Special thanks to Dr. Simrill for this information and the photos:
GREENVILLE, S.C. – On Thursday evening, a group of Christ School students traveled to downtown Greenville to attend the Broadway touring production of “The Great Gatsby” at the Peace Center – an experience made possible through the generosity of Edwin Cooper ’81, P’19, P’23 and his wife, Andrea Cooper P’19, P’23, founders of the Cooper Living Arts (CLA) series.
The evening unfolded as more than a field trip. Before the performance, students explored downtown Greenville, walking through Falls Park and across the Liberty Bridge. They grabbed a quick dinner at Chick-fil-A, and after the show, capped the night with milkshakes at Cook Out – a fittingly American close to a story rooted in ambition and excess.
From Page to Stage
For Evan Reich ‘26 and Lansing Lewis ‘26, both students in Dr. Spenser Simrill’s AP Literature class, the night represented the culmination of a full literary journey. They had read Fitzgerald’s novel, studied its themes, watched film adaptations, and now experienced the story live on stage.
“The musical changed a lot,” Lansing said, “but in a way that didn’t actually change the story. It brought out a different interpretation while staying true to the message.”
Evan pointed to how the production sharpened the novel’s central critique:
“The tragedy is almost contained in the beginning … the values – materialism, the belief that wealth can fix everything – are what lead to the ending.”
A Broadway Experience
Students were equally struck by the spectacle itself.
“The tap dance sequence was unbelievable,” Lansing said. “Everything was so coordinated – it was exactly what you’d expect a Broadway production to be.”
From the choreography to the costumes, the production transported the audience into the 1920s.
“You really felt like you were back in that time,” he added.
For Ethan Christie ‘27, the performance delivered both energy and emotional range:
“The costumes, the lighting, the music. Every song has a different feel. That’s what makes a great musical,” Ethan said.
Meeting the Coopers
The trip was led by faculty sponsors Dr. Spenser Simrill and Mr. Mark Thompson, P’24, P’26, and along with the aforementioned boys included students Owen Brady ‘28, Owen Beardsley ‘27, Thomas Cook ‘26, Wilfred Freund ‘26, Henry Cronlund ‘27, Liam Burnett ‘28, and Nolan Johnson ‘27.
What set the night apart, however, was the opportunity to share it with the people who made it possible.
Edwin and Andrea Cooper attended the performance alongside students, offering a rare chance for connection between benefactors and those directly impacted by their generosity.
“It was amazing to actually meet him and thank him,” Ethan said.
“Mr. Cooper’s done so much for me – even in my first seven or eight months at Christ School. We’ve gone to the Biltmore (Estate), seen the Ancient Egypt exhibit, and now this. The arts program has been incredible. To meet him in person and thank him for everything he’s done – that was special.”
Lansing echoed that sentiment:
“He’s more than what you might expect – someone who genuinely loves art and wants us to experience it.”
For Edwin Cooper, the evening was just as meaningful:
“Andrea and I were both impressed by the depth and maturity of the boys. They were interested and interesting, which is one of the highest compliments I have for fellow humans.”