Orlando Ballet to Perform the Great Gatsby This Spring

The glitz, glamour, and underlying heartbreak of the Jazz Age are set to take center stage as Orlando Ballet revives its visually striking production of The Great Gatsby.

From April 30 to May 3 at Steinmetz Hall, the production transforms The Great Gatsby into a cinematic ballet experience, complete with a live score performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The result is an immersive performance that blends literature, music, and movement into one sweeping retelling of a classic American story.

Originally choreographed for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in 2019 and first introduced to Orlando audiences during the 2021–22 season, this production returns by popular demand, offering both longtime fans and newcomers another chance to step into Gatsby’s world of opulence and illusion.

Set to a dynamic score by Carl Davis, the ballet captures the restless energy of the 1920s while underscoring the emotional tension at the heart of the story. Under the direction of guest conductor Julian Pelicano, the live orchestra adds a visceral layer to the performance, amplifying the drama surrounding Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and the elusive promise of the American Dream.

Artistic Director Jorden Morris emphasizes the production’s wide appeal, noting its cinematic quality and storytelling power. Whether drawn in by dance, narrative, or the spectacle of a live orchestra, audiences can expect a performance that feels both grand and intimate.

Adding a unique local touch, the show will also feature a special cameo from a certified therapy dog through Orlando Health. This small but meaningful moment reflects the company’s connection to the community.

Supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the production arrives as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, positioning The Great Gatsby as a defining American tale of ambition, reinvention, and social complexity.

From lavish costumes to sweeping choreography, Orlando Ballet’s The Great Gatsby will likely provide an experience that captures both the sparkle and the shadows of a bygone era.

Tickets start at $39, with VIP packages available for those looking to elevate their night at the ballet.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Digital Content Creator/Editorial Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine while also earning her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Central Florida. Her work has been featured in UCF's The Charge and Her Campus UCF. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Located in Clermont, Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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