Broadway Across Canada returns to the National Arts Centre this week with The Great Gatsby, bringing the glitz, glamour and tragedy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic story to the stage.
While some may immediately think of Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this production goes back to the source material: Fitzgerald’s celebrated 1925 novel—the musical features music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and a book by Kait Kerrigan.
At the centre of the story is Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to Long Island and becomes fascinated by his mysterious and extremely wealthy neighbour, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is known for throwing extravagant parties, but behind all the champagne, dancing and excess is a man consumed by his love for Daisy Buchanan.
What follows is a story involving complicated relationships, obsession, infidelity and the pursuit of something that may never have truly existed in the first place. Without getting too deep, The Great Gatsby is ultimately a reminder that all that glitters isn’t gold.
Admittedly, I was not a fan of the movie, so I went into this production with fairly modest expectations. I left Southam Hall with a profound respect for the cast and crew of this show.
First, we have to address the elephant in the room.
Opening night had some technical difficulties, to the point where the performance had to be paused on more than one occasion. It’s here where I have to insert that famous quote from the great Rocky Balboa: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
That mentality certainly applied here.
Jake David Smith, who plays Jay Gatsby, and Senzel Ahmady, who plays Daisy Buchanan, were performing in front of a capacity NAC crowd when some of those difficulties arose. Live theatre can be unpredictable, and when something goes wrong, there is nowhere for the performers to hide.
Smith and Ahmady didn’t need to.
Like the seasoned professionals they are, neither appeared rattled. They kept going, delivering incredible performances throughout the evening.
Smith brings the necessary charisma and confidence to Gatsby while also capturing the vulnerability underneath the character’s carefully constructed exterior. Ahmady is equally impressive as Daisy and possesses tremendous stage presence. Her 1,000-watt smile practically lights up Southam Hall.
Most importantly, the two work extremely well together. They are both exceptional singers, and their chemistry makes Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy believable even as the story becomes increasingly complicated.
Sometimes you attend a musical and one or two performers clearly separate themselves from everyone else. That isn’t the case with The Great Gatsby. This cast is a murderers’ row of talent.
Joshua Grosso is excellent as Nick Carraway, the audience’s entry point into this strange and decadent world. Leanne Robinson brings confidence and personality to Jordan Baker, while Lila Coogan makes the most of every opportunity as Myrtle Wilson. They are just a few members of a cast that seems determined to ensure there isn’t a weak link anywhere on that stage.
And then there is the ensemble.
The choreography is energetic, stylish and infectious, perfectly complementing the show’s Roaring Twenties setting. The big musical numbers have the kind of energy you want from a Broadway production, with the ensemble filling the stage and making Gatsby’s extravagant world feel appropriately larger than life.
I also have to single out Tyler Johnson-Campion.
I don’t know Tyler Johnson-Campion, but I know what I saw on that stage: an ensemble performer giving 110 percent every time he appeared. His energy was infectious, his smile was impossible to miss and even when the attention wasn’t supposed to be on him, you could see how completely committed he was to the performance.
Get this man a leading role. NOW!
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible scenic and production design. This is easily one of the most impressive stage productions I have seen at the NAC. Gatsby’s world needs to feel extravagant, and this production delivers. The sets, costumes, lighting and choreography work together to transport the audience into a world of wealth and excess.
Ironically, considering the technical issues on opening night, the production itself is one of the show’s greatest strengths.
But that’s live theatre.
Things happen. Equipment doesn’t always cooperate. The unexpected becomes part of the experience. What matters is how a production responds, and this cast demonstrated tremendous professionalism when faced with circumstances beyond their control.
The technical difficulties were ultimately nothing more than a hiccup in an otherwise extremely entertaining evening.
While the subject matter of The Great Gatsby isn’t always uplifting, the performances certainly are. This is a talented cast filled with tremendous singers, dancers and actors who leave everything on the stage.
Ottawa is fortunate to have them at the National Arts Centre this week.
Whether you’re already a fan of Fitzgerald’s story or, like me, weren’t particularly enamoured with its most famous recent film adaptation, give this musical a chance.
I’m glad I did.
The Great Gatsby is a visually spectacular, wonderfully performed production that proves sometimes a familiar story can find new life when it’s put in the hands of the right people.
I would definitely recommend this show.
Tickets are still available for Broadway Across Canada’s The Great Gatsby and can be purchased through Ticketmaster: The Great Gatsby (Touring) Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule | Ticketmaster CA
Photo: Evan Zimmerman for Murphymade
