The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance continues its 2015-16 season on Oct. 30 with the opening of The Great Gatsby at the Hilberry Theatre. Wayne State will present the only authorized stage interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, which has been adapted by Simon Levy and features the story’s memorable characters interacting in its famous Gilded Age setting.

Patrons are invited to join the opening night festivities, which will kick off with a costume party at 7 p.m. “Roaring ‘20s” attire is encouraged, and the best costume will win a special walk-on role in the play. 

The Great Gatsby is directed by longtime Wayne State faculty member Blair Anderson. 

“Bringing to life what has been called the defining novel of the twenties is a delightful challenge. Fitzgerald wrote that ‘it was an age of miracles, it was an age of art, it was an age of excess,’” Anderson said. “Following World War I, the story is less about a time and more about money and the possibilities of buying a new future, of recapturing the innocent love before the horrors of the war, and of replacing disillusionment through hedonistic excess.” 

Tickets for The Great Gatsby are available by calling 313-577-2972, online at wsushows.com or by visiting the box office at 4743 Cass Avenue. 

Performance schedule:

Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. 

Thursday, Nov. 5 and Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Jan. 8 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31 and Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Jan. 9 at 8 p.m.