WMU Theatre transports Heritage Hall to the 1920s for immersive production of 'The Great Gatsby'

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dust off your fringe, flappers and fedoras, Western Michigan University Theatre's next production is about to take over historic Heritage Hall—and it's going to be the bee's knees!

A unique, immersive adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" is set for a sold-out, nine-show run from March 14 to 29. Audience members will transport back to the Roaring '20s as they attend Jay Gatsby's extravagant final party.

"Come in downstairs, have a drink, mingle with other party guests (portrayed by our actors), and then everyone is invited to the ballroom where Gatsby's party is taking place. There's a live band and a singer, and you can watch the story of Jay Gatsby's final hours unfold," says Dr. Joan Herrington, director of Western's School of Theatre and Dance. "There will be drinks. There will be food you can buy. There will be music. There's a Charleston dance contest."

"We hope the audience comes in expecting to play around a little bit and be open to the experience," adds Joe Meagher, a second-year acting student who will play Gatsby. "That's the cool opportunity you have with an immersive show. As an audience member, you get to feel what it's like to live in the universe we're creating."

The experience will extend throughout the building, with actors in various rooms mingling and doing scenes throughout the evening. Jake Flaviani, a second-year student double majoring in acting and history, will be stationed in Gatsby's library downstairs playing the part of Professor Schrepferman, based on the book character known as Owl Eyes.

"I've described him to people as the crazy old man in the library who's talking about the books," Flaviani laughs. 

His character will also double as a sort of interactive information booth for audience members interested in learning more information about the time period. He'll tap into the research he completed in another role he played for the production known as a dramaturg, which helps provide context and historical information to the cast.

"I saw a rare opportunity for me to utilize both of my majors in one production. So I asked if I could assist because it's an immersive piece and actors have to know a lot about the time period—more than just events and names but also how to act as if they were living during this period," says Flaviani. "I created guides to share with the cast that they could utilize for research purposes in creating their character and bringing the time period to life for the audience."

Immersive theatre is unique in the Kalamazoo area, but it's gaining steam nationally and internationally. 

"People have changed in what they expect when they go out. And while there are people who are still thrilled to sit in a concert hall or a traditional theatre, there are a fair number of people who want an event. They want it to be something new, something different," Herrington says. "We wanted to offer that to the community and also help prepare our students to be able to work in that marketplace."

"Our goal is for every audience member to come away able to say they had a unique experience," Meagher adds. "I can't wait for people to see it!"

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.