Shocking the masses with a stunning performance on April 25th of 2024, The Great Gatsby musical is nothing short but an impressive display of raw talent. However, the musical does not necessarily follow the storyline as it is presented, omitting Gatsby’s backstory which plays an important role in the book as it opens a window into the corruption that is brought with wealth in a capitalist society. Some of the lyrics, though quoting verbatim from the book at times, is placed in parts of the story that disrupts its chronological order.
Though, I would argue, the beauty of the musical in separation from the book is still incredibly valid. Taking from a book with such a variety of plotlines and points, they pick one and go wild while keeping some of the original plot elements as well.
Not to mention the absolutely perfectly composed new money feel of the music, and the immaculate costuming. Eva Noblezada’s dresses fit to her, bedazzled in jewels, and Jeremy Jordan’s silver suit sparkled and gleamed on the golden stage. For this, they were praised.
Myrtle’s actor, Chiiina Kennedy has a voice that is chilling. Jordan’s actor, Samanthy Pauly, portrays in her voice the strength and confidence that comes with her character, as well as the youthfulness, mischievousness, and an air of a superiority complex. To do that with a voice, while singing, is a huge brag, and they do it well. Should I even bring up Wolfsheim, the actor who sings for him and acts for him both look and sound exactly like what you would imagine that name to entail. He brings about evilness, but also a harsh and startling reality of society in each cut of his voice in his solo song “Shady.”
As I mentioned before, the praise for this was immense, winning the 2024 Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Musical, crediting the designer Linda Cho. In the same year — 2024 — the musical was nominated for four Outer Critics Awards, and won for Paul Tate DePoo III set design.
Though not exactly telling the same story exactly as it was written, The Great Gatsby musical on Broadway takes a lot of creative liberty and creates a show that can still leave its audience stunned speechless. From beautiful visuals and jaw dropping vocals, to a hopeless story of a love and life that is unable to be reached when a mind is so far stuck in the past, this musical earned my respect and my admiration.
