New twists for three classics in the city

The classics are getting quite a makeover on New York stages these days. Check out these dramatic reinventions of a novel, a ballet and a movie you thought you knew - and be prepared to see them through new eyes.

1. 'GATZ'

WHAT The Elevator Repair Service's brilliant, must-see new production is long - eight hours, including two intermissions and a dinner break - but don't let that scare you. Scott Shepherd stars as an office worker who begins reading "The Great Gatsby" aloud in his dreary workplace, and we watch, captivated, as F. Scott Fitzgerald's Jazz Age tale springs to life and co-workers transform into Gatsby, Daisy and other characters.

WHEN | WHERE Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St.

INFO The production is sold out, but waiting-list tickets ($140) will be called at the box office 30 minutes before curtain. Rush standby tickets ($40) will go on sale 60 minutes before curtain. 212-539-8500, publictheater.org

2. 'SWAN LAKE'

WHAT Matthew Bourne's inspired take on the Tchaikovsky classic replaces the female corps de ballet with an all-male ensemble of fierce wild swans. The innovative production, which won three Tonys in its Broadway run 12 years ago, is back for a return engagement with Richard Winsor and Jonathan Ollivier as the Swan, and Dominic North and Simon Williams sharing the role of the Prince.

WHEN | WHERE Friday night at 8, Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. (through Nov. 7). New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St.

INFO $25-$110, 212-581-1212, nycitycenter.org

3. 'BRIEF ENCOUNTER'

WHAT This import from England's Kneehigh Theatre is a magical re-envisioning of David Lean's 1946 black-and-white film "Brief Encounter," about a stiff-upper-lip affair between an English housewife and a doctor who meet in a railway station. The onstage drama incorporates clips from the film, along with songs by Noël Coward, who the wrote the original play.

WHEN | WHERE Friday night at 7, Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. (through Dec. 5). Studio 54, 254 W. 54th St.

INFO $37-$127; 212-719-1300; roundabouttheatre.org