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Missoula's Sullivan Street Theatre Reimagines "The Great Gatsby" with Jazz-Infused Choreography

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 12:24 GMT by Missoulian

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Missoula’s Theatre Scene Shines in a Stellar Production of “The Great Gatsby”
An in‑depth look at the recent Missoulian‑covered show, its creative vision, and the broader cultural context it inhabits

For many Missoula residents, the local theatre scene has long been a vibrant, if often under‑publicized, hub of artistic expression. The Missoulian’s recent coverage of the Sullivan Street Theatre’s latest offering—an ambitious rendition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 classic The Great Gatsby—offers a snapshot of how contemporary regional theatre can revitalize a literary masterpiece while engaging a modern audience in ways that feel both fresh and deeply resonant.

A New Lens on an Old Classic

Unlike the traditional, book‑heavy staging of the novel, Sullivan Street’s production chose to foreground the story’s themes of excess, longing, and the elusive nature of the American Dream through a combination of jazz‑inspired choreography, kinetic set pieces, and an original score that blends classic swing with modern electronic elements. The director, Jesse Anderson, notes in the article that his aim was “to make the past feel present, to show that the emotional core of Gatsby’s story is as relevant today as it was a century ago.” Anderson’s concept is visually reflected in a stage that swirls between a roaring 1920s ballroom and the stark, contemporary interiors of an investment brokerage office, a duality that the review describes as “the emotional heartbeat of the production.”

Cast and Characters

The lead role of Jay Gatsby was taken on by Missoula native Elena Rodriguez, whose performance has been lauded for balancing the character’s mysterious charm with an underlying vulnerability. The article quotes the reviewer: “Rodriguez’s Gatsby is a man of both myth and flesh—his longing for Daisy is palpable, his ambition a quiet undertone that ripples through every scene.” Daisy Buchanan is portrayed by Liam Patel, who brings an unexpected edge to the role, turning what might have been a stereotypical “woman of wealth” into a nuanced figure grappling with her own disillusionment.

Supporting roles are equally noteworthy. Samantha Liu as Tom Buchanan provides a jarring counterpoint to Gatsby’s romantic idealism, while Marcus Green as Nick Carraway offers the narrative perspective that keeps the audience grounded amid the theatrical excesses. Anderson’s choice to cast a mixed‑race ensemble is highlighted in the article as a deliberate nod to the timeless, borderless nature of the novel’s themes.

Design and Technical Innovation

The set designer, Marina Kline, was tasked with translating the opulence of 1920s New York into a physical environment that could seamlessly transition into the stark realism of contemporary Missoula. The article describes a modular set, with a rotating ballroom that can shift into a minimalist office space with a few carefully chosen props. The lighting, curated by David Lopez, uses warm amber washes to evoke nostalgia while cooler tones punctuate moments of tension and moral ambiguity.

Sound design also plays a crucial role. The review points out that the original score, composed by Ana Ramirez, cleverly interlaces period‑specific instrumentation (e.g., clarinet solos, piano waltzes) with modern synthesizers, creating a sonic bridge between eras that mirrors the visual narrative.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Beyond the creative aspects, the Missoulian article situates the production within Missoula’s broader cultural economy. It notes that the show has already attracted audiences from neighboring towns, generating a boost to local businesses such as the Missoula Coffee House and The Roxy Cinema, which host post‑show discussions and themed events. The theatre’s partnership with the Missoula Arts Council for a subsidized ticket program is mentioned as a key factor in maintaining accessibility, a detail that underscores the community’s commitment to democratizing the arts.

The article also references a link to the Sullivan Street Theatre’s official website, where readers can find show dates, a ticket pricing guide, and background information on the creative team. An additional link leads to a feature on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life and work, offering readers an academic perspective that complements the practical theatre coverage.

Reception and Takeaway

Critics at The Missoulian have praised the production as “a triumph of inventive staging and nuanced acting.” The reviewer concluded that the show “reminds us that literature and performance are not static; they are living conversations that evolve as we do.” The article ends by encouraging readers to attend not just for entertainment but for a deeper understanding of how regional theatres can reframe canonical stories for contemporary audiences.

In summary, Sullivan Street Theatre’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby demonstrates how thoughtful direction, diverse casting, and innovative design can breathe new life into a literary classic. The Missoulian’s comprehensive coverage offers not only a critique but also a broader context that frames the production as a cultural touchstone—an invitation for Missoula’s residents and beyond to witness how the past and present collide on stage.