F. Scott Fitzgerald's Great American Novel has arrived on the Great White Way. In grandiose fashion befitting of the Roaring Twenties, the brand-new adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" with music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Jason Howland and Grammy-nominated Nathan Tysen is all the rage this season! The musical stars two Tony-nominated powerhouses in the forms of Jeremy Jordan ("Bonnie & Clyde," "Newsies," "Waitress") and Eva Noblezada ("Miss Saigon," "Les Misérables," "Hadestown") and is a not-to-be-missed musical masterpiece if you're visiting The Big Apple. Let's get the party started, old sport, because we're breaking down our top three reasons to see "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway!
Top Reasons to See "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway
1. A fresh, new adaptation of an American classic
Whether you read the novel in high school or ran to the movie theater to see the Baz Luhrmann film adaptation, you've never seen "The Great Gatsby" quite like this. Soaring melodies, extravagant musical numbers and stunning scenery help bring Fitzgerald's timeless classic into the 21st century. With themes such as the consequences of obsession and pursuit of the American Dream, the whirlwind world of Long Island's Jazz Age is brought to life by a terrifically talented team of storytellers — both onstage and backstage — and is as thought-provoking as ever. Plus, with a recommended age of 10 years old and up, it's the perfect introduction for little ones to this ever-relevant groundbreaking piece of literature.
2. Innovative and elaborate set design
For a story so centered around themes of wealth, classism and materialism, the stagecraft on display in "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway couldn't be anything less than extravagant. Luckily, the jaw-dropping scenic design by Paul Tate dePoo III and gorgeously complementary lighting design by Cory Pattak do not disappoint. From vintage vehicles and grand bandstands to charming cottages and massive mansions, the new money of West Egg, old money of East Egg and desolate wasteland of the Valley of Ashes are all strikingly disparate yet beautifully harmonious. And while dozens of diverse sets seamlessly come and go on the stage consistently adorned by the ladders to Gatsby's fateful swimming pool (cleverly descending down into the orchestra pit), it's the haunting visual of the elusive Green Light beyond the lapping waves of the Manhasset Bay (masterfully generated through the use of a painted scrim, projections and a singular bulb) that is the show's heart-aching pièce de résistance.
3. Breathtaking performances from Broadway's best voices
"I've got nothin' if I ain't got Santa Fe!" "I'm comin', wait for me!"
If those phrases mean anything to you, you know how spectacular leads Jeremy Jordan (as Jay Gatsby) and Eva Noblezada (as Daisy Buchanan) are. With three Tony nominations between them under their belts, you can imagine how extraordinary it is to be in their presence and listen to their golden voices — especially when they're harmonizing with each other in songs such as "My Green Light." (Not to mention, we finally get to see Jeremy Jordan dancing on a Broadway stage!) Rounding out this remarkable cast are stellar performances by Samantha Pauly (who was last seen tearing up the stage as Katherine Howard in "Six The Musical") as Jordan Baker and Noah J. Ricketts (who was last seen melting hearts as Kristoff in "Frozen The Musical") as Nick Carraway among others in an electrifying ensemble.
"The Great Gatsby" Broadway Tickets
An "absolute rose" of a Broadway show, "The Great Gatsby" has certainly been "made to last." Be sure to grab your tickets to this timeless tale through Undercover Tourist and save up to $32 on seats! Here are some upcoming showtimes for "The Great Gatsby":
Check out our Broadway Theatre page for a full list of dates and times.
Are you planning to follow the green light and see "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Broadway Shows 101: A Theatre-Going Guide for Beginners
