The Washington Ballet’s premier of The Great Gatsby was just right. By successfully blending ballet, careful narrations, and a musical feast, directors Septime Webre and Russell P. Allen have created an artistic event that will appeal to a very wide audience. Fitzgerald’s original characters can be immediately identified, and fans of the original novel are sure to be pleased with the physical translation. The costumes are a visual delight, and the blend of contemporary and modern choreography speaks to the history of dance and entertainment while presenting a strong narrative in movement.
The artistic directors have made a number of choices regarding the presentation of The Great Gatsby, and each adds to the brilliance of the performance. The first is the use of a narrator – played by Will Gartshore – to introduce the story and a number of scenes. Will Gartshore, charismatically portraying Nick Caraway, is a useful yet unobtrusive presence who blends well with his dancing counterpart, and eases transitions that would have otherwise become cloudy. The live music, performed by Bill Novick’s Blue Syncopators, heightens the energy and adds to the atmosphere that is so beautifully captured in the original novel. Likewise, the inclusion of artists such as E. Faye Butler (whose performance of “Put Some Sugar in My Bowl” steals a scene) and Ryan Johnson (a talented tap dancer) help the Washington Ballet transcend traditional boundaries and present a fantastic interpretation of their subject material.
The one weakness I recognized was a problem of timing for the male chorus members; a few scenes were spoiled by one or two dancers lagging behind in what would have otherwise been a tight piece. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise breathtaking performance. If you have the chance to attend the show, don’t hesitate – you won’t be disappointed.
