On September 4, Mr. Verga, head of the B-CC Theatre department, formally announced that the fall play will be Simon Levy’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
When asked why he chose the musical, Mr. Verga shared that the novel’s themes strongly resonated with him. “It can be a funny book sometimes, but it is definitely a drama,” said Verga. Senior Isabel Miller added, “I think The Great Gatsby was a great choice for this year’s play because it is a well-known piece of work that is both a great social commentary and just a fun show.”
Mr. Verga also offered advice for auditioning actors, saying, “Find something that matches the emotional depths of the show and only read monologues from the play itself for auditions if you want to.” Verga also clarified that “not being placed on the callback list does not mean you are not cast.”
Mr. Tuscano will also be returning to help with technical aspects of the play, including lighting, sound, and teaching the tech crew.
The Great Gatsby is the quintessential 1920s novel, so expect flapper dresses, art deco, dancing, bright lights, high emotion, and fun! Even if you’ve read the book, the play will offer some surprises. As Jay Gatsby says in the novel, “Can’t repeat the past?… Why of course you can!”
