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About

Experience The Great Gatsby like never before at Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, IA, on Oct 8 , 2025. This Broadway-style ballet is part of World Ballet Company’s 2025 national tour, bringing world-class dance to over 140 cities.

This visually stunning production by an all-star creative team features lavish sets and costumes, an original jazz-inspired score, a cast of 40 professional dancers, multimedia effects, acrobatics, and more.

Dress up, sip champagne, and immerse yourself in Gatsby’s world – a magical night in Cedar Rapids, IA awaits!

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 range $49.05 - $112.10 (all fees included).
  • All sales are final and non-refundable.
  • Ages 8+ only.
How to Get Tickets

You can purchase tickets through Paramount Theatre’s official website or directly at the theater’s box office in downtown Cedar Rapids.

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

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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The Great Gatsby Ballet – A Must-See Cultural Event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Looking for things to do in the Cedar Rapids area this fall? On October 8, 2025, the City of Five Seasons welcomes a breathtaking ballet interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great Gatsby”, presented by World Ballet Company as part of its 140-city national premiere tour.

This production is more than just a ballet – it’s a full-scale theatrical event that blends classical ballet technique and Broadway-style storytelling with tons of drama and Roaring 20s spectacle. A perfect fit for audiences of all ages (8+), from longtime ballet-goers to first-time attendees, the show lasts about two hours with a 20-minute intermission. And yes, you are encouraged to dress up – bring that flapper energy with you to the theater!


Paramount Theatre - The "Crown Jewel of Cedar Rapids"

The historic 1,700 seat Paramount Theatre, located at 123 3rd Avenue SE in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the crown jewel of Cedar Rapids. The Paramount first opened on September 1, 1928, and was originally called the Capitol Theater. It was renamed the Paramount in 1929 as presentations shifted from vaudeville to motion pictures and became affiliated with Paramount Studios.

The theater was designed in a Mediterranean Revival style by the Milwaukee architects Peacock and Frank, and the elegant and opulent theater was among the finest venues in America and a shining example of extraordinary craftsmanship. The Paramount is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

Following the devastating 2008 flood that swept through Cedar Rapids, the theatre has recently completed a $35 million renovation and continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone in downtown Cedar Rapids. Since 1980, Orchestra Iowa has been the primary tenant and a chief stakeholder of the Paramount Theatre, helping to lead the restoration efforts.


Step Into the Jazz Age

Channel your inner Gatsby or Daisy and arrive in your finest 1920s-inspired attire — flapper dresses, pearls, suspenders, and fedoras are all welcome. Let the glamour of the Jazz Age set the tone for a dazzling night of culture and style at the Crown Jewel of Cedar Rapids.

Plan Your Visit
  • The performance begins at 7:00 PM on October 8, 2025.
  • Doors open at 6:00 PM.
  • We recommend arriving early to ensure enough time for parking, check-in, and getting comfortably seated.
Getting to the Theater
By Car

Paramount Theatre is easily accessible from major Iowa highways including I-380, US-30, and I-80. The theater is located in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids at 123 3rd Avenue SE, making it convenient for visitors from throughout Eastern Iowa.

Parking Options: Cedar Rapids offers convenient downtown parking options with clean, safe off-street parking ramps:

  • 4th Ave SE Parking Garage at 218 4th Ave SE
  • Multiple downtown parking ramps and street parking available
  • Mobile parking apps available to easily find and pay for parking
  • Visit parkcedarrapids.com for maps, rates, and parking information
By Public Transportation

Cedar Rapids is served by local bus routes that provide convenient access to downtown and the theater district.

From Nearby Cities

The theater is easily accessible from Iowa City (about 30 minutes), Waterloo-Cedar Falls (45 minutes), and Des Moines (2 hours), making it an ideal cultural destination for Eastern Iowa residents.

Staying Overnight in Cedar Rapids

If you’re traveling from out of town or simply want to enjoy a relaxed night in the City of Five Seasons, there are several excellent hotels within the downtown Cedar Rapids area and surrounding neighborhoods for theater-goers visiting Eastern Iowa’s cultural hub.

Make It a Full Evening Out

Why not make your theater visit a full night to remember? Enjoy a pre-show dinner or post-performance cocktail at one of Cedar Rapids’ nearby restaurants and lounges in the downtown area. The central neighborhoods including Downtown, Kingston Village, Czech Village, and New Bohemia offer diverse dining and entertainment options.

Local Attractions

Cedar Rapids offers numerous cultural attractions near the theater, including the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art in downtown Cedar Rapids, established in 1905, and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML), which preserves and presents unique stories of Czech and Slovak history and culture.

Accessibility Services

For information about accessibility accommodations, wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, and other accessibility services, please contact Paramount Theatre directly.

Please contact the theater in advance to arrange any special accommodations needed for your visit to this historic Cedar Rapids venue.

Please note

Information such as parking availability and showtimes may change. Please verify with the theatre’s official website before your visit to this Cedar Rapids, Iowa performance.

GO TO THE THEATRE’s WEBSITE