Wright State Theatre opens its 2015-16 season with ‘The Great Gatsby’

Wright State Theatre will open its 41st season with Simon Levy’s adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," on Sept. 24-Oct. 4 in the Festival Playhouse.

Wright State Theatre will open its 41st season with “The Great Gatsby” Sept. 24 to Oct. 4 in the Festival Playhouse. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre will open its 41st season with Simon Levy’s adaptation of “The Great Gatsby,” on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center.

Performances are Sept. 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.; Sept. 25, 26, Oct. 2 and 3 at 8 p.m.; and Sept. 27, Oct. 3 and 4 at 2 p.m.

The play is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, which was published in 1925. Levy, an award-winning director and playwright, was granted exclusive rights to adapt the novel by the Fitzgerald estate.

Levy’s stage adaptation was a finalist for the PEN Literary Award in Drama.

The adaptation is narrated by Nick Carraway, who follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a young mysterious millionaire obsessed with the former debutante Daisy Buchanan.

“This marvelous, acting-packed adaptation of ‘The Great Gatsby’ is just about as fabulous as the world-famous novel — and we’re opening our season on the 90th anniversary of the publication of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and 75th anniversary of the death of its author,” said W. Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director for the Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures. “The cast is pumped and thrilled to be doing this production, just about as much as I am.”

The play is directed by McDowell (“Fences,” “Les Miserables”), with acting major Taylor Benjamin serving as assistant director.

The set is designed by David J Castellano, the lighting by Jacob Brown (“Romeo and Juliet”), costumes by Mary Beth McLaughlin (“Fences”), properties by John Lavarnway and sound by Alex Koker.

On the stage, the production features Conner Lysholm (Jay Gatsby), Ben Tracy (Nick Carraway), Caitlin Geisser (Daisy Buchanan), Joey Logan (Tom Buchanan), Chelsea Hauptstueck (Jordan Baker), Christian Schaefer (George Wilson), Madeline Sensenstein (Myrtle Wilson), William Mendelson (Chester McKee), Brittany Williams (Lucille McKee), Nathan Pecchia (Meyer Wolfsheim), Taylor Benjamin (Michaelis) and Zac Pruett (Waiter/Cop/Photographer). The Flapper Ladies are played by Danielle Bessler, Carrie Vorbroker, Hannah Williamson and Halle Augenstein.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 students and seniors.
For tickets and theatre information call the box office at 937-775-2500 or purchase single tickets online.

Dayton Power and Light is the opening play presenting sponsor.

Wright State Theatre season continues
Wright State Theatre’s 2015-16 season continues with the musical “Chicago” Oct. 29 to Nov. 15 in the Festival Playhouse.

The season also includes: