The Great Gatsby Musical: The Complete Guide — Broadway’s Roaring Twenties Spectacular | Cast & Songs
The Great Gatsby - Podcast
Something Great Is Coming to Broadway
The
Great
Gatsby
A New Musical • Based on the Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Directed by Marc Bruni • Choreography by Dominique Kelly
Set & Projection Design by Paul Tate dePoo III • Costumes by Linda Cho (Tony Award Winner)
World Premiere: Paper Mill Playhouse, October 2023 • Broadway: April 25, 2024
So We Beat On
— A New Musical
for the Ages
The Great Gatsby: A New Musical is a stage musical with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and a book by Kait Kerrigan. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s immortal 1925 novel, the show received its world premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey in October 2023, before transferring to Broadway’s Theatre on 53rd Street, where it officially opened on 25 April 2024. Directed by Marc Bruni with choreography by Dominique Kelly, the original cast starred Jeremy Jordan as Jay Gatsby and Eva Noblezada as Daisy Buchanan — the two performers who had developed the show from its earliest workshop readings.
The production featured spectacular set and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III and costume design by Linda Cho — which won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical 2024. The original Broadway cast recording was released digitally on 28 June 2024 through Masterworks Broadway. The show has since been seen in London, Seoul and is playing a North American tour from January 2026. Reeve Carney joined the Broadway company as Gatsby in March 2026.
Background
& Creation
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Novel — The Source
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby is widely considered one of the greatest American novels ever written — a searing portrait of the Roaring Twenties, the American Dream and its inevitable corruption. Set in the summer of 1922 on Long Island’s Gold Coast, it follows narrator Nick Carraway’s account of his mysterious, fabulously wealthy neighbour Jay Gatsby’s obsessive pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, the woman he lost before the war. The novel’s themes of wealth, class, love, illusion and the impossibility of recapturing the past have made it an enduring classic studied in schools worldwide. This musical adaptation draws on the novel’s key storylines and characters while crafting an original song score and theatrical approach.
The Creative Team — Howland, Tysen and Kerrigan
Composer Jason Howland is best known for his scores for Broadway’s Little Women (2005) and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (where he served as music producer). Lyricist Nathan Tysen has worked extensively in musical theatre development. Together they created a score that blends Jazz Age energy, contemporary pop-musical songwriting and operatic emotional sweep. Book writer Kait Kerrigan — a celebrated theatre writer with a background in literary adaptation — shaped the story to focus on the love triangle between Gatsby, Daisy and Nick’s perspective, with Kerrigan emphasising the romantic and emotional core of Fitzgerald’s novel.
Marc Bruni — The Director
Director Marc Bruni — known for his work on Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway — shaped the production’s vision of Jazz Age opulence. Working with set and projection designer Paul Tate dePoo III — whose immersive projections drench the stage in gold light, Art Deco imagery and the iconic green light from the end of Daisy’s dock — and costume designer Linda Cho (whose work won the Tony Award), Bruni created a show of extraordinary visual spectacle. Choreographer Dominique Kelly brought Roaring Twenties Charleston energy and contemporary fluidity to the dance sequences.
Paper Mill Playhouse — The World Premiere
The world premiere of The Great Gatsby was held at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey — one of America’s most celebrated regional theatres and a frequent launching pad for Broadway-bound productions — opening 12 October 2023 with an official opening on 22 October, for a limited engagement through 12 November. It was directed by Marc Bruni and choreographed by Dominique Kelly, and featured the full original cast: Jeremy Jordan (Jay), Eva Noblezada (Daisy), Noah J. Ricketts (Nick), Samantha Pauly (Jordan), Sara Chase (Myrtle), John Zdrojeski (Tom), Paul Whitty (George) and Stanley Wayne Mathis (Wolfsheim).
The Story —
New York,
Summer 1922
Act One — Nick, Gatsby and the Green Light
In 1922, Nick Carraway — a Midwestern World War I veteran — arrives in New York to work as a bond salesman. He rents a modest cottage adjoining the estate of his mysterious neighbour, Jay Gatsby (“Roaring On”). Nick visits his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom — his Yale acquaintance and former football star — across the bay. Tom’s affair with working-class Myrtle Wilson, whose husband George runs a rundown garage in the Valley of Ashes, is an open secret. Daisy introduces Nick to independent golfer Jordan Baker (“Absolute Rose,” “New Money”).
Nick receives an invitation to one of Gatsby’s legendary parties. There, Gatsby reveals to Nick that he built his entire fortune and estate for one purpose: to win back Daisy, his pre-war sweetheart, whose father had rejected him as unsuitable before the war (“For Her”). He asks Nick to arrange their reunion. After Tom breaks Myrtle’s nose in a rage, Nick agrees. The meeting — a tea at Nick’s cottage — is comic and touching in equal measure (“Only Tea”). Daisy visits Gatsby’s mansion, discovers her father had destroyed Gatsby’s wartime letters to her, and the two begin an affair (“My Green Light”). Gatsby is convinced Daisy will leave Tom; he begins planning a party to recreate their wartime love (“Past Is Catching Up to Me”). Daisy tells Gatsby she wants to run away with him (“Go”).
Act Two — The Green Light Dims
At the Plaza Hotel, Gatsby and Daisy’s affair is confronted by Tom. Gatsby demands Daisy swear she never loved Tom — she cannot (“Made to Last”). Tom reveals Gatsby’s wealth comes from bootlegging. As they drive home from the Plaza, Gatsby’s yellow Rolls-Royce — with Daisy at the wheel — strikes and kills Myrtle Wilson (“One-Way Road”), who had been walking toward the Plaza believing Tom was coming for her. Gatsby intends to take the blame to protect Daisy. Nick finds Gatsby alone at his mansion. Tom tells the grieving George Wilson that Gatsby owned the car. George arrives at Gatsby’s mansion and shoots him dead, then himself (“For Her” reprise). Nick is the only friend at Gatsby’s funeral (“New Money” reprise). He confronts Daisy — who is now leaving with Tom for Honolulu — about her abandonment of Gatsby. Daisy’s callous final words about her infant daughter sum up the moral vacancy at the heart of old money (“Beautiful Little Fool”). Nick returns to Gatsby’s empty mansion one last time and sees the ghost of the man he barely knew (“Finale: Roaring On”).
The Songs —
Jason Howland
& Nathan Tysen
The score blends Jazz Age energy with contemporary musical theatre songwriting. The original Broadway cast recording was released digitally on 28 June 2024 and on CD on 2 August 2024 through Masterworks Broadway.
The Characters
& Casting History
The enigmatic, fabulously wealthy host of legendary parties — who built his entire fortune solely to win back Daisy Buchanan. Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde) originated the role at Paper Mill and Broadway. Ryan McCartan replaced him January 2025; Reeve Carney joined March 2026. Eva Noblezada returned to the production in February 2026 alongside Carney.
Gatsby’s lost love — married to Tom Buchanan, trapped in old-money society, incapable of the decisive action Gatsby needs. Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon) originated the role. Sarah Hyland replaced her February 2025; Aisha Jackson joined June 2025; Eva Noblezada returned February 2026.
The story’s Midwestern narrator — honest, observant, drawn into Gatsby’s world as reluctant accomplice and ultimately his only mourner. Noah J. Ricketts originated the role. Corbin Bleu joined (played the role in both London and Broadway). Michael Maliakel also stepped in during the run.
The independent, unsentimental golfer and Daisy’s friend who becomes Nick’s love interest. Samantha Pauly (Six) created the role. Amber Davies played Jordan in the London Coliseum production.
Daisy’s brutish, old-money Yale husband — powerful, unfaithful and ultimately callous. John Zdrojeski originated the role. Austin Colby took over later in the run; John Behlmann joined March 2026.
Tom’s working-class mistress — desperate to escape poverty and drawn to Tom’s wealth, ultimately killed by Daisy driving Gatsby’s car. Sara Chase originated the role. Chilina Kennedy stepped in July–Sept 2024; Linedy Genao later joined.
Myrtle’s devastated husband — the tragic victim of the show’s moral corruption. Tom lies to him about Gatsby to deflect his rage, leading to Gatsby’s death. Paul Whitty originated the role. Charlie Pollock took over November 2024.
Gatsby’s shady underworld business associate — the source of his bootlegging fortune. Stanley Wayne Mathis played him at Paper Mill; Eric Anderson on Broadway. Terrence Mann took over for a limited period from January 2025. John Owen-Jones played him in London.
Complete Cast History — By Production
| Character | Paper Mill 2023 | Broadway 2024 | London 2025 | Seoul 2025 | US Tour 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jay Gatsby | Jeremy Jordan | Jeremy Jordan → Ryan McCartan → Reeve Carney | Jamie Muscato | Matt Doyle | Jake David Smith |
| Daisy Buchanan | Eva Noblezada | Eva Noblezada → Sarah Hyland → Aisha Jackson → Eva Noblezada | Frances Mayli McCann | Senzel Ahmady | Senzel Ahmady |
| Nick Carraway | Noah J. Ricketts | Noah J. Ricketts → Corbin Bleu → Michael Maliakel → Corbin Bleu | Corbin Bleu | Gerald Caesar | Joshua Grosso |
| Jordan Baker | Samantha Pauly | Samantha Pauly | Amber Davies | Amber Ardolino | Leanne Robinson |
| Tom Buchanan | John Zdrojeski | John Zdrojeski → Austin Colby → John Behlmann | Jon Robyns | Wes Williams | Will Branner |
| Myrtle Wilson | Sara Chase | Sara Chase → Chilina Kennedy → Linedy Genao | Rachel Tucker | Jeanna de Waal | Lila Coogan |
| George Wilson | Paul Whitty | Paul Whitty → Charlie Pollock | Joel Montague | Tally Sessions | Tally Sessions |
| Meyer Wolfsheim | Stanley Wayne Mathis | Eric Anderson → Terrence Mann | John Owen-Jones | Edward Staudenmayer | Edward Staudenmayer |
Production History
& World Tour
World premiere previews 12 October; official opening 22 October; closes 12 November. Full original cast: Jeremy Jordan (Gatsby), Eva Noblezada (Daisy), Noah J. Ricketts (Nick), Samantha Pauly (Jordan), Sara Chase (Myrtle), John Zdrojeski (Tom), Paul Whitty (George), Stanley Wayne Mathis (Wolfsheim). Directed by Marc Bruni; choreography Dominique Kelly.
Previews begin 29 March; official opening night 25 April 2024. Jordan, Noblezada, Ricketts, Chase, Pauly, Zdrojeski and Whitty reprise roles. Eric Anderson joins as Wolfsheim. Set and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III. Costume design by Linda Cho (wins Tony Award). Cast album released digitally 28 June 2024; CD 2 August 2024.
Ryan McCartan replaces Jeremy Jordan as Gatsby. Terrence Mann replaces Eric Anderson temporarily as Wolfsheim (through April 20, 2025). Sarah Hyland replaces Eva Noblezada as Daisy (February 2025). Charlie Pollock takes over George Wilson (November 2024). Linedy Genao joins as Myrtle; Austin Colby as Tom (end of March 2025). Michael Maliakel plays Nick Carraway. Aisha Jackson replaces Hyland as Daisy (June 2025). Reeve Carney joins as Gatsby and Eva Noblezada returns as Daisy (February/March 2026). Corbin Bleu and John Behlmann also join in March 2026.
European debut at the London Coliseum. Previews from 11 April; official opening 24 April 2025. Stars Jamie Muscato (Gatsby), Frances Mayli McCann (Daisy), Corbin Bleu (Nick), John Owen-Jones (Wolfsheim), Rachel Tucker (Myrtle), Jon Robyns (Tom), Amber Davies (Jordan), Joel Montague (George). Runs through 7 September 2025. Multiple WhatsOnStage Award nominations announced December 2025.
Asian premiere at the GS Arts Center in Seoul’s Gangnam District. Stars Matt Doyle (Gatsby), Jeanna de Waal (Myrtle) and Senzel Ahmady (Daisy). Runs 1 August to 9 November 2025.
North American tour begins in Baltimore, Maryland (31 January–7 February 2026). Stars Jake David Smith (Gatsby), Senzel Ahmady (Daisy, reprising from Seoul), Tally Sessions (George Wilson, reprising from Seoul) and Edward Staudenmayer (Wolfsheim, reprising from Seoul). Joshua Grosso (Nick), Leanne Robinson (Jordan), Will Branner (Tom), Lila Coogan (Myrtle).
Reception
& Critical Reviews
The Broadway production received mixed-to-negative critical reviews, with critics broadly praising the visual spectacle, costumes and performances while questioning the show’s fidelity to the novel’s deeper themes. The audience reaction, however, was warmer — and the show has continued to run and generate multiple international productions.
Awards &
Recognition
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Tony Award ◈ | Best Costume Design in a Musical | Linda Cho | Won ◈ |
| 2024 | Drama League Award | Distinguished Performance | Eva Noblezada | Nominated |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle ◈ | Outstanding Scenic Design | Paul Tate dePoo III | Won ◈ |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle ◈ | Outstanding Costume Design | Linda Cho | Won ◈ |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle | Outstanding New Broadway Musical | The Great Gatsby | Nominated |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle | Outstanding Projection Design | The Great Gatsby | Nominated |
| 2026 | WhatsOnStage Award | Best Performer in a Musical | Jamie Muscato (London) | Pending (Public Vote) |
| 2026 | WhatsOnStage Award | Best Supporting Performer | Amber Davies (London) | Pending |
| 2026 | WhatsOnStage Award | Best New Musical | Kerrigan, Howland & Tysen | Pending |
| 2026 | WhatsOnStage Award | Best Set Design | Paul Tate dePoo III | Pending |
| 2026 | WhatsOnStage Award | Best Costume Design | Linda Cho | Pending |
