What I liked
The most striking thing about this experience was its simplicity. This fully realized world is created through a small part of the text, live music and inventive use of the space. What the space lacked in material opulence was more than made up for by the enveloping world 2Cents and the actors create. My two favorite parts were a reveal (which I don’t want to describe here) and the dinner.
The dinner. I don’t know how exactly the actors (and company) made sitting at a twelve person table in an otherwise empty room (I think) feel like I was in the bustling cacophony of a dinner party with far more people, and people I maybe didn’t want to be with – but they did. Let me rephrase that, I absolutely wanted to be at THIS dinner party, in fact, I didn’t want to leave. Real life, it’s a different story.
All the actors were great, but the three actors playing Jordan, Daisy and Tom were incredible – especially at keeping this kind of volley of dinner party conversation going. Knowing when to talk over each other, when to interrupt, when there should be a lull. It allowed me to shift focus, feel like I wasn’t sure who I should be listening to, and escape the uncomfortable “conversations" when needed – only to be drawn back into those same uncomfortable moments. Forced through the actors timing and volume to sit with the selfishness, meanness and unabashed privilege of these characters. It’s in moments like these that 2cents has done something remarkable, found a new way (one that is saved from the usual pointed cynicism of Gatsby criticism simply by the nature of being immersive) to shine a (green) light up to this greatest of great American novels and show all its cracks.
What I didn't like
Nothing. Well, maybe booze in the drinks but I’m sure that’s like illegal or something.
My overall impression
Excellent immersive adaptation of a world that simultaneously gives me the creeps and want to stay in forever. Perfect immersive experience!
