The classic story the Great Gatsby has made its appearance in London this week. Local theatre group Scala Productions has been putting in the work to produce this show since early October and the time has finally come.
The cast talked about how excited they were to see a classic work of fiction with a local flare. Director Paul Scala says he has always loved London and the thought of giving actors in the city the chance to perform a piece like this inspired him.
Doing a classic story like this can be difficult when the book and the movie are so well known. Paul Scala says, “the challenge with the characters is to find ways to embody the role and still be unique”. The production incorporated a community feel with music produced by Kevin Gibson, a student at Western Universities music program. All the music in the show is played by a local band in London and brings a classic roaring twenties feel to the play.
Erin Northcott who played Daisy Buchanan in the play says the production is one to remember with dancing, singing, and a whole bunch of other fun stuff. The cast spoke directly about the benefit this show would have to students as many of them recognized the book is studied in schools throughout Ontario
Ben Kennes, who plays Tom Buchanan praised the show saying,”For theatre in London it’s a breath of fresh air to see something like this because not a lot of shows lately have done something like this”. The cast says this is a show you don’t want to miss this because the production is so much fun.
The show runs April 5th to 9th at the Palace Theatre.
