Ballet Arkansas is heading back to the Jazz Age for the opening of its 26|27 season, revisiting a production that marked an important moment in the company’s history five years ago.
The company will present the world premiere of Michael Fothergill’s newly reimagined “The Great Gatsby” Oct. 23-25 at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The immersive production transforms F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story of wealth, desire, obsession and the American Dream into an experience that extends beyond the stage and throughout the theater.
Opening weekend will also include Ballet Arkansas’ official season kickoff celebration, “A Roaring Affair,” on Saturday, Oct. 24. Centered around the 7 p.m. performance of “The Great Gatsby,” the event will feature a VIP pre-performance experience, live jazz, cocktails and other libations, an online auction and a post-performance speakeasy in the museum’s Glass Box.
Photo courtesy of Ballet Arkansas and Matthew Sewell Photography
The production has a particular significance for Ballet Arkansas. Five years ago, the company premiered a substantially shorter version of Fothergill’s “The Great Gatsby” at UA–Pulaski Technical College, marking its first return to indoor theatrical performances following the pandemic shutdown.
At the time, audience restrictions were still in place, while illness and public-health restrictions continued to affect the company’s dancers, rehearsals and operations.
Even then, Michael and Catherine Fothergill envisioned eventually returning to “The Great Gatsby” with additional resources, a different venue and the ability to explore ideas that weren’t possible with the original production.
That opportunity arrives as Michael and Catherine Fothergill celebrate their 10th season leading Ballet Arkansas. Rather than simply bringing back the earlier production, Michael Fothergill is starting over with a newly reimagined version of “The Great Gatsby.”
Schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. – Pre-Show Talk with Executive and Artistic Director, Michael Fothergill at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Upgrade your 7 p.m. ticket to experience A Roaring Affair Special Event
- Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m.
Performance tickets begin at $25 and can be purchased on Ballet Arkansas’ website. To purchase a ticket or read more about the “A Roaring Affair” event, click here.
Feature photo courtesy of Ballet Arkansas and Matthew Sewell Photography
READ ALSO: Country Legend Lorrie Morgan Heads to Arkansas
