date: February 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Matinees: March 1 & 22 at 2 p.m.
Talk Back Performance: March 5 at 2 p.m.
Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat - Friday, February 10
Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy free light appetizers, followed by a brief, informative discussion about the creative process with the Director and members of the creative team. The Great Gatsby opening night party is sponsored by PNC Financial Services Group. Free to all opening night ticket holders. No RSVP necessary.
Pricing: Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. - $25, $40, $50; Preview Performances and Senior Matinees - $13, $20, $25
DISCOUNTS (May not be combined with any other offers):
$25 Under 35 Week: Patrons 34 years old and under can purchase $25 tickets for evening and weekend matinee performances during the third week (March 15-19, 2017) of the production. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1 or purchase online with code word: 25UNDER35
Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+
Student Rush: $15 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Student and Active/Retired Military: $10 off single ticket prices w/ valid ID (Only available in Price Levels A and B)
Founded in 1989, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF produces classic, contemporary, and children's plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakes has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed professional Equity theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout. "Hence the high quality of Orlando Shakespeare, a company that deserves to be far more widely known outside Florida." With ambitious, high-caliber productions like 2015's Monty Python's SPAMALOT and Peter and the Starcatcher, and 2014's Les Miserables and Henry V, the Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Orlando Shakes also offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community at large. For more information, visit www.orlandoshakes.org.
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