The Great Gatsby Musical: The Impact of Jazz Age Culture on Broadway
Among the myriad stories told on Broadway, some stand out for their timeless cultural significance. One such story is The Great Gatsby, now a musical that brings a classic American novel to life like never before.
The Great Gatsby is deeply intertwined with Jazz Age culture, a period in the 1920s marked by economic prosperity, cultural dynamism, and jazz music. This era, often characterized by its flapper dresses and speakeasies, provides a rich setting for the musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic book. The show, much like the novel, captures the opulent and often tumultuous spirit of the Roaring Twenties, bringing to life the energy of jazz that defined the times.
The Jazz Age and Fitzgerald: Chronicles of Change
The Jazz Age was a transformative period in American history during the Roaring Twenties, marked by economic growth, cultural innovation, and social change. Cities like New York and Chicago became cultural hubs for jazz, whose rhythm and improv style became the soundtrack of the decade, influencing everything from dance to fashion.
Speakeasies, where jazz was often played, became popular as Prohibition laws banned the sale of alcohol, creating a nightlife culture that was both rebellious and glamorous. The Jazz Age also broke conventions, embracing new freedoms as flappers redefined women’s roles and the Harlem Renaissance brought African American culture to the forefront.
Scott Fitzgerald became a key fixture of the 1920s, and one of the most prominent authors of the era, chronicling the trials and triumphs of the American Dream. His works often explored themes of wealth, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, set against a society in flux. The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, is arguably his most famous work, telling the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man whose love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan drives him to greatness and despair. Through Gatsby’s story, Fitzgerald explores the allure and emptiness of the Jazz Age society.
As The Great Gatsby has transitioned from page to stage, these themes continue to resonate today, making the story a perfect fit for a modern musical. The adaptation not only brings to life the characters and settings of Fitzgerald's world but also captures the essence of the Jazz Age, inviting audiences to reflect on the era's enduring impact on American culture.
Swinging Scores and Fashion Statements: Gatsby’s Jazz Age on Stage
The show’s creative team combines seasoned Broadway veterans with innovative new creators. At the helm is director Marc Bruni, known for his work on Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; music and lyrics are crafted by the dynamic duo of Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen. The show’s book is written by Kait Kerrigan, making her Broadway debut, and choreography is led by the visionary Dominique Kelley.
The influence of the Jazz Age also extends to the show’s costumes, marked by flapper dresses, cloche hats, and tailored suits. Flapper dresses adorned with sequins and fringe capture the playful, liberated spirit of the era, while elegant evening gowns and tuxedos highlight the opulence and sophistication of Gatsby's world.
Designer Linda Cho shared insights into the visionary direction given by director Marc Bruni. "In our early conversations, there were discussions: ‘Do you want to do an abstracted Gatsby? Should we do a sort of contemporary take?’ And Marc Bruni's direction was, ‘Let's do the Gatsby of people's imagination,’" Cho explained in an interview with Playbill. To bring this vision to life, Cho selected a palette reminiscent of "the colors of a peacock"—vibrant blues, greens, and silvers—to create a whirlwind of color that would captivate Nick, the show's narrator, as he steps into the opulent realm of the upper class. These rich hues starkly contrast with the warm browns and yellows worn by the factory workers who toil in the Valley of Ashes, signifying their lower-class status. Meanwhile, the mobster characters don grays, reflecting their struggle to climb the social ladder.
On the other hand, The Great Gatsby's score sets the tone for the entire production with its lively rhythms and expressive melodies. Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the project. Jason Howland, a Tony Award®-nominated composer and orchestrator, is best known for his work on Broadway's Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Shucked. Meanwhile, Nathan Tysen, an accomplished lyricist, has dazzled audiences with his work on Tuck Everlasting and the critically acclaimed Amélie. Their score captures the essence of the period, incorporating elements of both jazz and modern pop to evoke the energy and excitement of the time.
Prohibition, Prosperity, and Parties: The Roaring Twenties Unveiled
The Great Gatsby intricately blends the historical essence of the 1920s into its narrative. Prohibition, a central theme, drove the rise of speakeasies and bootlegging, shaping a society eager to defy restrictions. Gatsby’s mysterious wealth hints at the illicit activities of the time, while his extravagant parties—complete with jazz music and free-flowing drinks—capture the rebellious spirit and excess of the era.
The Roaring Twenties also ushered in an economic boom fueled by technological advances and consumerism. This prosperity is reflected in the characters’ opulent lifestyles, from grand estates to fast cars, underscoring the decade’s obsession with wealth and status. Yet, beneath the glamour lies a darker narrative; the show explores the disillusionment behind the pursuit of success, as seen in Gatsby’s struggle with the emptiness of his dreams.
The Great Gatsby on Broadway offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the Jazz Age. With its rich storytelling and timeless themes, this theatrical adaptation is a must-see for anyone enamored by history and drama. Don’t miss the chance to experience this iconic tale brought to the stage.