06/02/2024
Gatsby at The Green Light
I Stepped in with expectations, only to find them exceeded; GATSBY at the Greenlight offers an immersive, unexpectedly delightful evening of pure entertainment. This showcase blends old-fashioned sweat and sinew talent with contemporary theatrical flair, presenting a captivating array of dance, song, circus acts, and burlesque, all woven together by the narrative thread of an iconic American novel.
The Studio at the Sydney Opera House proves itself as one of the city's most versatile and thrilling venues, perfectly suited for this type of performance. The space is designed like a 1920s nightclub, featuring a prominent wood-panelled bar at its centre, which also doubles as a raised stage. A balcony with staircases on either side adds a second level for performances.
Seating options include a premium area with cabaret tables and chairs, and the VIP package offers a seat at a table, a complimentary cocktail, and a thoughtfully curated selection of tasty treats. The wait staff, friendly, efficient, and playfully involved in the show, enhance the overall experience. Standard seats are situated behind the tables, and on the mezzanine level, a balcony provides a vantage point for patrons to observe the action below.
The entertainment is relentless, with one bartender showcasing magnificent juggling skills and the other mesmerizing the audience with tap-dancing prowess. Aerialists flex like rubber, spin on a suspended coat rack, and dangle from a tightly-pulled ponytail while wielding fire. Gatsby and Daisy deliver a beautiful aerial ballet on rings, and Odette provides vocals that range from fierce to sultry. Bettie Bombshell, in addition to her seductive wanderings, performs a saucy st******se, adding to the non-stop excitement of the evening.
If I had to bring in down I would say that we spent some time in the dark as they transition from one performance to the next. But, now I’m just nit picking!