Wego Drama takes you back to the Roaring '20s with 'The Great Gatsby' Sept. 9-10

Posted September 01, 2022 11:00 pm

By Mark Begovich Wego Drama

Senior Ellie Hurley of Winfield as Daisy and junior Alex Bradley of West Chicago as Gatsby lead the company in doing "The Charleston" dance during rehearsal for Wego Drama's upcoming production of "The Great Gatsby." Courtesy of Wego Drama

Wego Drama at West Chicago Community High School continues their 2022-23 season with "The Great Gatsby."

Based on the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, be ready to go back 100 years to the Jazz Age!

The Roaring '20s is electric in this romantic tale of undying love. Just who is the mysterious Mr. Gatsby? Discover the answer by seeing this decadent production. It is the perfect continuation of the Wego Drama season theme of "Discover Who You Are."

Do you believe that love can triumph? Then see F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"!

Junior Alex Bradley, who plays Jay Gatsby, states, "This character is iconic. There is a great deal of careful thought happening to do justice to Gatsby."

Senior Elizabeth Hurly, who plays the wealthy socialite Daisy Buchanan and Gatsby's love interest, continues, "It is such an important show. The relationships and statements that were created in the 1920s still resonate a century later. I am constantly discovering new aspects of the messages from Fitzgerald."

"If you remember the book and its depth, then you need to see this production," said junior Michael Angeles, who plays Nick Carroway, Daisy's cousin. "It is truly special."

Junior Michael Angeles, left, as Nick Carroway and junior Alex Bradley as Gatsby rehearse for the upcoming production of "The Great Gatsby." Courtesy of Wego Drama

The company of actors and crew for the show includes from Carol Stream: Hailey Gutierrez, Sarah Larimer, Alysa Solomon, and William Wenberg; from West Chicago: Mariana Acosta, Michael Angeles, Kenya Bahena, Jacob Benitez, Alex Bradley, Miranda Bucio, Wil Cooper, Chris Correa, Pamela Cruz, Danais Gomez-Garcia, Annaliesa Herbst, Dinah Humphrey, Sentia Irakoze, Enaya Kazmi, Matthew Krysinski, Karidja Monjolo, Romina Pietanza, Baron Plumlee, Jocelyn Ramirez, Nick Risconosciuto, Vincent Ross, Ryley Salazar, Nancy Sanchez, and Jason Wang; and from Winfield: Ryan Blackburn, Bo Dragosh, Carolyn Fleming, Elizabeth Hurley, Avery Moffatt, Mariah Varnado.

Mark Begovich directs the Wego Drama production with technical direction by Christopher Jensen. The dances were taught by Nancy Bocek and vintage costumes are provided by All Dressed Up in Batavia.

Note, this is a highly symbolic play that deals with complex themes. Similar to the novel, it is not intended for people under 13. Moments of mature subject matter, language, violence, and self-harm are presented in this production. Sensitive viewers should be aware.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9-10, at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago.

Tickets, which are $8 or $5 for students, are now on sale at www.wegotheatre.com.

For more information, contact Mark Begovich at mbegovich@d94.org.

Daisy (Ellie Hurley) and Gatsby (Alex Bradley) rehearse for Wego Drama's upcoming production of "The Great Gatsby." Courtesy of Wego Drama

Community High School District 94 provides an outstanding educational experience for approximately 2,100 students in ninth to 12th grade at West Chicago Community High School. The school serves the communities of Carol Stream, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is adapted for the stage by Simon Levy. It is produced through special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, New York, N.Y.

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