Downing: Fountain Hills Theater puts out another triumph

Our local Fountain Hills Theater is often amazing. The world premiere production of “The Great Gatsby – The Musical,” is its latest triumph.

This musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book is extra special because it is written by the theater’s Artistic Director Peter J. Hill, with music and lyrics by Jay Melberg and Peter J. Hill. That’s right, Peter, our own local theater wiz, and Jay, our local musical genius, have penned this play.

The town should be very proud, I know I am.

Set in the 1920s, the story features unrequited love, a cheating husband, a newly arrived bachelor, a female golf pro and an auto mechanic. The star-crossed lovers get together…sort of. The auto mechanic has suspicions about his cheating wife, and the bachelor tries to keep it all a secret. He is unsuccessful and it all falls apart in the end.

The actors/singers are outstanding. The talented C.J. Blankenship plays Jay Gatsby. Taylor McGlone is the lovestruck Daisy Buchanan. Scott McCreary is Nick Carraway, the entwined bachelor. Tom Mangum is Tom Buchanan, the cheating and cheated upon husband. The music is correct to the period and moves the story along beautifully. Even a song about golfing brings a smile.

The Great Gatsby – The Musical runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through April 7. This local treat should not be missed.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.