COURTESY: FORDCENTER.OR5
All the glam and grit of the 1920s came to the Ford Center, Saturday, Feb. 28, with a performance of the “The Great Gatsby” by Montana Repertory Theatre.
Montana Repertory Theatre is the theater-in-residence at The University of Montana, but despite their affiliation with the university, the company is considered professional.
“Montana Rep and Ole Miss have been working together for quite some time,” said Colton Hochhalter, tour manager and company manager for Montana Repertory Theatre. “We love having this opportunity.”
Hochhalter said the company always tries to take an American classic on tour and said the story of Jay Gatsby transcends the high school classroom.
“’The Great Gatsby’ is a great American classic that everyone knows,” Hochhalter said. “It’s so well-loved.”
This particular performance of “The Great Gatsby” features nine cast members and 16 total people on tour, including the technical director, a costumer, an electrician and a projectionist.
“Many of the students double up for crew work, helping set up and tear down,” Hochhalter said about the touring process. “It’s an incredible amount of work that we ask of our students, and they always deliver.”
One alumna of The University of Montana, Amber Rose Mason, is acting in this production of “The Great Gatsby” as Jordan Baker.
“So far, the experience has been incredible,” Mason said about the show. “Doing a show in a new place everyday is really exhilarating, but you always feel at home with your set.”
Mason said performing a show that is set in a well-known and specific era such as the 1920s is a fun challenge. She specifically mentioned that creating the language for these characters was very important in becoming comfortable with the performance.
“It’s a very interesting show for audiences,” Mason said. “Everyone reacts differently. There are those who are quiet to hear every word and those who cheer along with us.”
Mason said she is particularly excited to be visiting Ole Miss due to a friend’s high praise of the area.
Similarly, much high praise has been said for Montana Repertory Theatre itself. Kate Meacham, marketing director at the Ford Center, said each time the company visits is something to look forward to.
“Montana Repertory Theatre has performed here several times before,” Meacham said. “There’s a relationship there. They’re a highly professional company, and we know we’re getting good quality.”
The Saturday night performance of “The Great Gatsby” was not the only showing of the production the theater company will be performing during their time here.AToday a shortened school day performance of “The Great Gatsby” will be shown at 9:30 a.m. Although this is for the local high schools and middle schools to come see, students who missed the Saturday night performance are encouraged to come.
These tickets are $5 but are limited. Come out and see the roaring twenties and experience the magic of the classic story of “The Great Gatsby.”
