Jumping back to the Roaring 20s, this year’s play The Great Gatsby, adapted for the stage by Simon Levy, tells the story of different lives, all yearning to live out the American dream. The performances were successful but were struck with problems out of anyone’s hands. The show ran from November 4-6 and was directed by Mr. Barthel. Despite the few bumps and bruises along the way The Great Gatsby was great indeed.
Regarding some of the issues that occurred during the show’s run, one night the power went out, another the props did not work as they were designed, but the show went on successfully, thanks in large part due to the professionalism of the actors and stage crew. The acting was on par with professionals, giving praise to seniors Luciano Rossi, Katie Napolitano, Cole Payne, Joe McDonald, Emily Wallace, Julia Raghunandan, Everett Bologna and Juniors Alexa Swenson and Misi Gellar. Every aspect of the show from the stage design to the work of the ensemble and featured actors highlighting their want to truly create a work of art.
The Mendham Players, with Director Mr. Barthel and Assistant Director Ms. Gagliano, started to rehearse beginning in September while the crew, headed by Senior Maxwell Wank started to build the set. Performances were scheduled for November 4, 5, and 6,, creating hype for ticket purchases and a shared desire to see the show. The set depicted Wank’s interpretation of the various settings of The Great Gatsby, including the towns of both West Egg and East Egg settled nearby to New York City. Between these lies “The Valley of Ashes,” a slum vastly different from the affluent West and East Eggs. With only minor changes in furniture and lighting, the set was built in a way that the shift in setting can be easily seen. The different lighting and sound cues focused the attention on the changing scenery, with lighting effects cleverly designed by Senior Mira Florenza.
Strong symbols throughout the novel are also seen in the set, like the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg, designed by student director Cori Woods, and the boat dock that can move depending on what the scene needs. Hard at work with rehearsal, the cast practiced the moves and choreography of the 1920s with a modern spin, with combinations created by choreographer Izzie Bartiromo. The countdown to showtime was fast approaching, even cutting the building of the set a little close for comfort. For the main characters like Gatsby, Daisy, Nick, Tom, and Jordan, long monologues and action-packed scenes were rehearsed, setting the sights high for the three performances.
The stage was set on November 3 with both the cast and crew in excited anticipation of opening night. When asked to recall some prominent emotions before the first show, several cast members responded with, “A large amount of anxiety, but an even larger amount of excitement.” The first night had a buzz of enthusiasm from the theater, signaling the anticipation people had to see the show. Though small setbacks occurred, like the power going out several times and the cast microphones cutting out, Mendham Players persisted as the experienced actors and crew continued as if nothing had gone wrong. Members of the audience were impressed with the play’s ability to bounce back despite multiple technical problems.
With all of Mendham Players’ hard work, resilience, and perseverance, the Players truly showed the audience what makes The Great Gatsby so great in another stellar show. Students, parents, and the community alike eagerly await Mendham Player’s spring musical, Into the Woods, though the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg and the haunting green light are sure to stay in their memories for months to come thanks to the exceptional work Mendham Players continually presents.
