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Did you see The Great Gatsby Ballet at the Wharton Center?

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About

World Ballet Company’s The Great Gatsby Ballet reimagines F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel live on stage, blending classical ballet technique with immersive, Broadway-style storytelling. Elegant choreography, striking multimedia visuals, period-authentic 1920s costumes and a jazz-infused original score create a cinematic night of glitz and glam, dance and drama. Whether you’re a longtime ballet lover or it’s your first visit to the theater, prepare for a dazzling journey through one of the most unforgettable stories of the 20th century. For those in East Lansing, MI seeking a night of culture and unforgettable artistry, this is truly the ultimate night at the theater.

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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 $45.00 - $111.00 (all fees included)
  • Group Discounts Available: email hello@worldballetcompany.com for more information!
  • All sales are final and non-refundable.
  • Ages 8+ only.
How to Get Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online (click on the Buy Tickets button on this page) or directly from the Wharton Center Box Office.

For full pricing and availability, please visit the Wharton Center ticketing page.

Tickets are subject to availability. Please contact the venue box office for additional information.

General inquiries: hello@worldballetcompany.com or 1-888-469-1011.

Cast

Arsentii Lazarev
Jay Gatsby

Arsentii Lazarev

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

Elizaveta Lazareva
Party Trio

Elizaveta Lazareva

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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Wharton Center: A Cultural Landmark in East Lansing

Situated on the campus of Michigan State University, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts is the premier destination for live entertainment in East Lansing and the greater Lansing area. With multiple performance spaces, state-of-the-art acoustics, and a reputation for hosting nationally acclaimed productions, Wharton Center stands at the heart of Mid-Michigan’s cultural scene. Its modern design and spacious layout create an inviting environment for audiences of all ages, whether attending a ballet, Broadway show, or symphony performance. Located at 750 E Shaw Ln, the venue is easily accessible and surrounded by a wide array of dining and hospitality options. For those exploring upcoming performances or things to do in East Lansing, Wharton Center remains a top-tier choice for an unforgettable night of live theater.


Plan Your Visit

The performance begins at 7:00 pm. Plan to arrive early for parking, check-in and comfortable seating. For the most accurate driving routes, parking details and accessibility notes, see the venue’s official Directions & Parking information.

Accessibility Services

Wharton Center provides accessible seating and ADA-compliant facilities; assistive listening devices may be available upon request. Service animals are welcome. For ASL or additional accommodations, please contact the venue in advance.

Please Note

Operational details such as parking and showtimes may change. Please verify information on the theater’s official website before your visit.