The Great Gatsby

The Heard-Craig Center is the ideal place for a Great Gatsby party - - it's elegant, it's historic, and it sparkles like a gem in the center of downtown McKinney, Texas. Had F. Scott Fitzgerald been here, he would have been similarly inspired by the glitz, glamour and wealth of the Heard and Craig families.

Fitzgerald had his share of challenges with the story of the Great Gatsby. He had to overcome publication struggles because many of his previous stories were not accepted. He also had to adjust to a book title he didn't prefer. But through the struggles, he managed to highlight events and experiences that some say were indicative of his own experiences in the wealthy Jazz Age. Interestingly, the book didn't do well in initial publication - only gaining popularity after Fitzgerald's death.

Several cinematic adaptations were made, notably in 1974 and again in 2013. Each version brought new and different perspectives to the screen of how wealth and status can lead to disillusionment and moral decay. The adaptations reflected the divide between rich and poor and reflected strong and complex female characters who challenged traditional roles of the 1920s.

Whether or not you are a fan of the Great Gatsby story, the Heard-Craig invites you to pull your suit or flapper dress and get your tickets to a night glamour on September 6, 2025 (doors open at 5:00 PM). Music will be performed by jazz pianist, Tony Stride, inside the elegant front room of the Center. Tickets are available at www.heardcraig.org or by calling 972-569-6909.

Tony Stride at the Steinway