One could not find a more perfect backdrop complete with all the sets and state of Jay Gatsby’s lifestyle than the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, once owned by none other than oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny and gifted to his son Edward “Ned” Jr. The mansion has its own backstory every bit as interesting and infamous as Jay Gatsby’s. That is another story and one worth looking up. Here I will stick to the theme of the evening and the focus of Mixed eMotion Theatrix (MeMT), that of presenting a choreographed version of “The Great Gatsby”. MeMT Artistic Director Janet Roston, and Executive Director Ryan Bergmann have made smart choices in their scenes chosen from the novel by placing them in sympathetic surroundings throughout the grounds and gardens. All worked very well and gave an instant insight into the characters and personalities propelling the storyline along.
Mixed eMotion Theatrix in Great Gatsby Redux at the Greystone Mansion – Photo by Barry Weiss.
We had a little time to take in the fabulous views afforded by the mansion’s perspective and situation on a hill overlooking the expanse of L.A. proper. We were treated to songs by Rudy Vallée and Bing Crosby. This began to shift the awareness of the audience towards the mindset of someone who may have lived in this mansion and seen these views on a daily basis as a matter of course. What was it like to have this kind of wealth and use it to further one’s own means? We were about to find out. We entered a foyer on the side of the estate where a group of revelers helped to introduce Daisy Buchanan to us. Played competently by Tiffany Wolff, we very soon became entranced and then concerned for her. She was balanced well by Malachi Middleton playing Jay Gatsby. They were entirely believable throughout the evening navigating the prejudiced Tom Buchanan, Andrii Strelkivskyi who shunned Gatsby’s new money over old established wealth.
Mixed eMotion Theatrix in “Gatsby Redux” at the Greystone Mansion – Photo by Barry Weiss.
Many of the nuances of the novel were made clear and understandable by the acting skills of the dancers and their commitment to Roston’s choreography, which was of the period, easy to follow and descriptive of the various character’s backgrounds. Middleton as Gatsby has a gorgeous solo in one of the stone patios and staircases in the garden where we see his uncertainty in how to access the wealthier upper class in order to get close to Daisy. In another scene in one of the upper garden pavilions we see Tom Buchanan/Strelkivskyi and Nick Carraway/Donny Collinson rebuke and block Gatsby from joining the party of the elite. He is demonstrably unwelcome and kicked out. As far as storyline was concerned, all was present and clear.
Mixed eMotion Theatrix in “Gatsby Redux” at the Greystone Mansion – Photo by Barry Weiss.
The Gardens surrounding the mansion are exquisite and serve as characters in and of themselves in relaying the discrepancy of wealth, the have and have nots, and why that class system still exists today. Indeed, it is now at the heart of every headline and political event we see currently. We witnessed a carefree Croquet game with the entire cast and realized that this was one of the ways in which the wealthy passed the time. How charming, how delightful, how free from worry. The character of Myrtle Wilson, mistress of Tom Buchanan has no such carefree leisure time. Although married she benefits from Tom’s wealth and patronage. Played beautifully by Alissa Wilsey, we are privy to how much the relationship costs her when, after a party, Tom argues and beats her in a magnificent Apache Dance. These are difficult to pull off artistically, but both Strelkivskyi and Wilsey performed it with passion and credibility.
Mixed eMotion Theatrix in “Gatsby Redux” at the Greystone Mansion – Photo by Barry Weiss.
At this point I want to say that the choreography was well done and correctly hit the time period. Whether the “Charleston” or “Black Bottom” as well as a fan dance, each interlude furthered the feeling of the jazz age with the desperation of the characters inherent. We had a cameo by Josephine Baker performing one of her iconic dances next to a fountain in a small courtyard backed by a colonnade of grotesque heads of stone flanked by tall Cyprus trees. We also were treated to numerous lifts performed cleanly between couples and at times between three or more people. The lifts were intricate and by no means easy. There were many weight changes happening during the lifts themselves making it difficult to partner. Add to that the uneven pavement of brick, and stone, flagstone and grass and the degree of difficulty goes up. Kudos to the dancers for handling these many factors. This was an altogether entertaining and enlightening evening. Costumes by Allison Dillard were gorgeous in summer hues of pink and cream with much satin which reflected the period beautifully, as well as the beiges and soft tones of the men’s summer suits. Music editing by Mark Governor and Brian Lucas was elegant and smooth. The projections by Joe Larue were completely apt and appreciated as commentary to the proceedings onstage.
Cast:
Emcee -Brooke Seguin
Jay Gatsby – Malachi Middleton
Daisy Buchanan – Tiffany Wolff
Tom Buchanan – Andrii Strelkivskyi
Myrtle Wilson – Alissa Wilsey
Nick Carraway – Donny Collinson
Catherine – Lily Thongnuam
Jordan, ensemble – Sydney Lastorino
Josephine – Melissa Roa
Goddess, ensemble – Jaqueline Hinton
Ensemble – Alex Jimenez
Swing Tom/Gatsby – Jordy Castillo
For more information about Mixed eMotion Theatrix, please visit their website.
Written by Brian Fretté for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Mixed eMotion Theatrix in Great Gatsby Redux at the Greystone Mansion – Photo by Barry Weiss.
