Broadway tour of "The Great Gatsby: A New Musical" at the Orpheum Theatre

A musical adaptation of the most well-known novel of one of Minneosta's favorite sons, F. Scott Fitzgerald, opened on Broadway two years ago and is still playing. The touring production of The Great Gatsby has landed in Fitzgerald's birthplace for one week only. Did this critically acclaimed classic novel need to be adapted into a musical? Probably not. Is this format, what is essentially a musical comedy for the first three-quarters of the show, the best way to tell this American tragedy, a brutal look at capitalism, classism, materialism, and the failure of the American dream? Definitely not. It doesn't really capture the essence of the novel (which just makes me want to read it again), but it is a gorgeous depiction of the roaring '20s in all its glitz and glamour, and it does use some of Fitzgerald's lyrical text. I actually found the brutal ending to be the best part of the show, after all of the deaths that are quite startling after the comedy tone of the majority of the show, when Nick states one of the most famous closing lines in all of literature: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." And we see those glitzy party goers, their words and movements now dark and hollow. We finally get the essence, the heart of the story, but it's too little, too late. Still, I enjoyed the show and I think it's worth seeing, if only for the stunning design, gorgeous costumes, fabulous dancing (continuing through June 7 - click here for the official ticketing site, including information about student, educator, and industry rush tickets).

Broadway tour of "Les Miserables" at the Orpheum Theatre

Are you ready to hear the people sing? The people being the incredibly talented cast of the long-touring production of the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Miserables, most of whom were with the tour when it was last here in 2022 (and some even in 2018). The singing being the 6th longest running Broadway musical (from 1987 to 2003) and one of the most popular and beloved. I was telling someone about the show today (because I always end up talking theater with strangers) and they asked, why would I want to see something so miserable and depressing? Firstly, the music is gorgeous, nearly three straight hours of singing accompanied by a glorious orchestra. Secondly, because as I've previously written about the show, it's "such an inspiring story. Through a moment of kindness, a man's life is changed and he goes on to affect others' lives by passing on that kindness. But through it all he's still just a man, with doubts and regrets and struggles. In short, it's the human experience." It's truly inspiring and brings me to tears every time, especially my favorite line "to love another person is to see the face of God." Last night I was struck by the contrast between the two main characters. Valjean receives a moment of grace and kindness and allows it to turn his life around for the better, extending grace and kindness to those he meets. But when he extends it to Javert, he is unable to accept it and let go of his lifelong vendetta of hate. The world could use more Valjeans. Experience this epic journey at the Orpheum Theatre through December 1.