F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1925 novel is reimagined for the stage in a fusion of ballet, tap and jazz. BIG Live is a welcome new voice in the performing arts – a ballet company where tradition meets innovation. Alongside narration of the tragic Gatsby storyline is a stunning score, bold choreography, striking sets and costuming, and some seriously strong dancing.
The cast features alumni of the Mariinsky Theatre from St Petersburg, English National Ballet, Queensland Ballet, The Australian Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet. It is the Roaring Twenties and the focus is on a wealthy man’s obsession with winning back a married socialite he loved before serving in WWII. The tale unfolds as Nick Carraway moves to Long Island, next to the mysterious Jay Gatsby, who lives in an ostentatious mansion.
Carraway reconnects with his cousin Daisy and her philandering husband, Tom Buchanan. After an invitation from Gatsby, Carraway finds himself facilitating a reunion between Gatsby and Daisy, who begin an affair. There is no love lost between Gatsby and Buchanan, but worse is to follow in a shattering conclusion.
The enticing score blends Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, The Charleston and new works from Jason Fernandez and Dominic Cabusi. It is particularly the rousing, up tempo numbers against evocative backdrops and colourful lighting that took my fancy – the dancers sublime in lock step. I loved the glitz.
For all the positives, opening night was not without its issues. Foremost amongst them was the fact that the music was often too loud and overwhelmed the spoken narrative. That was very much about the sound mix. So, for those unfamiliar with the storyline, it became more difficult to follow than it should have been.
I could also have done with a stronger start. While there is no doubt that the performers worked their way into the body of the production, I was yearning for more at the outset. In short, I wanted to be captivated up front. And, as the drama unfolds, in amongst the noteworthy highs, there were some flatter patches that I could have done without.
Still, production values remain strong throughout and I applaud the rich endeavour behind BIG Live’s ambition to make ballet more accessible. I await further works from the company with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Later in the year, we have Dracula.
The Great Gatsby: A Jazz Ballet Odyssey is on at Her Majesty’s Theatre until 5th April. Thereafter, the Australian tour continues in Canberra, Cairns, Perth, Newcastle and Adelaide. For the tour schedule and tickets, go to https://bigliveco.com/performances/the-great-gatsby/#schedule
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Hadestown (Her Majesty’s Theatre) – musical theatre review
- MJ: The Musical (Her Majesty’s Theatre) – musical theatre review
- Miss Saigon (Her Majesty’s Theatre) – musical theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.