For Immediate Release
August 19, 2015
IRT OPENS 44TH SEASON WITH THE GREAT GATSBY, CELEBRATES LIKE IT’S 1925
Indianapolis— Opening its 44th season with The Great Gatsby, the IRT is pulling out all the stops for this much-anticipated production, which comes to the OneAmerica Mainstage on September 30-October 25.
Money, class, romance and corruption collide as the Great American Novel comes to life on stage. Opulent parties, passionate affairs, jealousy and murder are tangled together in this powerful and vivid tale of American bravado, lost love and post-war recovery in the Roaring Twenties. The Great Gatsby is an eloquent evocation of a bygone era that deeply resonates with our world today.
The Great Gatsby, adapted by Simon Levy and directed by Peter Amster, is the only stage version authorized by the Fitzgerald estate since 1926 and is the first time that it has been brought to a professional Indiana theatre stage.
“The Great Gatsby is such a perfect season opener for us, because it celebrates the American character in all its many facets: our sense of striving for success, our belief in our ability to reinvent ourselves, our resilience in the face of obstacles, our national belief in romance.” said IRT Executive Artistic Director, Janet Allen. “It provides thrilling challenges for artists to create Fitzgerald’s iconic images and characters vigorously on the stage.”
Whether it’s those reading the book for the first time, those who have read it many times, those who have enjoyed the movies, or those who can quote it by heart, The Great Gatsby is a story that generations can gather around.
Part heartbreak, part mystery, part war remembrance, part endless party, The Great Gatsby invites work from artists across the country who we have gathered to create the production specifically for our central Indiana audience.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
What: The Great Gatsby
When: September 30 – October 25
Where: 140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis | OneAmerica Mainstage
Cost: $25 -59 | Students $20
This production is two (2) hours and features one 15-minute intermission. The Great Gatsby is recommended for adults and students in grades 9-12 due to strong language and mature themes.
CAST AND CREW
Matt Schwader: Jay Gatsby
Zach Kenney: Nick Carraway
Hillary Clemens: Daisy Buchanan
David Folsom: Tom Buchanan
Angela Ingersoll: Myrtle Wilson
Teagan Rose: Jordan Baker
George Wilson: Ryan Artzberger
Charles Goad: Meyer Wolfshiem/Mr. McKee/Dancer
Constance Macy: Mrs. McKee/Mrs. Michaelis/Dancer
Nathan Garrison: Stage Manager
Director: Peter Amster
Scenic Design: Lee Savage
Costume Design: Tracy Dorman
Lighting Design: Thomas C. Hase
Sound Design/Composition: Victoria Deiorio
Projection Design: Katherine Freer
Associate Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
SPECIAL EVENTS
OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Friday, October 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Ticket purchase necessary
Party like its 1925! Join the IRT for an opening night party on October 2. Flappers and flyboys are encouraged to come dressed to impress in their white linen, fringe and pearls while posing for a photo with a 1938 Cadillac Model 75, courtesy of Antique Limousine of Indianapolis. Then, dance the Charleston to a big band and make a champagne toast with the cast after the performance!
LADIES NIGHT OUT: PAINTING & A PERFORMANCE
Sunday, October 4 | 4 p.m. (performance at 6 p.m.) | Ticket purchase necessary
Wine, canvas painting and a performance of The Great Gatsby for only $55? Can’t beat that deal! Gather up your best friends and bring them to the first Ladies Night Out of the season!
COOKIES AND COFFEE MATINEE
Thursday, October 15 | 2 p.m. | Ticket purchase necessary
Join the IRT for our Thursday at 2 p.m. performances for complimentary cookies provided by Vanilla Bean Bakery- Indianapolis and coffee before and during intermission of your performance. Promotion available with ticket purchase only.
CASINO NIGHT
Saturday, October 17 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Ticket purchase necessary
Feeling lucky? Join us along with Craps Kings Entertainment for Casino Night, open to ticked patrons from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. on October 17.
HAPPY HOUR
Tuesday, October 20 | 5:30 p.m. | Ticket purchase necessary
Join the IRT for Happy Hour by Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis, New Day Meadery and Hotel Tango Whiskey. Duos Indy Food Truck will be parked in front of the IRT and all drinks at the bar are half-priced. Promotion available with ticket purchase only.
MANY MENTORS PERFORMANCES
Are you a part of a mentoring organization? The Great Gatsby features four opportunities for you to bring a mentee to the IRT for only $20. That's right, your ticket is only $20 and the second ticket is FREE!
Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 4 at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m.
*For every performance there will be a pre-show chat that begins 45 minutes before curtain and ends 25 minutes before curtain. Additionally, a special guest speak will host the post-show discussion on Wed., Sept. 30.
Founded in 1972, the IRT is the largest and fully professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of IRT is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.
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