“The Great Gatsby” Dazzles on Broadway

Broadway's "The Great Gatsby" shines bright with a star-studded cast and fantastic visual effects. Photo by Amanda Potenza '25

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is one of the most notable criticisms on the wealth and culture of post-World War I America. Now, it is shining on Broadway as a dazzling musical.

The show premiered in October 2023 in Millburn, New Jersey, before it was transferred to the Broadway Theatre in New York City. Previews for the Broadway production began in March, and the show officially opened on April 25.

The most notable element of this show is its detailed and extravagant set design. Even before the show starts, the pre-show stage is stunning. The combination of a backdrop and projection show an image of the Long Island Sound, where most of the show takes place. In the distance, a green light flashes, casting a soft reflection of the water and an even softer hue onto the audience, foreshadowing the importance of the green light in the story.

The design of the show gets even better from there. Throughout the performance, there are several elaborate set changes that evoked audible “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd. The brightly lit panels showcasing the lavishness of Jay Gatsby’s mansion, combined with the dynamic moving parts, truly immerse the viewer. The stage seamlessly goes from an elaborate party in a mansion to a gritty and slummy downtown gas station in a matter of moments. 

The scenery is almost always moving, with decorations coming in from the ceiling, and functioning cars driving across the stage in style. The work put into the style of the 1920’s architecture in the sets clearly shows, and even the smallest details of the couches or glasses are accurate. 

When it comes to the plot of the show, book fans will be happy to see that it follows Fitzgerald’s original work. Many lines from the book were imported directly into the dialogue of the show, with some parts updated for the stage. 

While the plot of the show is accurate to the book, the language, accents and style of talking feel more modern than the 1920’s. Gatsby, alongside a few of the side characters, have accents specific to them, but the other principal actors in the show sound like modern New Yorkers, instead of New Yorkers post-World War I. This discrepancy is noticeable, but not problematic enough to fully take an audience member out of the immersion.

The actors in this show can simply be described as dedicated. Each actor clearly put their heart and soul into their characters, and this is especially true in the case of the ensemble. In the opening number, the ensemble actors immediately set the vibe of the show with their exciting performance of “Roarin’ On.” The choreography for the ensemble is expansive, and everything, from tap numbers to swing dances, was beautifully done.

The music, written by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, is stylistically interesting. Many of the songs are narration-based, which is common in the musical theater format. However, the singing talents of the main cast are what really stand out musically. 

Jeremy Jordan (Gatsby) and Eva Noblezada (Daisy Buchanan) are known treasures to the musical theater world, and combining their talents makes for extremely compelling musical numbers. Their main duet piece “My Green Light” is a display of the pair’s talents, and their voices complement each other beautifully. On their own, they each have ballads that are showstoppers. Jordan’s “For Her” and Noblezada’s “Beautiful Little Fool” are both tear-jerkers that show the dynamic emotions experienced by both Gatsby and Buchanan.

Noah J. Ricketts (Nick Carroway) and Samantha Pauly (Jordan Baker) bring fire and energy to the show, and their on-stage chemistry is off the charts. Pauly’s “New Money” is a true showstopper with incredible riffs and dancing, while Ricketts’ “The Met” features the comedic side of the show, while still showcasing his incredible range.

Overall, while the plot did feel slightly rushed due to the time constraints of a musical production, “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway is an exciting and evocative spectacle that will transport you back to the 1920’s for a little while.