THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread — Page 4

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#76

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 4:29pm

The thing is that Florence Welch's Gatsby is premiering at ART Cambridge next summer, so if the Papermill show is really trying to get to Broadway this season, it doesn't seem like it would necessarily be an actual race.

Interesting to hear that Kait Kerrigan doesn't seem to understand the original novel (I missed the interview where she said she didn't like it), as my friend had watched some of the rehearsal footage and said Daisy seemed like a very different character than what she remembered from the book. I wonder how much they're willing to tweak the book over the course of previews.

#77

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 4:58pm

To be fair, F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel has been a tricky one to adapt, and this is hardly the first version. In fact, the first theatrical adaptation, by Owen Davis, would become the first film version in 1926. Three other movie versions have followed, headed by Alan Ladd in 1949, Robert Redford in 1974 and Leonardo DiCaprio in 2013. There's also been ''Gatz,'' a 2010 Off-Broadway 'version by the Elevator Repair Service; a 1999 opera at the Metropolitan Opera and a ballet in Columbus, Ohio, done by MetBallet. It'll be fascinating to compare this show by Jason Howland, Nathan Tysen and Kait Kerrigan with the one by Florence Welch, Thomas Bartlett and Martyna Majok.

Back to the Paper Mill, it's no surprise to hear Jeremy Jordan makes a great Gatsby, but how is Eva Noblezada as Daisy or Noah J. Ricketts as Nick? Again, it's only the first preview of a world premiere. It takes time for the creative team to know what they really have; they need to see the show up on its feet. Granted last night was a first preview, which often are long, but what was the running time?

Updated On: 10/13/23 at 04:58 PM

#78

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 5:19pm

Here’s the thing: criticism of the show aside (I clearly hated it), I don’t think Jordan is a good Gatsby. He has a pleasant voice and is conventionally attractive, but I’m not sure I found anything great about his performance.

#79

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 6:11pm

Very interesting to read such wildly mixed responses. Much as I love Jordan and Noblezada, I’ve been very underwhelmed by all of the music I’ve heard from the show via Paper Mill’s social media. I’ve been so surprised by the enthusiastic reaction to what I thought was so disappointing. Wonder if this is just gonna be a real love-it-or-hate-it show all around. I’m very curious to hear more and see how this and the ART Gatsby progress over the next year!

#80

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 6:38pm

I'm guessing that OD Company is going to take this version to Broadway regardless of the reception of the Paper Mill version, because they want to be able to brand it as a Broadway show when they roll out various international productions, which may be (to them) the main end goal. Time will tell I suppose.

#81

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 6:43pm

Updated On: 10/13/23 at 06:43 PM

#82

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 7:13pm

Has anything at Paper Mill ever been so amazing thou ?

Updated On: 10/14/23 at 07:13 PM

#83

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 8:07pm

Interestingly enough, I’d say that, in a lot of ways, Hunchback was amazing and it never transferred.

#84

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 8:34pm

I don’t get why you’d adapt a book you didn’t like… That’s a red flag right there.

From the announcement this one has always been the bland conventional one given the creative team.

It is one of my favorite books but makes for a tough adaption because Gatsby isn’t really the main character. It’s Nick who we see and experience it all through. So you shouldn’t probably be walking out and raving about the guy playing Gatsby. One of my favorite parts is Nick noticing that the spines of the books aren’t cracked meaning all of Gatsby’s book are for show. Just love that bit of detail.

#85

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 9:07pm

''Has anything at Paper Mill every been so amazing thou ?''

This might be the exception, but ''Newsies'' (2011). Initially, Disney insisted it had no plans to bring the Paper Mill production to Broadway; they claimed it was only being done to create a version they could license. But I was at the very first preview of ''Newsies.'' Between the terrific show onstage, which already was in stellar shape, and the wildly enthusiastic audience, you knew it was a hit. I remember running into Christopher Gattelli in the parking lot, and told him: ''When this moves to Broadway, you're gonna win the Tony [for choreography].'' (And happily, I was right!)

''Newsies'' got pretty much rave reviews, including the N.Y. Times, and soldout houses. And then Disney announced it WAS going to New York. I think ''Newsies'' could be Paper Mill's most successful show to transfer to Broadway: It won a oouple of Tonys and ran for over 1,000 performances.

Updated On: 10/13/23 at 09:07 PM

#86

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 11:16pm

I honestly think Hunchback would’ve had great success on Broadway if AEA allowed the chamber choir to perform.

The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince

#87

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/13/23 at 11:54pm

Voter said: "This is a creative team that had me hesitant on the overall material... Broadway is in dire need of some decent book writers for real"

More and more I wonder if a TV-style "writer's room" (led by a Head Writer) is the way to go for writing a musical nowadays so the book doesn't all fall on one person. Different perspectives can be there, and some problems might actually get solved. I don't know how the score is for WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, but it's written by Pigpen Theatre Co, which is comprised of 7 people (alas, all male).

I'll add: actual collaborators, not a "too many cooks in the kitchen" situation like PARADISE SQUARE.

Updated On: 10/14/23 at 11:54 PM

#88

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/14/23 at 12:55am

'IHeartRadio Broadway features ''The Great Gatsby'' at Paper Mill Playhouse. Below, interviews with cast members Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada and Noah J. Ricketts, as well as members of the creative team, such as director Marc Burni and bookwriter Kait Kerrigan. Wish we could hear from lyricist Nathan Tysen and composer Jason Howland, too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbHls30suFQ

Updated On: 10/14/23 at 12:55 AM

#89

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/14/23 at 3:23am

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "I'll add: actual collaborators, not a "too many cooks in the kitchen" situation like PARADISE SQUARE."

YES! Having a writers' room of real collaborators to develop ideas and challenge each other is VERY different than the producer-led made-by-committee drivel that is shows like Paradise Square and New York, New York.

I'd also agree that if The Great Gatsby is not on Broadway before the opening night of Gatsby in Boston, it will die the moment the first Gatsby review comes out.

#90

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/14/23 at 10:25am

RippedMan said: "I don’t get why you’d adapt a book you didn’t like… That’s a red flag right there.

From the announcement this one has always been the bland conventional one given the creative team.

It is one of my favorite books but makes for a tough adaption because Gatsby isn’t really the main character. It’s Nick who we see and experience it all through. So you shouldn’t probably be walking out and raving about the guy playing Gatsby. One of my favorite parts is Nick noticing that the spines of the books aren’t cracked meaning all of Gatsby’s book are for show. Just love that bit of detail."

That’s part of why the novel is tricky to adapt. Gatsby isn’t the main character, Nick is. But Nick doesn’t have much of an arc- he’s the narrator and witness to Gatsby’s arc and is generally a pretty passive character who doesn’t drive any of the action. Nick isn’t even present at many of the key moments.

The novel is more about mood, language, and metaphor than its action, so trying to do a conventional, literal-minded adaptation is going to be a letdown. That’s why ERS’s Gatz was so successful- it was the whole novel, but within a metaphorical framework. And that’s why I’m more intrigued and excited by the Chavkin and Welch adaptation, as they’re both artists whose work generally lives in that metaphorical space.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

#91

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/14/23 at 11:00pm

Sigh.... so disappointed.

Will expand thoughts later.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#92

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 12:18am

Hello chat. I’ve always been a JJordan fan but - wether or not this production makes it to broadway, it is truly one of the most magical nights of theater I’ve seen in a very long time. I respect everyone will have a different insight as the book has historically come with mixed response from the public. I can say I’ve seen near 95% of the current broadway season and I do wonder if some of these posts are intended to just be… nasty(?!). Will this production be the second coming to musical theater - No. What I can put input on is: I could see nearly every person in the orchestra sitting forward in their seat during the night that instantly stood to their feet. This has exceeded everything I’ve seen at Paper Mill in the past 15 years and I had to write to counter the questionably heartless posts here. The night was everything I’d want from a title comes with such high expectation. It was beyond great in my opinion and I applaud the Paper Mill for making this for the people that love this story.

#93

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 12:30am

SamVas said: "Hello chat. I’ve always been a JJordan fan but - wether or not this production makes it to broadway, it is truly one of the most magical nights of theater I’ve seen in a very long time. I respect everyone will have a different insight as the book has historically come with mixed response from the public. I can say I’ve seen near 95% of the current broadway season and I do wonder if some of these posts are intended to just be… nasty(?!). Will this production be the second coming to musical theater - No. What I can put input on is: I could see nearly every person in the orchestra sitting forward in their seat during the night that instantly stood to their feet. This has exceeded everything I’ve seen at Paper Mill in the past 15 years and I had to write to counter the questionably heartless posts here. The night was everything I’d want from a title comes with such high expectation. It was beyond great in my opinion and I applaud the Paper Mill for making this for the people that love this story."

Did chatgpt create a profile and write this?

#94

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 12:45am

Or… rather my honest insight?

#95

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 1:00am

“and I do wonder if some of these posts are intended to just be… nasty(?!)”

Or…we just didn’t like it! If anything, this show has proven to have the opposite. Forums and theatre instagrams are flooded with teen girls and theatre fans telling this to “transfer now!” because of its appealing (?) cast. Toxic positivity ain’t good either.

#96

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 7:35am

"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "

Updated On: 10/15/23 at 07:35 AM

#97

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 11:31am

Travel from Manhattan for one night just for this. I LOVE IT !!!! There r some tech/transition issue a bit during my night (not something serious but something like 1-2 seconds) lagging in lighting but it s just 1 or 2 times.

Dunno where r all those negative comments are coming from. I hope they make it to BW with new production team that a bit more fancy than this.

Updated On: 10/15/23 at 11:31 AM

#98

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 11:38am

Kad said: "RippedMan said: "I don’t get why you’d adapt a book you didn’t like… That’s a red flag right there.

From the announcement this one has always been the bland conventional one given the creative team.

It is one of my favorite books but makes for a tough adaption because Gatsby isn’t really the main character. It’s Nick who we see and experience it all through. So you shouldn’t probably be walking out and raving about the guy playing Gatsby. One of my favorite parts is Nick noticing that the spines of the books aren’t cracked meaning all of Gatsby’s book are for show. Just love that bit of detail."

That’s part of why the novel is tricky to adapt. Gatsby isn’t the main character, Nick is. But Nick doesn’t have much of an arc- he’s the narrator and witness to Gatsby’s arc and is generally a pretty passive character who doesn’t drive any of the action. Nick isn’t even present at many of the key moments."

This is the BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S problem, too: a leading lady wh ois sort of deliberately unknowable, and a male narrator who is kind of boring. Makes it tough to adapt unless you radically depart from the novella & deepen what is already there.

#99

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 2:03pm

WldKingdomHM said: "Has anything at Paper Mill ever been so amazing thou ?"

Does Follies (1998) count?

They had the Broadway funding secured before James Goldman’s estate / wife(?) cancelled the plan

The recording is my fav one - tied with the OBC (remastered)

#100

THE GREAT GATSBY @ Paper Mill Playhouse Thread

Posted: 10/15/23 at 2:23pm

I'm hearing from my industry friends that this production is a dud and the music is unmemorable. Chavkin's production is the better one to focus on with aspirations for Broadway and will likely make it before this one so we shall see?

"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new." Sunday in the Park with George

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