Famed literary tale makes ballet debut in Merced

  • 2024-12-11
A brand new take on a famous piece of literature that’s nearly a century old is coming to Merced.

The World Ballet Company’s rendition of The Great Gatsby, based on the novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is coming to the Merced Theater in February.

Many critics consider The Great Gatsby book a classic. Over the years, it has been the subject of numerous adaptations, including two different films starring Robert Redford and Leonardo DiCaprio as the titular Gatsby, as well as one-man stage productions.

This unique ballet version of The Great Gatsby will include a brand-new score by movie and TV composer Anna Drubich. Organizers of the ballet said the new original score is an attempt to serve as a loving homage to the Jazz Age in which the story takes place.

The World Ballet Company’s The Great Gatsby will also feature choreography by Ilya Zhivoy and theatrical costume designs by Sonya Vartanyan.

Elaborate stage shows like these may need brochure printing to create the playbills for audiences and poster printing for promotional purposes.

The Los Angeles-based World Ballet Company said they have a mission of making ballet entertaining for everyone. The company has reached audiences of more than 450,000 and traveled to 300 cities.

The World Ballet Company’s The Great Gatsby premieres at the Merced Theatet on Saturday, February 15 and tickets range from $39-$89. The show is appropriate for ages 8 and up.