Chasing the American Dream

The Marshfield Community Theatre is excited to present their first mainstage show in their 20th Anniversary Season — The Great Gatsby — showing April 13-16. Based on the classic piece of American literature by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the story features the iconic characters of Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby as they navigate their feelings of love, power, success and happiness, no matter who is affected around them.

According to the show’s director, Kelby Lorenz, the show is a faithful adaptation of the novel, including its commentary on what people idealize as the American Dream.

“When we think about the 1920’s, we have this glamorized viewpoint of dancing, flapper dresses, men in suits and living life to the fullest,” he said. “But, while we picture this amazing world of people living the ‘American Dream’, the reality is that there were so many problems that people were ignoring to live out this fantasy.”

Lorenz continued by highlighting some of the main topics that are shown through the story of The Great Gatsby, including assault, racism, homophobia, murder and suicide.

This content has earned the show a PG-13 rating, but Lorenz is sure that audiences will still enjoy the show, acknowledging the modern-day relevance the story still provides.

“That’s what makes this story so timeless, with so many of the issues that are

addressed in The Great Gatsby being prevalent today,” he said. “But, instead of the American Dream, we are in the age of influencer culture and brand identities. We are chasing these very stylized ideas of success and happiness; so I know that this story will resonate with people when they see it.”

In addition to a timeless story, Lorenz has said that this show has one of the best casts he’s ever worked with. There is a wide variety of experience, from those with professional credits to those who have only been on a high school stage. But, through their time together, everyone has learned and grown alongside each other. And, it’s these connections that are creating a strong show that Lorenz feels will be different than anything seen on stage at MCT, and from other productions of the show itself.

“One thing we’ve really tried to do with this show has been making the characters feel like people, not characters,” he said. “And that’s what makes this show so unique; the connections between the actors has allowed them to break down barriers, be real and deliver incredible performances that I know will leave the audience pondering their own lives and what it means to be happy.”

The Great Gatsby runs April 13-15 at 7 p.m. and April 16 at 2 p.m. The show will be at the Jubilee Theater Center at 109 Commercial Street in Marshfield, MO. Tickets are $10 per person online and $12 at-the-door. Tickets are available at marshfieldtheatre.org.