By Judaea Ingram
Special to the Carolinian
DURHAM, N.C. – Durham’s performing arts scene was transported to the roaring twenties over the weekend as the touring Broadway production of The Great Gatsby completed a week of sold-out performances at the Durham Performing Arts Center, drawing more than 21,000 guests to the venue.
The production, staged at the Durham Performing Arts Center, brought the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel to life through a blend of elaborate staging, period costumes, choreography, and live musical performance that captured the glamour and tension of Jazz Age America.
Audiences filled the theater throughout the run, with many performances reaching full capacity as the show continued to generate strong local interest. According to DPAC, the engagement welcomed over 21,000 guests across the week, underscoring the production’s popularity in the Triangle.
From the moment the show began, the production immersed audiences in a stylized depiction of 1920s opulence. Lavish party scenes, dramatic lighting transitions, and carefully choreographed ensemble numbers created a fast-paced theatrical experience that mirrored the excess and emotion central to the story.
Audience members responded enthusiastically throughout the performances, with applause following musical numbers and key dramatic moments. Many attendees embraced the theme of the production, arriving dressed in 1920s-inspired attire that matched the world unfolding on stage.
“I can’t believe I’m in North Carolina. I am not in New York. I am not kidding,” said one audience member dressed in full Great Gatsby-themed 1920s fashion, reflecting the immersive atmosphere inside the theater.
DPAC also highlighted the production’s reception, noting strong audience engagement throughout the run. The show was described by organizers as part of a “spectacular” week of performances that consistently drew full houses.
Critics and reviewers echoed the audience response. Susie Potter of Triangle Arts Review described the production as “a decadent and dazzling production,” while Cyndi Whisnant of Triangle Theatre Review noted, “The Great Gatsby gives audiences the champagne, the dancing, the costumes, the romance, and the spectacle.”
Audience reactions on social media were similarly positive, with one DPAC guest writing, “The Great Gatsby did not disappoint! Awesome show!!”
The production emphasized both spectacle and storytelling, balancing high-energy ensemble sequences with more intimate character-driven moments that explore ambition, identity, and disillusionment. The combination of music, choreography, and visual design created a continuous sense of movement that kept audiences engaged throughout the performance.
Beyond the stage, the show
