Welcome to the Roaring Twenties! Few eras dazzle quite like the Jazz Age, where glamour, parties, and dreams ruled the day. Now, F. Scott Fitzgerald's time-honored tale, The Great Gatsby, leaps from the pages into the flamboyant world of Broadway. This latest adaptation promises to envelop audiences in a world bursting with opulence and nostalgia.
A Tale of Extravagance and Longing
Though it's been nearly a century since The Great Gatsby was first published, the novel's themes remain strikingly relevant today. Set amidst the glitzy backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, the story delves into the timeless pursuit of happiness and success, reflecting societal ambitions and the elusive nature of fulfillment. This enduring tale captures the complexity of human emotions and the stark realities behind shimmering facades, echoing with audiences as strongly now as it did in its original era.
On the Broadway stage, the musical breathes new life into Fitzgerald's exploration of the American Dream, personal ambition, and forbidden love. Ryan McCartan (Frozen, Wicked) and Aisha Jackson (Once Upon a One More Time, Paradise Square) step into the iconic roles of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, bringing new depth to a narrative steeped in unfulfilled dreams and the melancholy of lost love.
A Great, Big Broadway Extravaganza
When it comes to pulling out all the stops, the team behind The Great Gatsby on Broadway knows no bounds. Directed by Marc Bruni, the production is a visual and auditory feast.
Composer Jason Howland and lyricist Nathan Tysen (who previously collaborated on the Tony-nominated score for Paradise Square) bring a fresh, jazz-infused pop score that hints at Roaring Twenties while remaining rooted in the rhythms and sensibilities of the 21st century. The auditory bridge between past and present elevates the timeless themes of the story, making the melancholy and longing of the characters feel immediate, intimate, and unmistakably modern.
Every element of the set and costume design in The Great Gatsby on Broadway brilliantly captures the essence of the Jazz Age, immersing audiences in the opulence of the 1920s. Crafted by the talented Paul Tate dePoo III, the set transforms the stage into a glittering panorama with its art deco-inspired proscenium and dynamic movable flats. Projections, such as rolling clouds and gentle waves, lend a breathtaking realism that pulls the audience into Gatsby’s lavish world. Meanwhile, Linda Cho’s costume designs are a feast for the eyes, reflecting the era's flamboyant style through a creative fusion of vintage and modern flair, with rhinestones and sequins that shine as bright as the personalities inhabiting Gatsby’s universe.
Complementing these visuals, Dominique Kelley's choreography infuses each scene with authentic vibrancy, making the jazz-fueled parties pulse with energy while quieter, intimate moments echo with heartfelt elegance. The harmonious blend of design and movement ensure that both the grandeur and nuanced emotional undertones of Fitzgerald's narrative resonate profoundly on stage.
Immersed in a Bygone Era
For theatregoers, attending The Great Gatsby is a passport to another time. From the first notes of its jazz-infused score to the glittering Art Deco sets, the production envelopes audiences in the opulence and tension of the Roaring Twenties. The production promises an enthralling experience for fans of Fitzgerald's novel, jazz enthusiasts, and anyone with a passion for stunning theatre. It’s a visual and emotional journey that reaffirms why Gatsby's story resonates even today.
The musical stands as a beacon of Broadway brilliance, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic. It’s a must-see for those wishing to be swept off their feet by the magic of live theatre.
Don't miss out—secure your chance to revel in the decadence and drama of the Jazz Age that only Broadway can deliver.