The Cast of The Great Gatsby on Broadway
The Great Gatsby, a novel penned by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is an iconic piece of American literature. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story centers on the mysterious and affluent Jay Gatsby and his unrequited love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. The Great Gatsby is a poignant exploration of the American Dream, wealth, love, and social hypocrisy that equally resonates with readers today.
This iconic story has now found its way to Broadway, a testament to its timeless appeal. The Broadway production provides a new dimension to the characters, enabling audiences to perceive the depth of Gatsby's obsession, the extravagance of his lifestyle, and the hollowness of his world in a more palpable manner. By translating this literary classic into a theatrical spectacle, Broadway continues its tradition of reimagining and reinterpreting beloved stories.
Jeremy Jordan: Taking on the Enigma of Jay Gatsby
Jeremy Jordan, the actor bringing Jay Gatsby to life, is an established name in the theatre world. Jordan's career has spanned a range of roles, including Jack Kelly in Disney's Newsies and Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde.
Jay Gatsby is a character of enduring allure and mystery. He is a man of immense wealth, known for his extravagant parties, yet his past and the source of his fortune remain obscured. Gatsby's life revolves around his infatuation with Daisy Buchanan, and his desperate attempts to win her love form the crux of the story. He is a character marked by his relentless pursuit of a dream, his romantic idealism, and the tragic disillusionment that follows.
Preparing for the role of Gatsby was no small feat, given the character's complexity and iconic status. Jordan approached the role with the commitment and passion that he’s known for. "It’s been really fun exploring what [Gatsby’s] actual sound is,” he shared in an interview with Playbill.com. For the character's speaking voice, Jordan drew inspiration from a variety of old movies, creating a unique blend that he believes captures Gatsby's essence. Jordan also made a conscious effort not to watch any other actor’s previous interpretations of Gatsby in order to create a fresh and authentic portrayal that is deeply rooted in his unique interpretation of the character.
Eva Noblezada: Breathing Life into Daisy Buchanan
Starring as Daisy Buchanan, Eva Noblezada is an actress who has made a significant impact in the theatre world. Noblezada has an impressive array of roles under her belt, including Kim in Miss Saigon and Eurydice in Hadestown, both of which earned her Tony® nominations. Her performances have consistently displayed a knack for capturing complex emotions, which she brings to life in her portrayal of Daisy.
In the novel, Daisy Buchanan is a character who embodies the allure and contradictions of the Roaring Twenties. She is a symbol of beauty and sophistication, yet her life is marked by a sense of unfulfilled longing. Daisy is, in many ways, the quintessential flapper, yet beneath her vivacious exterior lies a woman entrenched in societal expectations and trapped in an unsatisfying marriage. She is the object of Gatsby's obsessive love, and their relationship reveals the poignant realities of unrequited love and the hollowness of wealth.
Noblezada's preparation for the role of Daisy was a comprehensive process; she acknowledged that the role comes with its own set of challenges, but she views these as a part of the thrill of performing live theatre. She also addressed the common perception of Daisy as an unlikeable character. However, Noblezada looked beyond this label, choosing instead to see Daisy as a flawed human being and approach her with empathy. Her preparation and deep understanding of Daisy's character bring a fresh interpretation of the character to the stage.
Noah J. Ricketts: The Voice of Reason as Nick Carraway
Bringing the character of Nick Carraway to life is Noah J. Ricketts, a seasoned actor known for his depth and versatility. Ricketts's career has featured a range of notable roles, including Kristoff in Disney's Frozen on Broadway.
In The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway is a window into the world of wealth, excess, and passion that surrounds Jay Gatsby. He is Gatsby's neighbor and thus becomes an unwitting participant in their tragic love story. Nick serves as the moral compass of the story, observing and critiquing the society around him. He is both fascinated and repulsed by the world of Gatsby and Daisy, and his character offers a sobering counterpoint to their extravagance and idealism.
Ricketts's methodology has been greatly appreciated by the show’s writer, Kait Kerrigan, who shared his thoughtful approach to character development. “He's somebody who, as we developed the part, was always looking to figure out what his character was doing, which is so important for Nick Carraway because Nick is an observer,” says Kerrigan in an interview with Town & Country. “Noah’s not writing the part, but he's thinking about it the way a writer thinks about things, which for a character like Nick is so valuable.” Ricketts also offers his own reflections on the timeless relevance of Fitzgerald's narrative. “Fitzgerald was way ahead of his time, and he hit the nail on the head in terms of the sobering reality of how human beings can be,” he comments. Such insights into the story and his character further underscore Ricketts's deep understanding of his role.
Meet the Supporting Cast: Bringing the Roaring Twenties to Life
The exceptional performers stepping into supporting roles add to the illustrious cast of The Great Gatsby on Broadway. John Zdrojeski plays Daisy's husband, Tom Buchanan. Known for his work in Good Night, Oscar, Zdrojeski has a track record of portraying complex characters. In the novel, Tom is a character of privilege and arrogance, and his affair with Myrtle Wilson introduces an element of conflict and tension into the narrative.
Samantha Pauly, acclaimed for her role in SIX, portrays Jordan Baker. Jordan is Daisy's friend and an amateur golfer, a character who embodies the modern woman of the 1920s.
Sara Chase, known for her work in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, plays Myrtle Wilson, Tom's lover. Myrtle longs for a life of wealth and glamour, and her affair with Tom is a desperate attempt to escape her mundane existence.
Lastly, Paul Whitty, recognized for his roles in Once and The Full Monty, is stepping into the shoes of George Wilson, Myrtle's husband. George is a humble garage owner, unaware of his wife's infidelity. Whitty's repertoire of portraying earnest, down-to-earth characters will bring a sense of authenticity and poignancy to the role of George Wilson.
Behind the Scenes: The Visionaries Crafting the Show
At the helm of The Great Gatsby are director Marc Bruni, musical director Jason Howland, writer Kait Kerrigan, and choreographer Dominique Kelley, Lyricist Nathen Tysen brings the music to life by capturing the essence of the characters and their emotional journeys. The visual components of the show are led by the capable hands of scenic and projection designer Paul Tate dePoo III, whose innovative designs promise to transport audiences to the world of the Roaring Twenties. The creative team’s combined expertise sets the tone and direction for this Broadway adaptation, shaping it into a theatrical experience that cannot be missed.
The Great Gatsby brings audiences on a journey into the Jazz Age to witness the love, longing, and disillusionment of some of literature's most iconic characters. Led by a fantastic cast, the production is a stunning interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's beloved novel. Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or exploring Broadway for the first time, this show offers a terrific theatrical experience for all!