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WSU presents ‘The Great Gatsby’

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Greene County News Report

FAIRBORN – Wright State University Theatre opens its 41st season with Simon Levy’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” The production is celebrates the 90 year since this landmark novel was published in 1925, and 75 years after Fitzgerald’s death in 1940.

It runs Sept. 24 through Oct. 4 in WSU’s Festival Playhouse. “The Great Gatsby” is touted to mark the beginning of the modern novel. The tale translated to the stage loses nothing and gains much in Simon Levy’s stage adaptation, which was a finalist for the PEN Literary Award in Drama.

The adaptation, called “Sweeping…excellent…” by Variety, is narrated by Nick Carraway who follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a man who orders his life around one desire: to be reunited with Daisy Buchanan, the love he lost five years earlier. Gatsby’s quest leads him from poverty to wealth, into the arms of his beloved. However, potential audience members will have to attend to find out what happens next. The final 10 minutes of the production gives the audience, “one of theatures most thrilling climate scenes. Don’t miss it – you’ll remember it always,” according to The Suburban Times.

The Great Gatsby is directed by WSU’s W. Stuart McDowell (Fences, Les Miserables) and WSU student, Taylor Benjamin, as assistant director. The set is designed by David J Castellano, the lighting by Jacob Brown (Romeo & Juliet), costumes by Mary Beth McLaughlin (Fences), properties by John Lavarnway and the sound by Alex Koker.

On the stage, this production features Conner Lysholm (Jay Gatsby), Ben Tracy (Nick Carraway), Caitlin Geisser (Daisy Buchanan), Joey Logan (Tom Buchanan), Chelsea Hauptstueck (Jordan Baker), Christian Schaefer (George Wilson), Madeline Sensenstein (Myrtle Wilson), William Mendelson (Chester McKee), Brittany Williams (Lucille McKee), Nathan Pecchia (Meyer Wolfsheim), Taylor Benjamin (Michaelis), Zac Pruett (Waiter/Cop/Photographer) and the Flapper Ladies, who are played by Danielle Bessler, Carrie Vorbroker, Hannah Williamson and Halle Augenstein.

Performances take place 7 p.m. Sept. 24, 30 and Oct. 1 ; 8 p.m. Sept. 25, 26, Oct. 2 and 3; and 2 p.m. Sept. 27, Oc. 3 and 4. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 students and seniors.

For tickets and theatre information call the Box Office at (937) 775-2500, or purchase single tickets online at http://www.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/performances/ticket-information.

Story courtesy of Wright State University.