Regional Access Review -
The Great Gatsby
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ID: image of The Great Gatsby playbill in front of the [Paper Mill] stage with the text "Access Review" on top
General Note
This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it.
This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down.
For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!
I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.
Theater
Papermill Playhouse
All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats on the R back orchestra
Bathrooms:
Women’s are located in the lower lobby, men’s & accessible in the upper, and there are some on the second floor as well
Divided into the binary, but both have a sign saying “Please use the restroom that best aligns with your personal gender identity or expression”
Other theater accessibility:
The theater entry has a step-free entrance and there is an elevator to the orchestra level only
The access services window of the box office in the lobby has assistive listening devices, Braille & large print programs, and audio description devices.
Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.
Light/Sound/Scent
General:
I did not need ear defenders/earplugs for this show
Many of the characters wear watches or sparkly items of clothing throughout that cause light refraction which can sometimes cause an accidental strobe. This also happens with the metal on the cars
Act I:
Opening number - a few white downlights come on quickly on the beats but it’s not super flashy
“How the other half lives” - this line (said by Jordan) is followed by a loud trumpet + bright moving teal lights
“New Money” - this number has a lotta sparkles
Low bulb lights onstage flash on beat throughout
In the middle-ish the lights around the proscenium arch flash repeatedly for ~5 seconds
After the car enters there are a lot of quick on and off white downlights for awhile & arch flashes
All lights turn on very bright at the end
After “Valley of Ashes” - car headlights point at the audience for a short moment
“Secondhand Suit” - moving projections behind the car may be an issue for some motion-sensitive people but I wasn’t really bothered! They move pretty slowly
“The Met” - occasional photography flashes throughout the song, if you focus on McKee you can tell when they’re coming
During “Only Tea” there is a thunder sound effect followed by a flash of lightning (it’s a downlight)
“I didn’t think you’d remember” - another flash of lightning
Bright green flash end of green light (to a blackout)
Act II:
“Shady” - white light around the stage feels neon in contrast to stage; two quick white flashes during the song (the second is after the line “stop by”)
“Bootstraps” - moving carnival lights, occasional one-off flashes throughout – the end is very flashy
“One-Way Road” (Myrtle’s song) - headlights at the end of the number, followed by a loud noise and one white double strobe (two flashes in a blackout)
3 gunshots (it’s really clear when these are about to happen); there is a small white flash/blackout during the third
Content Warnings
This kinda contains spoilers! Be warned!
Adultery
Smoking/Alcohol
Abuse/DV
Murder/Suicide
Misogyny/Sexism