Gatsby in the City of Art — A Night at Ensemble Arts Philly
The Great Gatsby is worth all the buzz that is getting. From music to the stage, this production is sure to light up your world. If you have been considering it this is your nudge to make it happen. Expect to be blown away from the first note to the last.
What to Expect at the Great Gatsby
There are a lot of shows that you can possibly dilly dally into. This is not one. Get to the theatre early and prepare for your experience. Whether you try the official drink, My Green Light or grab snacks of all kinds. In addition, if you are considering upgrading to a closer seat I would highly recommend. There are a few things to keep in mind for this experience. At one point there is the use of a fake gun. This can be alarming as well as how it is used. Guard your heart and mind.
I would reserve this show for children 16 and up. Younger kids may be too young for the adult themes presented. The show is about 2.5 hours with a 20-minute intermission. Don’t forget to grab some show merchandise too.
The Lights Camera Action of it all
This is an amazing musical. There are a lot of layering messaging in this one. What is real and what is an illusion. How far are we willing to blow our lives up. Sometimes what we seek like the folks say all that glitters isn’t gold. Too many times, we covet what others have to fill our cups. We have no idea what it takes to make their lives what they are. The story unfolds in 1922 and the way that the stage makes the story shine.
Stand out in the show for me
Of course, Jay Gatsby played by Jake David Smith was outstanding. I also loved Daisy played by Senzel Ahmady. Not only is she beautiful but her singing is incredibly memorable. The other standout that brought all kinds of powerhouse singing and personality must go to Jordan Baker played by Leanne Robinson. The second she stepped onto the stage made me keep my eyes on her. I loved everything she brought to the character.
Whose version of you matters
What struck me most was how timely the story still feels. Watching The Great Gatsby chase an idealized dream, watching Daisy wrestle with comfort versus courage. I watched Nick try to make sense of it all and it reminded me how often we cling to versions of ourselves that no longer fit. The production didn’t just retell the story; it invited us to reflect on our own longings, and the ways we navigate the space between who we are and who we hope to be.
Final Scenes at The Great Gatsby
As the final scene settled and the applause rose, there was a collective exhale in the room. The connection, conversation, and community all came together. Immediately to get the sense of the way in which the show ended I always enjoy people watching. The conversations were all over the place. Some loved it while others were still distressed on its ending. If you’re looking for a play that blends artistry, emotion, and a touch of vintage sparkle, The Great Gatsby at Ensemble Arts Philly is worthy of the experience.
Thank you to the staff of the Academy of Music. They made it enjoyable. I didn’t see it on the same night as the other content creators. So, seeing it without my Broadway besties was different but still amazing. In addition, I highly suggest you grab your tickets before it ends on November 1st.
