From the original 1926 movie adaptation to the 2013 remake, the 1925 novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald has seen many interpretations. Most recently, “The Great Gatsby” hit the Broadway stage in 2024. “The Great Gatsby” takes place in 1920s New York and tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire and war veteran. He enlists the help of his neighbor, Nick Carraway, as he tries to win back his lost love, Nick’s cousin, Daisy Buchanan. Issues arise, however, when the behaviors of those in the community are revealed.
From the opening number, the show transports you to the 1920s and sets the tone for a fun and festive performance. It introduces Nick, played by Michael Maliakel, as he begins to set up the story. He explains that he recently moved to New York from Minnesota after the war and is looking forward to a new life. The opening number, “Roaring On,” is filled with energy and excitement, giving the audience an understanding of what’s ahead for the rest of the show.
Numbers like “New Money” and “Le Dee Dah With You” showcase the party lifestyle many of the characters have and highlight amazing voices within the cast. Samantha Pauly – who plays Jordan Baker – powerfully demonstrates Baker’s desire for a rich lifestyle and her views on money in society, allowing audiences to understand more about her character’s actions and what drives her to make those decisions. “New Money” also features real-life fireworks that set off on stage.
Jeremy Jordan’s portrayal of Gatsby encapsulates the emotions of the character and moves the audience. He is able to perfectly balance the feeling of longing with humor and nervousness, allowing audiences to relate to the character and understand his emotional turmoil throughout the stage.
With moving cars and flats and projections, the set work is an intricate part in transporting the stage into the 1920s setting. The elaborate sets beautifully showcase the possibilities of the Broadway stage and allow audiences to feel as if they are witnessing the real lives of these characters. The costumes add depth to the characters by highlighting differences in wealth and lifestyle across the social classes. While characters like Daisy, Gatsby and Baker are seen wearing lavish outfits, others like George and Myrtle Wilson wear more simple clothing.
“The Great Gatsby” is a musical for anyone looking to have a fun time. With its moving set, era-relevant costumes and emotionally dense characters, “The Great Gatsby” explores themes of love, loss, greed and the price you pay for those you love.
