Jennifer Georgia — Theater Critic

The heart of the show is the title character, and this production is blessed with Jake David Smith as Jay Gatsby. A quadruple threat, Smith is equally excellent as a dancer (including tap), singer, actor, and comedian. In fact, his endearing awkwardness in trying to impress Nick or quailing at the prospect of finally meeting the love of his life at long last is the source of much of the comedy. His voice is especially fine, combining power and depth with delicacy and a lilting, upper range. He even has the aplomb to maintain his dignity while stripping down to his boxers during his solo at the climax of the show (which may be one of the few directorial missteps). He is a worthy and sympathetic Gatsby.

The actors, some of whom were in the five-Tony-winning Broadway production, are all first-rate. Gabby Beredo (Delia), Darron Hayes (Martin), Skye Alyssa Friedman (Teresa), and Max Santopietro (Aaron) are charming and harmonize beautifully as the chorus of awkward, nerdy theater kids. Marcus Phillips strikes just the right notes of tender, nervous enthusiasm as Seth, Kimmy’s slightly-more-than-friend, the good boy who wonders if some good might come from being bad for once.

The acting and voices are all excellent, in all registers, from Binnicker (Tom Watson)’s oily baritone, to Tacconi (Brit Craig)’s frenzied tenor, to Knight (Newt Lee)’s rich, despairing bass, to Suskauer (Lucille Frank)’s lovely but strong mezzo. Ramone Nelson stands out as the amused, powerful, and evil Jim Conley.