'Great Gatsby' opens ballet season in Pgh.
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will open its 39th season with the Pittsburgh premiere of "The Great Gatsby," set for three performances Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave.
Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the ballet features the choreography of John McFall and Lauri Stallings, lavish sets and costumes designed by Peter Farmer and popular recordings from the 1920s and '30s.
The tale of urbane millionaire Jay Gatsby captures the glamour, decadence, optimism and despair of a bygone era, through a compelling story of desire, lost love, jealousy and man's disillusionment with the American Dream. Through this Jazz-age tale, Fitzgerald also creates vivid, memorable characters, including Gatsby's love interest Daisy Buchanan, her husband Tom and Gatsby's neighbor Nick Carraway.
This Pittsburgh Premiere of "The Great Gatsby" was originally choreographed for Atlanta Ballet's 2006-07 season by John McFall and Lauri Stallings. Using a unique combination of classic and contemporary ballet, along with such '20s dance crazes as "The Charleston," "Gatsby" portrays the emotion and excitement that epitomizes the Roaring '20s.
Tickets range from $20.50 to $88.50 and are available by calling 412-456-6666 or by visiting the Web site, www.pbt.org. For groups, call 412-281-0360 or send e-mail to group_sales@pittsburghballet.org.
