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About

The Great Gatsby Ballet captures the energy and allure of the Roaring Twenties in a stage performance that blends ballet artistry with Broadway-inspired storytelling. Based on Fitzgerald’s classic novel, this production immerses audiences in Gatsby’s glittering world of ambition, romance, and heartbreak. With elaborate costumes, cinematic staging, and a powerful score, the ballet transforms a literary masterpiece into an unforgettable theatrical event.

From dazzling party scenes to moments of intimate emotion, the performance reflects both the extravagance and the fragility of the Jazz Age. Themes of longing, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams are told through expressive choreography and striking visuals. For Brainerd audiences, this two-night engagement is a rare opportunity to experience the cultural richness of a world-class ballet company performing one of America’s greatest stories.

Gallery

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 $46.87 – $104.44 (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 buttons for either October 22 or October 23 through the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts ticketing page.

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.
Read more Learn more about the show
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Gichi-ziibi Center Show: A Modern Venue in Central Minnesota

The Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts is one of Brainerd’s leading performance venues, designed to host concerts, plays, and community events in a welcoming, modern space. With its spacious auditorium, strong acoustics, and community-centered mission, it has become a hub for cultural life in the region.

Guests attending The Great Gatsby Ballet will enjoy comfortable seating, excellent views, and easy access to parking and nearby amenities. The venue’s location in central Brainerd makes it an accessible and inviting destination for a memorable evening out.


Art Deco Theatrical Productions and Period Staging

Marvel at the visual splendor of Art Deco inspired theatrical productions that showcase the distinctive aesthetic and design principles of 1920s artistic movement. These shows feature elaborate set designs, costume details, and lighting techniques that reflect the geometric patterns and luxurious materials characteristic of the era’s revolutionary design philosophy. Each production creates a feast for the eyes while telling compelling stories that illuminate the social and cultural context of the Jazz Age, making these performances both visually stunning and intellectually engaging for theater enthusiasts.

Plan Your Visit

Performances begin at 7:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for entry and parking. For the most accurate directions, parking details and accessibility information, please refer to the Gichi-ziibi Center’s official guidelines.

 

Accessibility Services:

Accessible seating; ADA-compliant restrooms; assistive listening devices available upon request; service animals welcome; ASL interpretation available with advance notice.

 

Please Note

Operational details (parking, showtimes, policies) may change. Please verify information on the theater’s official website before your visit.