Check out Motion Arts Temora’s new production of The Great Gatsby. Photo: Motion Arts Temora.
People are captivated by love, wealth, the pursuit of happiness, obsession and denial.
Motion Arts Temora invites everyone to explore these themes as they step back in time to experience the allure of the roaring 20s with the company’s enthralling rendition of The Great Gatsby, directed by Scott Hayman.
In what is billed as classic American literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is the tale of tragic love and obsession set against the backdrop of the roaring 20s in the Jazz Age.
Scott said many people would have read or heard about The Great Gatsby, though he wondered how many of them really knew the story well.
“I remember after the first reading of the script, several people commented, “Everyone in this story is horrible”, Scott said.
“It’s a story that’s 100 years old and still finds itself being retold again and again, with multiple film versions and stage adaptations.
“It has also been taken to Broadway as a new musical.”
Scott said there were several stage adaptions of The Great Gatsby and the version he was directing was written by Stephen Sharkey.
He said the audience could look forward to great music and dancing.
“The variety of lead actors bring their characters to life remarkably well, as does a talented chorus that brings to life multiple characters and certainly keeps Gatsby’s parties full of energy,” Scott said.
“The sets have been custom-built to reflect the art deco style regularly connected with the roaring 20s.”
The cast and crew of 25 are from Temora, Ariah Park and Wagga Wagga.
“We are delighted to have a variety of people involved in this show,” Scott said. “Students, nurses, business owners and teachers, all from various age groups and backgrounds.
“I’m really proud of what this cast and crew have achieved.”
The cast and crew have spent the past three months rehearsing the play and working hard on each part of the production.
The director said this production of The Great Gatsby was his third attempt at bringing the show to the stage.
“Motion Arts started planning in 2019. We were excited to return to the roaring 20s and the first thing we thought about was The Great Gatsby,” Scott said.
“We purchased the rights to the show and commenced rehearsals in early 2020. Two and a half months into rehearsal, we were ready for the performances. Then came our first mandatory lockdown.”
Scott thanked all those who helped with the production over the past few years with donated props, sets, costumes, and time. He also thanked his cast and crew.
“The people in the cast and crew give up two nights a week for rehearsals and additional time of their own, gathering everything required for the production and working on their lines,” he said.
“Many do not know how much goes into a stage production like this. At times, it can feel like a full-time job, with posters and programs being designed, advertising to arrange, catering to prepare, and reading and rereading the script as you plan, experiment, and replan how the show will unfold.
“Special credit needs to go out to all those involved in this production and any stage production. And to our friends and families who put up with us stressing throughout the whole time!”
The Great Gatsby will run from 10 to 19 May at the Temora Town Hall. Tickets are $30, or $25 for under 16s and concessions.
Tickets are available from Motion Arts Temora, Temora’s Double Shot or at the door on the night.
Dates and showtimes are:
Friday 10 May, 7 pm
Saturday 11 May, 7 pm
Sunday 12 May, 2 pm
Saturday 18 May, 7 pm
Sunday 19 May, 2 pm.
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