Having loved the book and the film, I had no hesitation in going to see a ballet version of the story. The review in The Guardian suggested that the first half was far better than a disappointing second. However I felt the opposite was true. The earlier switches in time didn't work for me, even knowing the plot. Gatsby's gangster roots (where he made his money) were well portrayed but having two dancers playing Gatsby (one as a soldier) felt strange.
But then the second act burst into something magical. The Pas de Deaux was accompanied by a beautiful theme from Richard Rodney Bennett, whose music is used for the entire score. The orchestra is at it's best as the sound sweeps quieter then louder to match the dancer's movements. This is followed by a group tango that was well choreographed.
The twenties costumes looked good, and the sets, lighting and sound were spot on. Just listening to the live orchestra was a treat. I had a perfect seat, all the more so as the three rows in front of me had gaps for the three technicians with their tech stuff on the front row. I actually prefer classical ballet to this more modern stuff, but the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald was destined for the stage.
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