Roslindale and Dorchester Residents to Star in The Great Gatsby

MOONSTRUCK THEATER COMPANY, in association with Amazing Things Art Center of Framingham, is pleased to present the regional premiere of the American classic THE GREAT GATSBY, opening Friday, October 24, and running for seven performances through Sunday, November 2.

THE GREAT GATSBY, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age fable of doomed love and careless wealth, will be presented live on stage as you have never seen it before. This exciting new version, reinterpreted for the stage by Simon Levy, brings the American classic to life through the music of the era. Song and dance from the 1920s will accompany Levy’s exhilarating script to create an immersive theatrical experience.

THE GREAT GATSBY features 15 performers from the Boston and Metro West regions, including Dorchester resident Joshua Mauro and Roslindale resident Maureen Hughes.

Hughes stars as Jordan Baker, the sultry and seductive amateur golfer with a murky reputation and a penchant for untruthfulness.

“After first reading it in high school, THE GREAT GATSBY became one of my favorite novels,” says Hughes. “All of the characters are fascinatingly complex; from their outlook on life to the controversial choices they make, each character brings something unique to Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the Jazz Age. I tend to enjoy performing in productions that make the actor research a specific time period and culture; it makes everything more challenging, which then forces the actor to make more specific choices. That, combined with the opportunity to sing and dance to 1920’s music, definitely interested me.”

Hughes began performing onstage during middle school. Some of her favorite past roles include Nellie Forbush in South Pacific and Penelope Toop in See How They Run. When not in the theater, Hughes works for Rafanelli Events Management, and she also performs with local improv groups and entertainment companies.

Mauro features as Meyer Wolfsheim, Gatsby’s mysterious and imposing business partner.

“We’re doing a lot of interesting things with this production,” says Mauro. “Music and choreography mesh brilliantly with Simon Levy’s script perfectly. Our choreographer, Caroline Fonseca, has really outdone herself with this show. The dances are fresh and inventive. I think it’s definitely going to be a show to remember.”

Mauro first became involved with theater in high school. “One of my favorite roles would have to be Klaus in Cabaret last summer with Moonstruck. Not because it was the most challenging or meaty role, but because I had such an amazing time being a part of that cast. We had so much fun every single day and I’m really thankful for that opportunity.” Mauro graduated UMass Amherst in 2012 and, when offstage, works in Admissions for Harvard University.

The show is directed by Matthew Sherman, music directed by Samantha Prindiville, and choreographed by Caroline Fonseca. The production will be presented at Amazing Things Art Center, 160 Hollis St, Framingham, MA.

Tickets are $25 for general admission, $24 for senior citizens and students, $21 for Amazing Things Members, and $13 for children 12 and under. For tickets, reservations, and more information, visit www.moonstrucktheater.org or call 508-405-ARTS (2787).

Student Rush tickets for $10 are available at matinee performances for all students and educators with a valid student/educator ID; group tickets of 10 or more Student Rush tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the box office and individual Student Rush tickets may be purchased at the door.