Masterful weaving of theater and dance

The Charleston Ballet Theatre is aptly named.

At Friday's opening of "The Great Gatsby," audiences saw theater intricately woven into dance, which reflected the uncanny perception of CBT Resident Choreographer Jill Eathorne Bahr and the genius of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel.

As Daisy Buchanan mindlessly runs over a poor wretch in the road, we are reminded of the time-proven manner in which the privileged smash the little people and never glance back. This version of Fitzgerald's masterpiece seemed apropos for this past week. It was enhanced by the performance of Roy Wei Meng Gan, who brought the hapless gas attendant George Wilson to life. Gan's visceral leaps and turns expressed his grief for his dead wife, Myrtle, danced by the talented, sexy Stephanie Bussell.

Stephen Gabriel was Jay Gatsby, and his pas de deux with Jessica Roan to "But Not for Me" meshed beauty and sadness. As Daisy, Roan exhibited flawless dancing, but Jennifer Balcerzak Muller would have been better cast in the role, although Balcerzak was dazzling as pro golfer Jordan Baker and Daisy's friend.

As Tom Buchanan, Alex Collen was terrific in his own stylized 1920s dance with Bussell to the lively "Let's Misbehave." However, the first party scene needed more traditional, authentic "Charleston" moves such as the signature hands-crossed-over-knees and other steps, rather than balletic moves. After all this is Charleston.

As Nick Carraway, no one could be better cast than Jonathan Tabbert, especially as he dances with Muller, and never loses his charm.

The program will be repeated at 7:30 tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday at 477 King St.