What I liked
Chris Lanehart as the narrator Nick Carraway gives an honest, understated performance — exactly what’s called for in the role. He has a cerebral quality, and an openness and a trustworthiness that reels you in from the start. The performances in general are grounded, lived in, compelling, each character with a clear need.
The use of the space, the live music, the clarity of the relationships between characters, and how the actors manipulated the audience to create tension and intrigue — all of these are plusses for the production.
What I didn't like
I wanted more. And I wanted the drinks to have actual booze in them.
My overall impression
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.
