Gatsby: An American Musical

 Gatsby: An American Musical
Woodstock Playhouse
August 20, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Playhouse

The Woodstock Playhouse ended its 2022 Summer Season with a staged reading of Gatsby: An American Musical.  Adapted by Daniel Landon, with music and lyrics by Lawrence Rosen, this new musical has tremendous potential.  Director/Choreographer Randy Conti expanded on the expected stage reading model by including dance, costumes, props, and minimal sets.  Because of this, he delivered a valuable developmental experience for the creative team, as well as for audience members.  The talented cast brought new life to these classic characters.

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Playhouse

It is summer of 1924.  Nick Carraway (played by Ian C. Weber) moves from the Midwest to Manhattan for a new job.  He rents a cottage on Long Island to escape the city heat.  While there, he looks up his cousin, Daisy Buchanan (played by Zoe Maroko).  Nick attends a dinner party at Daisy’s mansion with her husband, Tom (played by JT Atwood) and Jordan Baker (played by Tassy Kirbas).  Nick later receives an invitation to a party from his landlord, Jay Gatsby (played by Caleb Miofsky).  At that party, Gatsby asks Nick to arrange a meeting between him and Daisy.  Nick discovers that Daisy and Gatsby were previously acquainted.  This meeting rekindles a romance that brings disaster for both of them.

Mr. Landon chooses to end Act I with the meeting of Daisy and Gatsby, leaving the audience to wonder about the history of these two characters.  Act II opens with a scene between Daisy and Jordan, where those questions are quickly answered.  The rest of Act II moves at a brisk pace, due to strong rising action.  The climax scene is impactful and effectively crafted. 

Me & my family at our annual
Woodstock excursion.

The cast builds strong relationships, engaging the attention of the audience and creating an aura of mystery.  They all make the most of every moment, creating characters that are true to the time period.  Outstanding performances were delivered by JT Atwood, Tassy Kirbas,  Allie Hill, McKenzie Tipton, Lex Hummell, and Isabelle Grace.  

Woodstock Playhouse has a long history of presenting quality, fun summer theatre for the whole family.  This developmental reading utilized their skills to give Daniel Landon and Lawrence Rosen a strong opportunity to get their work on its feet and in front of an audience.  With some fine tuning, Gatsby: An American Musical is sure to be a great success when fully produced. 

Domenick Danza

Blithe Spirit at Woodstock Playhouse

 Blithe Spirit
Woodstock Playhouse
July 24, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Playhouse

The Woodstock Playhouse is back with a full summer season!  Their production of Blithe Spirit is delightfully entertaining.  Director Randy Conti has brought together a talented cast who capture Noel Coward’s humor, creating a highly enjoyable evening of fun and surprises.

When Charles (played by Patrick Sharpe) needs to conduct research for his new novel about a psychic, he and his wife Ruth (played be Brooke Sterling) invite Madame Arcati (played by Lynda Sales) to a dinner party.  To round out the evening, they also invite two skeptical friends of theirs, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman (played by Alex Gossard and Jenna Robinson).  When Madame Arcati falls into a trance, Charles hears a familiar voice.  Since no one else hears it, they all believe Madam Arcati is a fake.  Charles has a different perspective of Madam Arcati’s powers when the ghost of his deceased first wife, Elvira (played by Gena Heylock) appears and begins to wreak havoc on his present marriage. 

Gena Heylock is enchanting as Elvira.  The chemistry between her and Patrick Sharpe is electric.  The sparks really fly when Brooke Sterling joins their scenes.  These three skilled actors make the most of Noel Coward’s rhythm and timing to the increase tension and build each scene to a dramatically funny high point. 

Photo courtesy of Woodstock Playhouse

Blithe Spirit played for only one weekend, but if you are planning a trip upstate New York this summer, be sure to include a visit to Woodstock Playhouse.  Their next show is Sweet Charity from July 30 – August 15.  Due to Covid restrictions, seating is sporadic throughout the theater, so get you tickets in advance.  

Domenick Danza