Daisy played by Molly Cronin and Jay Gatsby, played by Donovon Coppridge, share a tender kiss at the end of Act I in William Mason High School’s Production of The Great Gatsby.
Review by Charlotte Weghorst, Highlands High School Critic Team
The sparkles of sequined dresses, the laughter of champagne-soaked evenings, and the promise of a new age of prosperity defined the upper echelons of 1920s New York society. Yet, beneath this polished facade and the gleaming of green-laced pockets, every smile holds a secret. William Mason High School brought this vibrant, volatile era to life in their captivating production of The Great Gatsby, where time moves too fast to catch.
Based on the infamous book by F. Scott Fitzgerald and adapted to the stage by Simon Levy, The Great Gatsby recounts the epic tale of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire on a determined quest to win back his long-lost lover, Daisy Buchanan, after being separated amidst the battleground of the First World War. Set against the backdrop of America’s new gentry and the Roaring Twenties, a timeless tale of forbidden love, burning jealousy, and dangerous ambition unfolds amid the glittering excess of lavish parties and the flow of illegal booze.
With its dazzling performances and painstaking designs, William Mason High School clearly paid careful attention to detail when it came to creating a world where the American dream was as elusive as it was alluring.
Donovan Coppridge took on the role of portraying the legendary Jay Gatsby, a fabled businessman, with both charm and deep complexity. Through declarations of love and maintaining an air of mystery, he was able to depict the arc of this convoluted character. Molly Cronin graced the stage as Daisy Buchanan with the poise and vigor of a true 1920s socialite. She captivated the audience with her masterful emotional variety, depicting both the highs and lows demanded of such an iconic role.
A truly breathtaking performance was given by Delaney Cowles as the ill-fated Myrtle Wilson, who ran with a fiery intensity as she beautifully showcased the breakdown of a woman downtrodden and oppressed by the inequitable world.
Stage management and stage crew by Mary Scott and Malia Mathai were a highlight of this production. With seamless transitions and rapid set changes, there was never a dull moment or pause in the show thanks to the lightning work of this crew. Moreover, diligent research into the Roaring Twenties enabled costumes, by Pracchi Patel, to gleam and glisten in the lights as they transported the audience to the era of bootleggers and the Charleston. Finally, props by Elizabeth Stitak were carefully crafted and based on a thorough investigation into the time period, with each bringing the audience one step closer to the entrancing story of Gatsby.
Overall, William Mason High School’s production of The Great Gatsby not only portrayed a tale of desperation, deceit, and desire, but also enraptured audiences in a whirlwind of booze, jazz, and the high society of 1920s America.
Jordan Baker, played by Lily Droege, Nick, played by Sammy Sherman, and Tom Buchanan, played by Miguel Castro drive Gatsby’s yellow Rolls Royce in William Mason High School’s Production of The Great Gatsby.
Review by Mya Verticchio, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
Beneath the weary eyes of the infamous Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, glutinous wealth and tangled love affairs unravel into a tragedy buried deep beneath dollar bills and shallow fancies. From flashes of feathers, sparkling sequins, and shimmering streaks of gold gilding each floorboard, William Mason High School combined careful craftsmanship with a stunning performance, transporting their audience into the pages of one of America’s most famous works of literature – The Great Gatsby.
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s notorious American novel, The Great Gatsby depicts a post-World War I culture of rampant capitalism, in which extravagant wealth trumps all law and reason. The story follows the honest and reliable Nick Carraway, who finds himself swept into the lavish lifestyle of those of the East Egg, West Egg, and namely, the mysteriously alluring Jay Gatsby, whose pockets are seemingly infinite as his love for Nick’s cousin, Daisy Buchanan. When Nick helps the two lovers reconnect, however, status and their unwavering pasts take this story of love and twist it into one of tragedy.
William Mason High School brought this beloved tale to the stage with a beautiful display of tangible tensions, well-crafted intimacy, and skilled, stylized choreography, all wrapped in the lingering ambiance of smooth jazz. The cast brought the impressive authenticity of each classic character to every scene of this show, transforming the cold pages of this novel into a colorful and flourishing performance.
Donovan Coppridge did an outstanding job portraying the duality of the show’s namesake, Jay Gatsby. By differing between the charming and confident persona Jay tries to uphold, and the loneliness he truly feels, Coppridge authentically presented Gatsby’s true emptiness that money cannot fill. Gatsby’s beloved, Daisy Buchanan, was performed by Molly Cronin with equally incredible skill and consideration, constantly conveying Daisy’s tragic confliction both in her sheltered body language and wounded facial expressions.
In contrast to Gatsby’s superfluousness, Delaney Cowles masterfully took on the role of Myrtle Wilson, an ambitious, bold, and yet much less wealthy woman having an affair with Tom Buchanan in hopes of rising above her social status. Her dynamic performance in emotional and harrowing scenes truly encompassed Myrtle’s tragic fate as a mere casualty of the upper class’s melodramas, and fully demonstrated Cowles’ skill in these difficult scenes. Additionally, the ensemble presented the show with shining colors in their talentedly choreographed numbers sprinkled throughout the play.
The moment you entered William Mason’s Black Box Theater, the captivating set design completely transformed your surroundings. With the stage uniquely positioned on the floor and seating above, the height allowed the audience to view a brilliant map painted in gold weaving through the floorboards and climbing up the walls, beautifully designed by the show’s Paint Master, Renee Overholser. Additionally, with further innovation, William Mason also utilized their ensemble as props by shaping the way they were positioned to create cars and planes with their combined figures. Through this clever design by Elizabeth Stitak, the ensemble was able to convey large moving vehicles with the addition of very little extra set.
Overall, William Mason High School crafted this classic story of love and tragedy into both a skillful performance and a memorable production.
Daisy, played by Molly Cronin, is comforted by Jay Gatsby, played by Donovon Coppridge in William Mason High School’s Production of The Great Gatsby.
Review by Averie Shutters, Milford High School Critic Team
As the lights dimmed and the music started in Mason High School’s Black Box Theater, the audience was transported back to 1920s Manhattan. The theater came alive with the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, setting the perfect backdrop for Simon Levy’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The sounds of jazz filled the air, immersing everyone in a world of lavish parties and hidden desires. Each scene unfolded with vibrant energy, drawing viewers into the lives of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and the rest of the unforgettable characters.
Simon Levy's stage adaptation of The Great Gatsby brings F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic story to life in a fresh and engaging way. Set in the Roaring Twenties, Levy captures the spirit of the Jazz Age with striking visuals and powerful dialogue. The play highlights themes of ambition, love, and the elusive American Dream, telling the tragic tale of Jay Gatsby and his longing for Daisy Buchanan.
Mason High School's use of a simple set and creative staging drew the audience into the glamour and sadness of the 1920s, exploring the lasting struggles of desire and social class. The minimalist design allowed the actors to shine, emphasizing their powerful performances and the emotional depth of the story. Each carefully crafted scene highlights the contrast between wealth and longing, making the characters' journeys resonate deeply with the audience.
Molly Cronin's emotional performance as Daisy Buchanan moved the audience to feel every moment with her. As real tears were shed in the second act, her voice quivered, perfectly capturing the depth of Daisy's turmoil. Cronin portrayed these deeply emotional scenes beautifully, drawing the audience into Daisy's struggles and desires. Her ability to convey vulnerability made the character's journey all the more poignant, leaving a lasting impact on everyone watching.
Sammy Sherman's performance as Nick Carraway carried the story in a remarkable way. His compelling emotions brought depth to the character, and his skillful use of voice kept the audience engaged throughout. Sherman's ability to convey Nick's observations and reflections made the narrative flow seamlessly, allowing viewers to understand the unfolding drama. In addition, Sean MacFarland's portrayal of George Wilson was a powerful one. At first, the audience viewed him as just a supporting character, but everything changed as his deep emotions surfaced during his wife's death. MacFarland captured George's despair and vulnerability, making the moment both heartbreaking and unforgettable.
The props throughout the entire show were crafted with remarkable accuracy and attention to detail, thanks to crew head Elizabeth Stitak. Each piece was meticulously designed to reflect the 1920s, immersing the audience in the era. Alongside the stunning sets created by crew head Gavin Dunn, the production captured both the aura and the glitz of the time, truly transforming the black-box theater. This careful combination of props and sets enhanced the overall experience, transporting viewers into the vibrant world of Gatsby and his extravagant lifestyle.
In conclusion, Mason High School's production of The Great Gatsby transported audiences to the Roaring Twenties, combining powerful performances with beautiful visuals and meticulous attention to detail. Each element, from the actors' emotional portrayals to the carefully crafted props and sets, created an immersive experience that captured the essence of such a classic tale.
Sammy Sherman takes the stage as Nick Carraway at the start of William Mason High School’s Production of The Great Gatsby.
Excerpts From Other Top Reviews
"The carefully styled wigs, designed by Lily Altier, Emori Witmer-Gautsch, and the crew, added a timeless effect that effortlessly transported the audience to the glamorous 1920s. Each character's hairstyle not only enhanced their individual persona but also captured the essence of the era, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama."
-Eva Sarakatsannis, Highlands High School Critic Team
"Daisy Buchanan's husband, Tom Buchanan, was forcefully brought to life by Miguel Castro with a seismic fury. Despite every challenge of portraying such a static character, Castro showed a clear understanding of Tom's motives throughout the duration of the play. In addition, Drew Schultz provided an energetic performance of Mr. McKee, garnering laughs throughout the audience and never once delivering a dull moment. While interactions between actors could seem awkward at certain moments, movement continued, and the pacing of the show never faltered."
-Pete Billias, Milford High School Critic Team
"Overall, William Mason High School's production was a pleasure to watch. From its comedic use of ensemble members as a car to the gorgeously painted Dr. T.J. Eckleburg sign hanging from the ceiling, the show brought F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece alive in their own creative way."
-Julia Biernat, Saint Ursula Academy Critic Team
"Sammy Sherman showed great character development as Nick Carraway, the charismatic narrator and cousin to Daisy. Sherman was able to convey the journey of questioning the morality of being a wealthy elite. Jordan Baker, played by Lily Droege, helped to carry along the story by being the first to bring up Tom Buchanan’s faults. She exhibited comprehensible talent as both comedic relief and sincerity when necessary."
-Adah Mosher, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"Elizabeth Stitak's props in this production were especially thorough, with the coloring of the drinks and particularly Gatsby's photo album including variously arranged pictures and weathering on its edges showing its age. Despite the challenges that come with not having a permanent sound system, Samuel Aronoff chose music that reflected each scene's mood and creatively used music from the modern-day that was adapted to sound like music from the time. Additionally, the costumes, whose team was led by Prachi Patel, were intricate and matched the setting of the play. The costume team even designed new costumes for each scene the characters participated in, like dancing in a ballroom and having guests at home."
-Katherine Shuey, The Summit Country Day School Critic Team
"The set was beautifully designed, led by Gavin Dunn. With black and gold accents highlighting the fine features of the 1920s, the set was simple yet effective in making the stage pop."
-Sofia Augustine, Saint Ursula Academy Critic Team
"Mason High School's production excelled in showcasing the intimate lives of its characters through scenes ranging from ritzy dance parties to violent arguments and fights. All of the actors poured their hearts into this show through their carefully crafted facial expressions and intentional movements."
-Lily Krimmer, Taylor High School Critic Team
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