The Great Gatsby (musical)

2023 stage musical

Not to be confused with Gatsby: An American Myth.

The Great Gatsby

A New Musical

Broadway Promotional Poster

Music| Jason Howland
Lyrics| Nathan Tysen
Book| Kait Kerrigan
Basis| The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Premiere| October 12, 2023: Paper Mill Playhouse
Productions| 2023 Paper Mill Playhouse
2024 Broadway
2025 London

The Great Gatsby is a 2023 stage musical with music and lyrics by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, and a book by Kait Kerrigan. It is based on the 1925 novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The show started its Broadway previews on March 29, 2024, at the Broadway Theatre and officially opened on April 25, 2024.[1][2][3]

The show made its European debut at the London Coliseum for a limited run from April 11, 2025 until September 7, 2025.[4]

## Synopsis

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### Act I

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In 1922, Nick Carraway, a Midwestern young World War I veteran, arrives in New York to work as a bond salesman. He is lucky to find a cheap rental in a cottage adjoining, and owned by, his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Nick is awestruck at the wealth and excess on display, particularly Gatsby's palatial estate ("Roaring On"). Nick travels directly across the bay to the home of his cousin Daisy and her husband, his old-money Yale college acquaintance Tom Buchanan, a former football star. Daisy introduces Nick to her friend, golfer Jordan Baker, a vivacious and independent young woman. Daisy is pleased to see Nick flourish in New York and implies that her marriage is unhappy ("Absolute Rose"). Daisy and Jordan learn that Nick has received an invitation to one of Gatsby's famous over-the-top parties; Daisy becomes pensive at the mention of Gatsby's name, but Jordan is eager to experience the lavish party and asks Nick to take her ("New Money"). During the party, Gatsby sends for Nick; they meet privately in the study, where Gatsby shows Nick his war medals for valor. Gatsby confesses that he has built his fortune and estate solely to win back his pre-war sweetheart, Daisy, whose father had rejected him as a suitor for Daisy before the war because of his poor social position. He asks for Nick's help in reacquainting them ("For Her"); Nick is hesitant, finding the overture distasteful, since his cousin is married.

George Wilson, at his run-down garage and gas station in the shadow of a gigantic billboard, questions his position in life ("Valley of Ashes"). George receives regular shipments from Gatsby's shady business associate, Meyer Wolfsheim. Tom visits the garage to get gas, and all realize, except George, that his wife Myrtle is Tom's mistress; Myrtle hates being poor and is excited to be the mistress of a rich man ("Second-Hand Suit"). Meanwhile, Daisy and Jordan discuss Tom's indiscretions and the state of her marriage; Jordan is staunchly against getting married ("For Better or Worse").

Tom takes Myrtle and Nick (who thought they were going for a day at the Met) to the Manhattan apartment of Myrtle's sister Catherine, and they carry on their affair. Tom breaks Myrtle's nose during an argument; Nick despises Tom's brutality and snobbery and decides to reintroduce Daisy and Gatsby ("The Met"). As Gatsby had suggested, Nick invites Daisy to an afternoon tea. Gatsby is to casually drop by, but he panics and provides Nick's cottage with lavish decorations and expensive food ("Only Tea"). Daisy is pleased to see Gatsby, and the two converse privately inside the cottage while Nick and Jordan flirt outside during a rainshower and share a kiss. Daisy goes with Gatsby back to his mansion, finds out that her father had destroyed Gatsby's wartime letters to her, and the two begin an affair ("My Green Light").

### Act II

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Wolfsheim reflects about illicit acts and secrecy ("Shady"). Nick and Jordan's relationship deepens; Jordan proposes to Nick. ("Better Hold Tight"). Gatsby, convinced that Daisy will leave Tom for him, begins to plan a party recreating their relationship during the war, neglecting his business affairs with Wolfsheim ("Past Is Catching Up to Me"). At the party, Gatsby hires performer Gilda Gray and dances with Daisy as Tom watches enviously and converses with Wolfsheim ("La Dee Dah with You"). Daisy tells Gatsby that she wants to run away with him ("Go"). Tom demands that Daisy leave but is persuaded to visit the Plaza Hotel with Nick, Jordan, and Gatsby instead. Tom, driving Nick and Jordan, stops at the Wilsons' garage; Jordan loudly says they are going to the Plaza and Myrtle (who, unbeknownst to them, is pregnant) hears.

At the Plaza, Daisy and Gatsby's affair comes to light, infuriating Tom. Gatsby demands that Daisy swear she never loved Tom, but Daisy cannot; she becomes more reluctant to leave Tom after Tom reveals that Gatsby's fortune is from bootlegging alcohol ("Made to Last"). Everyone leaves the hotel. Myrtle has been walking to the Plaza, thinking about her pregnancy with Tom's child. She is hit and killed by a yellow Rolls-Royce ("One-Way Road"). Tom sees Myrtle's body being carried away by the police. Jordan and Nick realize that Gatsby's car killed Myrtle, but Jordan wants to stay quiet. The ethical Nick is disappointed and calls off their wedding. Tom tells George that Gatsby owned the car; George despairs ("God Sees Everything").

Daisy retreats into her own home. Nick finds Gatsby alone at his mansion. Gatsby tells Nick that Daisy had been driving the car. He thinks Daisy will return to him and says he intends to take the fall. Nick leaves as Gatsby begins to take a swim. George arrives and shoots Gatsby and then himself ("For Her" (reprise)). Nick is the only friend at Gatsby's funeral as people gossip about his death ("New Money" (reprise)). Nick confronts Daisy, who is now leaving with Tom for Honolulu, about her abandonment of Gatsby. Daisy tells Nick that she hopes her young daughter has no further ambitions beyond becoming a beautiful and docile rich wife ("Beautiful Little Fool"). Deciding to return to the Midwest, Nick visits Gatsby's abandoned mansion one last time and thinks he sees the man briefly standing on the dock ("Finale: Roaring On").

## Production history

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### New Jersey (2023)

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The show received its world premiere in Millburn, New Jersey, at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Previews began on October 12, 2023, with an official opening night on October 22. It played for a limited engagement through November 12. It starred Jeremy Jordan, Eva Noblezada, Noah J. Ricketts, Samantha Pauly, Sara Chase, John Zdrojeski, Paul Whitty, and Stanley Wayne Mathis as Jay, Daisy, Nick, Jordan, Myrtle, Tom, George, and Wolfsheim respectively.[5] It was directed by Marc Bruni and choreographed by Dominique Kelly.

### Broadway (2024–)

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The Paper Mill production transferred to the Broadway Theatre, with previews from March 29, 2024, and officially opened on April 25, 2024. Jordan, Noblezada, Ricketts, Chase, Pauly, Zdrojeski, and Whitty reprised their roles. Eric Anderson joined the cast as Wolfsheim. The production is directed by Bruni with set & projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III.[6][7] Chilina Kennedy temporarily replaced Chase as Myrtle from July to September 2024.[8] Charlie Pollock took over the role of George Wilson in November 2024.[9] In January 2025, Ryan McCartan replaced Jordan in the production and Terrence Mann replaced Anderson temporarily (through April 20, 2025).[10][11] Sarah Hyland replaced Noblezada in February of that same year.[12] At the end of March, Linedy Genao replaced Chase and Austin Colby took over the role of Tom Buchanan.[13] Michael Maliakel also joined the cast replacing Ricketts as Nick Carraway.[14] In June, Aisha Jackson replaced Hyland.[15]

### London (2025)

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The production made its European premiere in London on 24 April 2025 at the London Coliseum, having started previews on 11 April, and is playing a limited run through 7 September 2025.[16] In February 2025, it was announced Jamie Muscato and Frances Mayli McCann would star as Jay and Daisy, respectively. The remaining cast includes Corbin Bleu as Nick, John Owen-Jones as Wolfsheim, Rachel Tucker as Myrtle, Jon Robyns as Tom, Amber Davies as Jordan, and Joel Montague as George.[17][18]

### South Korea (2025)

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The musical is set to make its Asian premiere at the GS Arts Center in the Gangnam District of Seoul from August 1 to November 9.

### North American tour (2026)

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In January 2025, the Broadway production announced a North American tour was set to launch with performances set to begin in Baltimore, Maryland from January 31 to February 7, 2026. Casting is yet to be announced.[19]

## Cast and characters

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Character  | Paper Mill Playhouse[20] | Broadway[21] | London[22] | South Korea[23]

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2023 | 2024 | 2025
Jay Gatsby | Jeremy Jordan | Jamie Muscato | Matt Doyle
Daisy Buchanan | Eva Noblezada | Frances Mayli McCann | Senzel Ahmady
Nick Carraway | Noah J. Ricketts  | Corbin Bleu | Gerald Caesar
Jordan Baker  | Samantha Pauly | Amber Davies | Amber Ardolino
Tom Buchanan  | John Zdrojeski | Jon Robyns | Wes Williams
Myrtle Wilson  | Sara Chase | Rachel Tucker | Jeanna de Waal
George Wilson  | Paul Whitty  | Joel Montague  | Tally Sessions
Meyer Wolfsheim  | Stanley Wayne Mathis | Eric Anderson | John Owen-Jones | Ed Staudenmayer

### Notable replacements

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#### Broadway (2024-)

[edit]

* Jay Gatsby: Ryan McCartan[10]
* Daisy Buchanan: Sarah Hyland,[12] Aisha Jackson[15]
* Nick Carraway: Michael Maliakel[14]
* Myrtle Wilson: Chilina Kennedy,[8] Linedy Genao[13]
* Meyer Wolfsheim: Terrence Mann[11]

## Musical numbers

[edit]

Act I

* "Roaring On" - Nick and Company
* "Absolute Rose" - Daisy, Jordan, Tom, and Nick
* "New Money" - Jordan, Nick, Wolfsheim and Company
* "For Her" - Gatsby
* "Valley of Ashes" - Wilson
* "Second-Hand Suit" - Myrtle, Tom, and Company
* "For Better or Worse" - Daisy
* "The Met" - Nick
* "Only Tea" - Gatsby, Nick and Company
* "My Green Light" - Gatsby and Daisy

Act II

* "Shady" - Wolfsheim and Company
* "Better Hold Tight" - Nick and Jordan
* "Past Is Catching Up to Me" - Gatsby
* "La Dee Dah With You" - Gilda Gray and Company
* "Go" - Daisy and Gatsby
* "Made to Last" - Tom, Gatsby, Daisy, Jordan, and Nick
* "For Better or Worse (Reprise)" - Jordan
* "One-Way Road" - Myrtle
* "God Sees Everything" - Wilson
* "For Her (Reprise)" - Gatsby, Nick, and Wilson
* "New Money (Reprise)" - Company
* "Beautiful Little Fool" - Daisy
* "Finale: Roaring On" - Nick and Company

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## Reception

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The Guardian described the original Broadway performance as an 'underwhelming transfer to stage in a bombastic yet misfiring new production' criticizing the play's comedic direction stating it 'thins by the musical's second act' and the focus on the 'love story' instead of the 'rigorous analysis of class or the American dream' prevalent in the source material.[24]

The New York Times stated that 'This musical adaptation, now on Broadway, is a lot of Jazz Age fun. But it forgot that Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel endures because it is a tragedy.' Criticizing the 'underwhelming' nature and inability to take characters such as Myrtle 'seriously', they praised the sets and technical effects.[25]

Entertainment Weekly summarized the Broadway adaption as 'A glitzy take on F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel that values spectacle over substance', stating the 'tone swings wildly back and forth'. However they also praised the cast's multidimensional performances and Cho's period costumes.[26]

The Washington Post criticized the show's lack of 'subtlety' and shedding of important themes to become 'a rom-com that nose-dives into overwrought melodrama', describing the play's second act as a 'a rapid succession of false ends' where the play is 'blinded' by capitalism. However, they praised Ricketts' performance as Nick Carraway and the set and costumes.[27]

Variety Magazine praised the set, costumes, and visuals, but stated the show traded 'the novel’s soul for flashy visuals' and criticized plot changes such as making Nick and Jordan explicitly heterosexual, rushing plot points, removing Daisy's 'morally bankrupt and selfish' aspects, and that 'most egregiously the musical completely omits Gatsby's backstory'.[28]

## Awards and nominations

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### Original Broadway production

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Year  | Award  | Category  | Nominee  | Result

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|
|
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2024  | Tony Awards | Best Costume Design in a Musical | Linda Cho  | Won
Drama League Awards[29] | Distinguished Performance  | Eva Noblezada | Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards[30] | Outstanding New Broadway Musical  | Nominated
Outstanding Scenic Design  | Paul Tate dePoo III  | Won
Outstanding Video/Projections  | Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design  | Linda Cho  | Won

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Wild, Stephi. "Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada Will Lead THE GREAT GATSBY Musical on Broadway This Spring". BroadwayWorld.com. Archived from the original on 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
2. ^ "Noah J. Ricketts, Samantha Pauly, Eric Anderson, and More Join the Cast of THE GREAT GATSBY on Broadway". Archived from the original on 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
3. ^ Collins-Hughes, Laura (April 25, 2024). "Review: A New 'Great Gatsby' Leads With Comedy and Romance - This musical adaptation, now on Broadway, is a lot of Jazz Age fun. But it forgot that Fitzgerald's 1925 novel endures because it is a tragedy". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
4. ^ Rook, Olivia (2024-11-06). "'The Great Gatsby' musical to transfer to the London Coliseum". London Theatre. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
5. ^ Gans, Andrew (July 24, 2023). "Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada Will Star in The Great Gatsby Musical at Paper Mill Playhouse". Playbill. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
6. ^ Wild, Stephi. "Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada Will Lead THE GREAT GATSBY Musical on Broadway This Spring". BroadwayWorld.com. Archived from the original on 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-01-16.
7. ^ "Noah J. Ricketts, Samantha Pauly, Eric Anderson, and More Join the Cast of The Great Gatsby on Broadway". Archived from the original on 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
8. ^ a b Gans, Andrew (July 9, 2024). "Chilina Kennedy Will Step In for Sara Chase in Broadway's The Great Gatsby Musical". Playbill. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
9. ^ First Look at Ryan McCartan, Sarah Hyland, Terrence Mann and Charlie Pollock in ‘The Great Gatsby’ on Broadway The Arts Shelf, February 26, 2025
10. ^ a b Gans, Andrew (November 19, 2024). "Ryan McCartan Will Be Broadway's New The Great Gatsby". Playbill. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
11. ^ a b Gans, Andrew (January 8, 2025). "Terrence Mann Plays Limited Engagement in Broadway's The Great Gatsby Starting January 8". Playbill. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
12. ^ a b Hall, Margaret; Gans, Andrew (December 18, 2024). "Sarah Hyland to Join Broadway's The Great Gatsby". Playbill. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
13. ^ a b Wild, Stephi. "Linedy Genao and Austin Colby Will Join THE GREAT GATSBY". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
14. ^ a b Gans, Andrew Michael Maliakel Will Join Cast of Broadway's The Great Gatsby Playbill, March 5, 2025
15. ^ a b Rabinowitz, Chloe Aisha Jackson to Join THE GREAT GATSBY on Broadway as Daisy Buchanan BroadwayWorld, May 13, 2025
16. ^ "The Great Gatsby musical to transfer to the West End". 2024-11-06. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
17. ^ Exclusive: The Great Gatsby musical announces lead casting for run in the West End
18. ^ Dillon, Luke The Great Gatsby musical in London – full cast announced – including John Owen-Jones, Corbin Bleu, Jon Robyns & Rachel Tucker West End Theatre.com, February 13, 2025
19. ^ Broadway's The Great Gatsby Musical Will Launch North American Tour Next Year
20. ^ Gans, Andrew (2023-07-23). "Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada Will Star in The Great Gatsby Musical at Paper Mill Playhouse". Playbill. Archived from the original on 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2023-09-03.
21. ^ "'Great Gatsby' musical completes casting for Broadway bow". Broadway News. 2024-02-20. Archived from the original on 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
22. ^ Russo, Gillian (2025-02-13). "Rachel Tucker, Corbin Bleu, Amber Davies join 'The Great Gatsby'; full West End cast set". London Theatre. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
23. ^ Gans, Andrew (14 May 2025). "Matt Doyle, Jeanna de Waal, Senzel Ahmady, More Will Bring The Great Gatsby to South Korea". Playbill. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
24. ^ Oladipo, Gloria (2024-04-26). "The Great Gatsby review – a literary classic becomes a Broadway dud". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
25. ^ Collins-Hughes, Laura (2024-04-26). "Review: A New 'Great Gatsby' Leads With Comedy and Romance". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
26. ^ "'The Great Gatsby' musical values spectacle over substance. Read EW's review". EW.com. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
27. ^ Kumar, Naveen (2024-04-26). "Review | Your English teacher would hate this 'Great Gatsby'". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
28. ^ Lewis, Christian (2024-04-26). "'The Great Gatsby' Review: Broadway Musical Has Glamour but Little Grit". Variety. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
29. ^ Rosky, Nicole. "MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
30. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (2024-05-13). "Stereophonic Leads 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards, Wins Best Play; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved 2024-05-13.

## External links

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* Official website
* ​The Great Gatsby​ at the Internet Broadway Database

* v
* t
* e

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

* Adaptations

Characters|

* Jay Gatsby
* Nick Carraway
* Daisy Buchanan

Films|

* The Great Gatsby (1926)
* The Great Gatsby (1949)
* The Great Gatsby (1974)
* The Great Gatsby (2013)

Television|

* The Great Gatsby (1958)
* The Great Gatsby (2000)

Stage|

* The Great Gatsby (opera)
* The Great Gatsby (musical)
* Gatsby: An American Myth

Music|

* The Great Gatsby: Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film
* "Bang Bang"
* "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)"
* "Young and Beautiful"
* "Over the Love"

Other|

* G
* "The Great Phatsby"
* Nick (novel)

People|

* Max Gerlach (literary model)
* Ginevra King (literary model)
* Edith Cummings (literary model)
* Francis Cugat (illustrator)
* Celestial Eyes

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