Behind the Scenes: The Making of The Great Gatsby Musical
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, The Great Gatsby musical adaptation brings to life the decadence, glamour, and heartbreak of the Roaring Twenties with a modern twist. As with any Broadway production, the journey from page to stage was a feat of creative collaboration and endless hard work.
Understanding the behind-the-scenes process of a Broadway show can help one to better appreciate the spectacle on stage. It’s not just about the actors and their performances but also about the tireless efforts of the entire creative team. From the director's vision to the set designer's craftsmanship and the composer's melodies to the choreography, every element plays a vital role in creating a Broadway show.
The Inspiration Behind the Show
The Great Gatsby is a fresh take on Fitzgerald's timeless novel, set in the Jazz Age of the 1920s. The story revolves around the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a man of immense wealth and mystery, and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the American Dream, all set against the backdrop of a society intoxicated by wealth and status. The musical score, a blend of jazz and contemporary music, brings an added layer of depth to the storyline, placing the audience in the emotional roller coaster that is Gatsby's world.
The process of bringing The Great Gatsby to life began with an out-of-town production, led by director Marc Bruni, in 2023 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. A year later, the show moved to Broadway, opening on April 25, 2024.
The Art of Set Design in The Great Gatsby
Set designer Paul Tate dePoo III’s vision for The Great Gatsby was to capture the opulence and extravagance of the Jazz Age while also reflecting the underlying disillusionment of the era. The main challenge was to create a world that was as vivid as Fitzgerald's prose, which he achieved through stunning projections, both grand in scale and intricate in detail.
The set was designed to evoke the lavish homes and glittering parties of 1920s Long Island. Gatsby's mansion, a symbol of his enormous wealth and his yearning for acceptance, is depicted with grandeur. On the other hand, the Valley of Ashes, a grim industrial wasteland, is starkly contrasted with the opulence of Gatsby's home.
Costume Design: Adding Depth to the Story
The costume design for The Great Gatsby was an integral part of the production process. The team of skilled designers and wardrobe artisans, led by Linda Cho, worked tirelessly to create costumes that were not only visually appealing but also helped to enhance the narrative and character development. Each costume was meticulously researched and crafted to ensure historical accuracy while remaining comfortable for the actors’ wear.
Costumes also provide visual cues about a character's personality, social status, and emotional state. For instance, Daisy is often dressed in light, airy dresses, reflecting her charm and the carefree facade she presents to the world. In contrast, Gatsby's costumes—sharp suits, shiny shoes, and immaculately styled hair—were designed to portray his wealth and sophistication while also hinting at his desperate need to fit into the upper class.
The Roaring Twenties was a time of great social change, and this was reflected in the fashion of the era. Women's clothing became more daring, and men's fashion more refined. The costume team worked diligently to recreate these styles. The result was a stunning array of costumes that transports the audience back to this glamorous era.
The Role of Music and Choreography in Storytelling
The musical score development for The Great Gatsby was a process steeped in creativity and collaboration. Composer Jason Howland and lyricist Nathan Tysen worked together to create songs that would elevate the narrative, enhance character development, and capture the mood of the era. The resulting musical score is a flavorful mix, blending the 1920s vibe with a contemporary sound. The music features a mix of flavors, from jazz tunes to soulful ballads, each reflecting a different part of the story. Despite the diversity in musical styles, at the center of it all is heart, underscoring the love story that is at the core of The Great Gatsby. Each song was carefully crafted and selected to fit seamlessly into the narrative, further enhancing the emotional depth of the story and the complexity of the characters.
Equally important to the musical score was the choreography. Choreographer Dominique Kelley worked closely with the director and the musical team to create dance sequences that would enhance the storytelling. Kelley believed that the choreography had to set the tone of the environment, perfectly capturing the spirit of the era while also adding a contemporary touch. His approach to choreography was a 'remix' of social dances of the 1920s and their modern versions, providing a fresh and innovative perspective. This blend of classic and contemporary movements provided the feel of the 1920s with a 2024 spin. The dance routines are intricately woven through the narrative, adding layers of meaning and emotion to each scene.
There is an immense effort and passion that goes into creating a Broadway show. The journey from page to stage is an intricate dance of creativity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication. So, when you next find yourself amidst the glitz and glamour of Gatsby's world, remember to appreciate not only the performances but the tireless efforts of the team behind the scenes.