About

Experience a Broadway-style ballet inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, reimagined for the stage by World Ballet Company. The performance transports audiences into the dazzling Jazz Age, a world of extravagant parties, champagne-fueled dreams, and the pursuit of love and ambition. With cinematic choreography, handcrafted costumes, and a vivid set design, this ballet captures the glamour and the heartbreak at the center of Fitzgerald’s timeless novel.

The production combines elegance with drama, illustrating the roaring twenties in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Each movement brings to life the highs of hope and the lows of longing, revealing the cost of chasing an unattainable dream. Whether you are a lover of literature, dance, or simply searching for an unforgettable cultural experience, this ballet offers a rare chance to see a modern interpretation of one of America’s most iconic stories.

Join the audience in Aberdeen for a single night of breathtaking artistry and step into a world where romance, ambition, and fate collide beneath the glittering lights of the Jazz Age.

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Reviews

What a wonderful date night. My wife and I were in awe of the dance and interpretation of this great novel!

Joseph
Just finished watching the performance here in Fresno. It was amazing! I’m blown away by the incredible talent. Well done!
Claudia G.
Saw the fantastic performance in Arroyo Grande. It was amazing!!
Charmaine
What a beautiful show! The dancing, the acting, and the costumes exceeded my expectations. Thank you for bringing this show to Folsom!
Diana Tinoco
Thank you so much for your amazing performance! I was in awe of your team’s ability to portray such a tragic yet beautiful love story!
Lauren
Excellent ballet, so refreshing to see a full-length ballet based on a more modern book and movie. Everything was spectacular, the dancers, costumes, and sets.
Diane Wagner
Wow! The dancing is gorgeous, professional, and talented!
Marie Victoria Smith
Just saw it in Fresno. It was amazing! 10/10 would recommend!
Stephanie Alcala

The Gatsby Ballet show was a beautiful event to see! Big thanks to Gorskaya-Hartwick Productions!

Alexis

The production added new depths to a book I have taught many times as an English teacher, and my girl and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Thanks so much!

Jay

The Great Gatsby opened up a new door to entertainment for us, and we will definitely be returning to the ballet!

Brian

The costumes were so detailed and beautiful, they really made the performance come alive. Thanks for putting on such a great show!

William C.

Tickets

  • Tickets from $43.45 – $96.81 (all fees included).
  • Group Discounts Available: https://worldballetcompany.com/group-tickets
  • All sales are final and non-refundable.
  • Ages 8+ only.
How to Get Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased online via the Buy Tickets button.

General inquiries: hello@worldballetcompany.com or (818) 962-7745
Tickets are subject to availability.

Cast

ARSENTII LAZAREV
Jay Gatsby

ARSENTII LAZAREV

RAUL ABREU
Jay Gatsby

RAUL ABREU

EKATERINA LUKIANOVA
Daisy Buchanan

EKATERINA LUKIANOVA

KONSTANTIN GERONIK
Nick Carraway

KONSTANTIN GERONIK

ANDREA LASSAKOVA
Jordan Baker

ANDREA LASSAKOVA

MAKSIM VLAS
Tom Buchanan

MAKSIM VLAS

ANGELINA ZGURSKAYA
Myrtle Wilson

ANGELINA ZGURSKAYA

BAIKHADAM TUNGATAROV
George B. Wilson

BAIKHADAM TUNGATAROV

REGINA PANINA
Party Guest

REGINA PANINA

MIKHAYLO KALENTA
Party Guest

MIKHAYLO KALENTA

EKATERINA ZHDANIUK
Newspaper Seller

EKATERINA ZHDANIUK

ILYA TUROCK
Butler

ILYA TUROCK

IULIIA EIGENMANN
Party Girl

IULIIA EIGENMANN

INZHU KHASENOVA
Party Girl

INZHU KHASENOVA

HARUKA NOMURA
Traveler

HARUKA NOMURA

YEVGENIY RYBKIN
Party Trio

YEVGENIY RYBKIN

EKATERINA ARTEMENKO
Party Trio

EKATERINA ARTEMENKO

SAADI IMANKULOV
Party Trio

SAADI IMANKULOV

Meet the full cast here

Synopsis

Intro

A man named Nick Carraway reflects on his life, sifting through the sands of his memory, and trying to piece together a tale that once consumed him. He begins to write, unearthing a series of events that were as thrilling as they were devastating—a kaleidoscope of wealth, love, betrayal, and tragedy.

Act I

Nick moves to New York with starry-eyed ambitions of conquering the financial world. He rents a modest cottage in West Egg, a quirky outlier among the sprawling mansions of the ultra-wealthy suburbs. One night, while unpacking, he notices a shadowy figure at the window of a nearby mansion—a figure that seems to be watching him.
Nick is soon invited to his cousin Daisy’s lavish home in East Egg, where opulence drips from every corner. There, he meets her domineering husband, Tom Buchanan, and their friend, the enigmatic Jordan Baker, whose sharp wit slices through the evening’s polite conversation. Beneath the champagne bubbles, Nick senses a crack in Daisy and Tom’s golden facade. The night takes a surreal turn when, on his way home, Nick hears jazz music drifting from the mysterious nearby mansion. Soon after, he receives an invitation to one of the famed parties hosted by Jay Gatsby.
At the party, Nick is swept into a whirlwind of glittering chaos: flappers dancing, champagne flowing, and secrets whispered in dark corners. Amidst the revelry, he meets the man himself—Gatsby. Their conversation reveals a startling truth: Gatsby is deeply in love with Daisy and has spent years building his empire to win her back. He enlists Nick as his reluctant accomplice, asking for help to orchestrate a reunion.
As Nick wrestles with his conscience, he uncovers another layer of intrigue. Tom, who masks his insecurities with arrogance, is having a blatant affair with Myrtle, the wife of a local gas station owner. Nick reluctantly joins Tom and Myrtle at a raucous party in their Manhattan hideaway, where the air reeks of cheap gin and desperation. The evening ends explosively when Tom strikes Myrtle, leaving Nick disillusioned and more inclined to help Gatsby.
Gatsby and Daisy’s reunion, orchestrated over tea at Nick’s cottage but with Gatsby’s signature flair (and the help of his staff), is full with electric emotion. As they revisit their shared past, it becomes clear that Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy has consumed his life. Their connection reignites, and Daisy is swept into Gatsby’s grand world of indulgence.

Act II

Gatsby hosts a party with Daisy as his guest of honor, but the evening spirals into uncomfortable tension. Tom’s growing suspicion about Gatsby’s intentions clashes with Gatsby’s dream of rekindling a perfect love. Meanwhile, Gatsby’s shady business associate, Mr. Wolfsheim, disapproves of Daisy as a distraction, hinting at Gatsby’s underworld ties. The night ends on a somber note as Daisy and Tom leave. Desperation seeps into Gatsby’s actions as he clings to the belief that Daisy will leave Tom. Dismissing his servants for privacy, Gatsby spends days with Daisy, who toys with the idea of a future with him. But Tom, sensing the threat, devises a plan to unravel Gatsby’s world.
In the sweltering heat of summer, the group embarks on a tense trip to New York City, crammed into two cars: Gatsby’s flashy yellow vehicle and Tom’s blue one. In a suite at the Plaza Hotel, emotions boil over. Gatsby confronts Tom, declaring that Daisy never loved him. But Daisy, caught between fantasy and reality, falters. Tom exposes Gatsby’s criminal past, shattering his polished facade. The confrontation leaves Gatsby’s dreams cracked, and Daisy chooses safety over passion.
On the drive back, tragedy strikes. Myrtle, mistaking Gatsby’s yellow car for Tom’s, runs into the road and is struck down. The scene is a chaos, and Tom seizes the opportunity to paint Gatsby as the villain. Back at his mansion, Gatsby waits, still clinging to hope. He believes Daisy will call, but the phone remains silent. As the clock ticks, George Wilson, Myrtle’s husband, crazed with grief and fed false information by Tom, sets out for revenge.
The story ends in heartbreak. Gatsby is shot dead by George. Nick, left to deal with the aftermath, discovers that Gatsby’s so-called friends have abandoned him. Even Daisy and Tom, the architects of this tragedy, vanish without a trace, leaving Nick alone to arrange Gatsby’s funeral.

Epilogue

Disillusioned by the glittering facade of East Egg, Nick returns to the Midwest, his dreams of success tarnished. At Penn Station, he crosses paths with Tom, who justifies his betrayal with chilling indifference. Nick refuses to shake his hand, turning away from the man who destroyed so many lives. Yet, as the train pulls away, Nick cannot help but reflect on Gatsby’s unyielding hope. Despite the corruption and heartbreak, Gatsby believed in something greater—an unattainable dream that burned brightly until the end. Nick vows to remember Gatsby, the man who dared to chase the impossible, even as the rest of the world forgets.
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Experience The Great Gatsby Ballet at Johnson Fine Arts Center

Johnson Fine Arts Center is one of Aberdeen’s most prominent cultural venues, serving as a hub for music, theater, and dance. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the center has hosted a wide variety of regional and national performances, earning a reputation as a premier stage in South Dakota. Its design reflects both functionality and artistic purpose, ensuring every performance is presented at the highest standard.

Visitors can expect excellent acoustics, comfortable seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall theater experience. Conveniently located in the heart of Aberdeen, the venue offers accessible parking and is surrounded by a range of local dining options, making it easy to plan an evening out. From first-time visitors to seasoned theatergoers, Johnson Fine Arts Center provides the perfect setting for an evening of culture and entertainment.


Prohibition Era Themed Entertainment

Explore the fascinating contradictions and cultural impact of the Prohibition era through themed entertainment that examines this unique period in American history. These shows incorporate the atmosphere of speakeasies, the tension between legal restrictions and social rebellion, and the way prohibition influenced music, fashion, and social behavior during the 1920s. Through engaging storytelling and period-appropriate performance elements, audiences gain insight into how this controversial law shaped American culture while enjoying entertaining portrayals of the era’s underground nightlife and social dynamics.

Plan Your Visit

The performance begins promptly at 7:00 pm, and late seating may be restricted to avoid disturbing other guests. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes in advance to allow time for ticket scanning, finding your seats, and enjoying the atmosphere of the theater before the show begins. Early arrival also gives you the chance to explore nearby dining or refreshments available in the lobby. For the most accurate directions, parking details, and accessibility notes, please refer to the venue’s official Directions & Parking information before your visit.

Accessibility Services

Johnson Fine Arts Center is committed to making every performance welcoming and accessible to all guests. Accessible seating options are available throughout the venue, and ADA-compliant restrooms are located on-site. Assistive listening devices can be provided upon request at the information desk, and service animals are always welcome. Guests requiring American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation are encouraged to contact the venue in advance so that arrangements can be made to ensure the best possible experience.

Please Note

Event logistics, including parking procedures, performance start times, and venue policies, are subject to change without prior notice. For your convenience and to avoid last-minute issues, please confirm all operational details directly with the theater before attending. Staying updated through the venue’s official website will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable evening at The Great Gatsby Ballet.