GATSBY an Immersive Illumination - Chapter 1: East Egg

Thanks for the fun evening!... full review

Enigmatic stories are difficult to dramatize, and enigmatic characters are even harder, but 2Cents Theatre Group accomplishes both with depth and style in this immersive production of the first chapter of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most famous novel. This inventive adaptation features a strong cast that includes Colin Willkie's ferocious Tom Buchanan and Ren Montoro's Jordan Baker, a beguiling young golfer who might be able to "balance a feather on the tip of her chin." Live accompaniment of Michael Teoli's score by Leslie Baker (double bass) and Paul Kriebich (vibraphone) adds essential nuance. Fans of Elevator Repair Service's GATZ--a 10 hour re-enactment of the full novel that played at REDCAT in 2012--should also enjoy this show. The ques... full review

This producing team understands the nuances of creating an immersive experience. One need not be familiar with the original story to enjoy the subtle performances played out in an intimate setting both inside and out the space. Never boring and always intriguing. The cast all fit their parts perfectly. You become one with the performers but never made to feel uncomfortable. It is a grand yet ultimately delicate production that starts to tell the tale of Gatsby. I look forward to see how they continue with the project.... full review

Excellent immersive adaptation of a world that simultaneously gives me the creeps and want to stay in forever. Perfect immersive experience!... full review

I thoroughly enjoyed this immersive rendition of The Great Gatsby. It's definitely the best Fringe show I've seen this year. I thought the cast did a superb job in bringing the story to life in the various intimate spaces. I really enjoyed the close-quarters nature of the piece, and being able to view the actors up close made it seem as if we were watching and participating in a scene from a film. These up-close encounters with the actors left no room for dishonest performances, and I was very pleased to see acting that was honest and not theatrically over the top. Chris Lanehart did a terrific job at portraying Nick, bringing a freshness and air of delightful melancholy to the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald. I loved being an active participan... full review

How lovely! What a clever way to keep an audience engaged and delighted at every turn in this wonderfully fun non-intimidating immersive show that honored the words and feelings of a classic, yet brought it to a modern era with ease. ... full review

Very, very cool. Unique and smart!... full review

Chapter 1 of Immersive Gatsby goes by in a flash. This is exactly the kind of theatre we need after a year and a half of isolation and shuttered up stages. It's a smart choice today to produce a story about parties and opulence in the 20th century post-pandemic world - a fantasy island most of us in quarantine have longed for, and a reminder of the life we look forward to once the pandemic abates. Also, a great call to make this show immersive -- this way, we live the story not only through the eyes and hearts of the actors, but also the audience, who, like the characters, are yearning for connection and an escape from boredom and existential dread. Loved every minute. Go see it.... full review

Wow ! Draws us into the times and characters of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” In a library filled with atmospheric books and artworks, one of the characters walks among us reciting the opening pages of “Gatsby” while a world-class bassist performs solo jazz – and then we go to dinner at Daisy’s !... full review

Truly felt like I went to a swanky dinner party. ... full review