Sam Waterston

Emmy-winning actor Sam Waterston is bringing Nick Carraway back to life in a special event celebrating the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby” at Newport’s historic Rosecliff mansion.

The Preservation Society of Newport County is hosting “The Great Gatsby Revisited: An Evening with Sam Waterston” on July 9, 2025. Waterston will sit down with NBC News journalist Anne Thompson to discuss the novel’s lasting impact and share stories from the 1974 film adaptation.

Guests can soak up the Roaring Twenties atmosphere at Rosecliff, which served as a filming location for the 1974 movie. The night kicks off with a reception on the oceanside terrace before moving to the ballroom for the main event.

The Preservation Society promises attendees will “step into Gatsby’s world and get the inside scoop on the filming, while exploring why Fitzgerald’s story still strikes a chord today.”

Part of the David B. Ford Family Lecture series, the event offers two ticket options. General admission, including the talk and reception, costs $250. For $400, you can snag a premium ticket that includes dinner in the Rosecliff Dining Room.

Waterston is expected to share behind-the-scenes tales from the film’s production. The conversation aims to connect the novel’s 1920s setting with its ongoing relevance in today’s culture.

Hosting the event at Rosecliff adds an extra touch of authenticity. This Gilded Age mansion, with its grand ballroom and ocean views, was featured in several scenes from the movie.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...