From October 1 – 3, 2024, audiences at the Robert B. Gaw Theatre at ISKL were transported back to the Roaring Twenties with three outstanding performances of the captivating High School production of The Great Gatsby. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, the highly anticipated play dazzled theater-goers with its gripping storyline, stunning performances, and intricate set design.
The play was more than just a retelling of Gatsby’s infamous parties and tragic love story—it was an immersive experience that brought the glamour and drama of the Jazz Age to life. From the moment the curtains opened, it was clear that the students and production team had poured their hearts into the showcase with its dazzling costumes, which gave an authentic 1920s flair to the show, with sequined dresses, sharp suits, and accessories adding to the spectacle. The behind-the-scenes efforts of ISKL’s props and costumes team, composed of dedicated students, faculty, and parent volunteers, played an essential role in bringing the director’s vision to life. Every element on stage, from Gatsby’s opulent mansion to the set design, hairstyles, and costumes used, was crafted meticulously, creating an atmosphere that felt true to the era.
The performance artfully captured the complexity of the novel’s themes—i.e., the treatment of social class, inherited versus self-made wealth, gender, race, and environmentalism, and its cynical attitude toward the American Dream—while making the narrative accessible and engaging for a modern-day audience.
HS/IB Theatre Teacher and Performing Arts Director Tina Casey shares, “The Great Gatsby is one of the most celebrated American novels, and like many great works of literature, it endures because its themes are universal. I’ve never witnessed a more enthusiastic High School than when we decided to stage this play at ISKL. Initially, I thought the students’ excitement stemmed solely from the costumes and the intrigue of the romantic drama. However, I was pleasantly surprised that they were captivated by the novel’s themes.”
The Great Gatsby is widely considered around the world as a literary masterpiece and a contender for the title of the Great American Novel. The play depicts first-person narrator Nick Carraway’s interactions with mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and Gatsby’s obsession with reuniting with his former love, Daisy Buchanan. Casey continues, “One significant challenge our students faced in the Gatsby committee was approaching the unique character of Nick Carraway. In the novel, Nick is a first-person and third-person narrator, sharing only what he observes. He alternates between presenting events objectively and offering his interpretations of the story’s meaning and other characters’ motivations.” Casey shares that they decided to divide the role among three actors to remain faithful to the duality, which reflects the complex nature of Nick’s perspective and alleviates the burden of lines for any single performer. “As a result, we enjoy a fresh interpretation of this character, portrayed by three distinct voices,” adds Casey.
One particularly unique aspect of the production was the brilliant fusion of classic jazz with modern music, blending the eras seamlessly. The play’s soundtrack featured timeless hits from artists such as Louis Armstrong and Cole Porter and contemporary tracks by artists like Lana Del Rey and Alicia Keys, adding an unexpected yet captivating twist to the play. This mix of old and new highlighted the timeless themes of The Great Gatsby while keeping the production fresh and relevant for the audience. The modern songs, with their haunting melodies and emotive lyrics, beautifully complemented the atmosphere, offering moments of reflection alongside the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties.
In true Gatsby style, the production cleverly integrated several lively dance scenes set within the backdrop of Gatsby’s opulent mansion. These dance sequences, filled with energy and elegance, helped bring the party atmosphere to life, transforming the stage into a whirlwind of movement, music, and celebration. The choreography was a fantastic way to immerse the audience in the decadence of Gatsby’s world, with students showcasing their skills through dance numbers that perfectly matched the mood of the party scenes.
Opening night was a particular highlight, as ISKL hosted a Gatsby-inspired gala inviting the audience to come dressed in their finest 1920s attire. Guests mingled in elegant outfits reminiscent of the novel’s extravagant parties, adding a unique and celebratory touch to the evening.
But it wasn’t just the student performers who stole the show! ISKL’s beloved mascot, Roary, made a special guest appearance during the play’s opening night gala, fully decked out in 1920s attire. Their playful interactions with the audience added a touch of fun and whimsy to the evening, delighting students and parents alike as they roared through the crowd, posing for photos and mingling with guests.
The success of The Great Gatsby is a testament to the passion and talent of ISKL’s students, teachers, staff, and parent volunteers. A production like this takes immense effort from cast and crew, logistics and lighting, music and marketing, costume and choreography, and more. The production showcased the students’ creative capabilities and the school community’s collaborative spirit. It brought to life one of the most beloved American novels and reminded us of the magic of theater. As the final curtain closed and the applause filled the auditorium, it was clear that this production of The Great Gatsby would be remembered as one of ISKL’s most spectacular High School plays.
It was also a poignant moment for the community as this was the last HS production directed by Casey, who will leave ISKL at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. In the play program, she notes, “After 15 years at ISKL, this marks my final mainstage production, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for your support—not only for the plays I’ve been involved in but for all our performing arts events over the years.” Tina has been the creative force behind some of ISKL’s most unforgettable performances for many years, inspiring students with her passion and expertise. The Great Gatsby was a fitting grand finale for her tenure, showcasing the incredible talent of ISKL’s students and the collaborative spirit and dedication she has fostered within the school’s theater program.
