On July 5, director Alexander Wright presented The Great Gatsby— The Immersive Show. The play made its American and New York debut at Gatsby Mansion in the Park Central Hotel. A world of energetic rhythms, exquisite liquor, and jazzy self-
Visitors danced the Charleston and clinked glasses with Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, Nick Carraway, and Jay Gatsby. As the festivities went on, secrets unraveled. Attendees explored fancy rooms to understand the time period.
Nick brought guests to a den, in which he introduced himself. Then, he attempted to introduce Myrtle and Tom. Unfortunately, the pair began to kiss. Nick explained that he met Tom in college. The couple excused themselves and ran out the door. Nick tried to continue with his earnest monologue.
He discussed the couple’s affair. Tom was actually married to Nick’s cousin, Daisy. On the side, Tom had intercourse with Myrtle. The situation greatly upset Nick. As he spoke, Tom and Myrtle made excessive noises.
The couple pounded on the door and moaned. The noises became louder and more dramatic. Nick said, “Imagine living with this for four years.” Then, he laughed and asked about the couples in the room. Two attendees on a comfortable beige couch raised their hands. Nick inquired about how they met.
The two guests explained that they met in high school. Nick asked if they learned everything from first impressions. The visitors shook their heads. From the conversation, Nick said that people never truly know one another. He asked the visitors not to hold this against Myrtle and Tom. He brought the attendees into the main room.
In the casino room, Meyer Wolfsheim made fictitious bets with participants. He performed card tricks and talked about 1920s sports. He snidely commented on Myrtle and Tom’s affair. Then, a choir came in with other attendees. They hoped for introductions to Broadway directors.
The scene demonstrated Meyer’s sarcastic demeanor. He asked to see the choir’s talents. One actress in a bonnet sat on a comfortable chair. A singer in another bonnet played the piano. They played a song in which they requested jokes from the audience. Meyer did not like the song.
He refused to introduce the choir to Broadway directors. Instead, he asked them to write a love song for Jay and Daisy. The musicians reluctantly wrote a song. Meyer led the attendees back into the main room.
Jay anxiously prepared for Daisy’s arrival. He picked three visitors to assume the role of servants They put on white prop aprons. Another character declared that Jay was not dressed. From behind a partition, Jay gave the pretend servants frantic directions. He emerged with a spotlight on him.
He wore a sharp, pink suit and a gorgeous bow tie. The attendees giggled at the sight. Jay disliked the servants’ work and dismissed them. Once again, the guests became audience members. Jay elegantly decorated the room’s center.
He rolled out an expensive rug. He placed a wooden table on top. Then, he draped a white lace tablecloth. Jay brought out elegant teacups and flowers. Stage managers brought out large bouquets of flowers on pillars. Jay clapped his hands and the pillars glowed with bright lights. Then, he anxiously awaited Daisy’s arrival.
He asked an attendee if Daisy would arrive. The guest said, “I hope so.” Jay chuckled and said, “I hope so too.” Next, he marched to the grand staircase’s foot. He asked a stylish visitor how to pose. She suggested one hand in his pocket and he agreed. When she entered the room, Daisy stared at Jay in awe.
From the bar, attendees bought drinks and snacks. Bartners served Pilsner, IPA, and Lagers. They offered Prosecco, Chardonnay, Rosė, Cabernet, Merlot, and two types of Champagne. They created cocktails as well.
The Bees Knees contained Dorthy Parker gin, honey, and a lemon slice. The Daisy had 1800 Tequila, Curacao, Agave, ginger, and a lemon slice. The Expresso Martini consisted of ALB Vodka, cold brew, and espresso liqueur. The Old “Sport” Fashioned had Woodford Reserve Bourbon and bitters. Other cocktails impressed attendees too.
The Manhattan had WhistlePig Piggyback Rye, Vermouth Di Torino Rosso, and bitters. The Sands Point Sidecar contained Curacao, Pierre Ferrand Cognac, bitters, and a lemon slice. The J.G. Negroni consisted of Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur,
Giggle Juices consisted of the Sour Cherry Cooler as well as the Citrus and Ginger Fizz. Soft drinks included Fever Tree Ginger Beer, Fever Tre Tonic, Fever Tree Ginger Ale, Coca-Cola, and Sprite. The drinks paired well with the delectable snacks.
Attendees chose from roasted mixed nuts, caramel popcorn, cherry licorice, and salt-water taffy. Other options included chocolate chip and double fudge cookies as well as milk and dark chocolate bars. During the intermission, visitors discussed their opinions of the show.
A woman had seen the show once before. She said, “I stood on a different side of the room this time. It feels like I’m seeing a totally different show.” This comment demonstrated the show’s unique versatility. In Act Two, the play exhibited more tension.
Tom and Daisy’s disloyal acts increased. Daisy fell more in love with Jay. He gave her a tour of his house. They passionately kissed on his bed. Daisy took off her dress, revealing a blue nightgown. Then, the couple noticed the attendees and giggled
Jay gave Daisy a gorgeous dress. She invited three women into her changing room. She slipped on the pretty dress and asked a woman to zip her. Next, Daisy wondered how to explain her outfit change to Jay. The three attendees gave possible excuses. Then, they returned to the main room.
Despite the affair, Tom acted possessive of Daisy. He did not believe that Myrtle gave her the dress. Some of the characters wanted to drive into town. Nick brought some visitors into another fancy room.
He explained why the characters should not go to town. The visitors agreed with Nick’s perspective. Other characters
Daisy accidentally hit Myrtle with her car. Dismal lights flickered and thunder crashed. Myrtle lay on a long table at the room’s center. The other characters tried to agree on alibis. Jay wanted to say he drove. Then, the party’s tension escalated further.
Tom asked Daisy to go home with him. Jay said that she actually loved him. Daisy found herself in the middle of this feud. She said she loved them both and ran off. Jay yelled “Wait!” and dashed after her. The immersive show had an excellent cast.
Actresses included Jillian Anne Abaya, Stephanie Rocío, Claire Saunders, Mya Rosado-Tran, Kiki Burns, Anika Braganza, and Stephanie Cha. Actors included Joél Acosta, Rob Brinkmann, Shahzeb Hussain, Keivon Akbari, Nicholas Caycedo, Charlie Marcus, and Jeremiah Ginn. The play had a fantastic production team and crew.
Holly Beasley-Garrigan, Hannah Davies, Amie Burns Walker, Phil Grainger, Thomas Maller, Michael Lambourne, and Oliver Tilney created the immersive show.
Tara Ocon served as the Resident Director and Oliver Tilney provided additional direction. Thomas Schall directed the fight sequences.
Casey Jay Andrews designed the set and Faye Armon-Troncoso created the props. Jeff Croiter served as the Lighting Designer. Kristin Dwyer shined in her role as stage manager.
Giles T. Horne and Rachael Wilkin worked as Assistant Stage Managers.
Peter Fitzgerald worked as a sound designer, while Vanessa Leuk designed the costumes. Claire McKenzie directed the music. Tendai and Glen composed vibrant and classy music. Shoko Kambara held the title of US Art Director.
Emily Venezia and Rachel Wilkin served as Assistant Stage Managers. S. Dylan Zwickel excelled in his roles as Cultural Advisor and Script Consultant.
Bayley Turner worked as Intimacy, Inclusion, and Consent coordinator. This helped with the show’s love scenes and representation of various cultures. The immersive play had terrific event partners.
Partners included Nowaday Vintage Car Tours NYC, New York Vintage, Screaming Mimis, Le Grand Strip, Glosslab, Champion Parking, and Gatsby’s Landing.