“All I kept thinking about, over and over, was ‘You can’t live forever; you can’t live forever,’” said Nick Caraway in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
As Nick Caraway so effortlessly describes – this show won’t last forever. The Great Gatsby will come to life through dance at the Orlando Ballet from April 28 through May 1.
The Great Gatsby is written from Nick Carraway’s perspective of the tragic love story between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan in the 1920s. Often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties,” it was a period of economic growth that redefined culture and arts in America. While gender roles evolved, cities were growing, and jazz bands played.
Artistic director Jorden Morris spent 18 months perfecting this production with composer Carl David. Featuring original jazz music and intricate choreography, the ballet captures life in the 1920s as well as the life of Jay Gatsby. The dancers’ graceful movements on stage captivate the audience to travel back in time. David carefully composed the score to experience what was the “Jazz Age.”
Sponsored by the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation, the live orchestra will be conducted by Julian Pellicano. Pellicano serves as both associate conductor for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and as principal conductor of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Canada.
Returning again is Christian Clark who will dance as Gatsby. Clark has extensive experience as a dancer, teacher and co-founder of Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Daisy will be performed by Hitomi Nakamura, hailing from the American Ballet Theatre. She has received first place at the Youth America Grand Prix in New York and the Ballet Competition in Tokyo.
Jaysan Stinnet and Kenna Gold return to the Orlando Ballet acting as Gatsby and Daisy in the second cast. Stinnet studied at the Orlando Ballet in 2019 and has since spent two seasons. Gold previously trained at the Orlando Ballet, and The Great Gatsby will be her official debut.
Experience the Roaring Twenties before it’s gone! For tickets and information, go to drphillipscenter.org or orlandoballet.com. You can also purchase tickets in-person at the box office. Prices start at $24.
