Review: Stolen Shakespeare Guild's THE GREAT GATSBY is local Theatre at its finest!

THE GREAT GATSBY 

Adapted for the stage by Simon Levy 
Directed by Nathan Autrey
Presented by Stolen Shakespeare Guild

Audience Rating: PG
Running Time: 2:00 with intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Volume Level: Comfortable.
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: None of note

Reviewed by Carol M. Rice

I will confess to being a luddite when it comes to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work, including The Great Gatsby. I’ve never read it or seen any film adaptation (although as a Jeremy Jordan fan, I’m definitely interested in seeing the latest musical version on Broadway), so I came into Stolen Shakespeare Guild’s production with a completely open mind. I can assure you that I was not disappointed!

As our narrator, Michael McCrary portrayed Nick Carraway with emotional levels and growth throughout. He was not only the perfect host of the production, he also guided the production along as his character matured and learned, unfortunately, what life is all about. As Daisy Buchanan, the girl everyone loved, Katherine Collins was everything from merely flirty and sexy, to sentimental and conflicted. Brian Alexander Gibson played Jay Gatsby with initial reserve that built to raw emotion. Jordan Baker, as portrayed by Lynley Glicker, went from quietly observing to falling in love to betrayal. Each of these actors successfully journeyed in their characters’ shoes, making us as audience members not only believe them, but root for them.

Callon Belcher brought out the worst in Tom Buchanan (in a good way), as did Lindsey Sinopoli as Myrtle Wilson. They’re the type you love to hate. Danny Macchietto’s portrayal of George Wilson made us sympathize with him from the beginning, and Stephanie Delgado added a wonderful layer to the production with her vocals as The Singer. Grady W. Smithey III and Samantha Turner brought uniqueness and consistency to their several characters.

SSG has consistently put on high quality shows without breaking the bank, and The Great Gatsby was no exception. Lauren Morgan’s excellent period costumes completely captured the roaring ‘20s and gave each character their own distinct look to match their personality. Combined with Director Nathan Autrey’s simple but effective set design of velvet drapes and café tables, and Nikki DeShea Smith’s beautiful lighting, the production values were top notch. This was the perfect way to tell this story. Kudos to Mr. Autrey for his vision, which came across perfectly, and for his exceptional casting choices. 

Whether you’re a fan of The Great Gatsby or, like I was, know nothing about it, I highly recommend Stolen Shakespeare Guild’s production. The opening night audience gave the show a deserved standing ovation, and even my husband (who doesn’t often join me for theatre these days) thoroughly enjoyed it. In addition, SSG will soon be departing the Fort Worth Community Arts Center and is looking for another performance venue, so this will be one of your final chances to see them in their current home. But honestly, you don’t need an excuse. Just go see it! Stolen Shakespeare Guild’s The Great Gatsby is local theatre at its finest.

There’s NOTHING like live theatre!

Carol M. Rice