Frequently Asked Questions about New York
The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby on Broadway

0 Shares

The Great Gatsby is making its way to Broadway in a new musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic 1925 novel. Known for its portrayal of the Jazz Age, opulent parties, and the elusive American dream, The Great Gatsby has long been a symbol of the Roaring Twenties. The Broadway adaptation promises to bring Fitzgerald’s world of wealth, love, and tragedy to life through music, dance, and stunning theatrical storytelling.

Here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing The Great Gatsby: The Musical on Broadway.

Overview of The Great Gatsby: The Musical

  • Location: (The theater for this production has not yet been officially announced, but it will be staged in one of Broadway’s iconic venues).
  • Expected Opening Date: The Great Gatsby: The Musical is expected to debut on Broadway in 2024. Specific dates are yet to be announced.
  • Show Duration: The length of the show will be announced closer to the opening date, but most Broadway musicals typically run between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours, including an intermission.
  • Audience: Suitable for ages 10 and up due to its mature themes, including the exploration of wealth, love, and tragedy.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


The Story of The Great Gatsby

Set in the summer of 1922, The Great Gatsby follows the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession with the beautiful and elusive Daisy Buchanan, a love from his past. Told through the eyes of Nick Carraway, a young man who moves next door to Gatsby in the fictional Long Island town of West Egg, the story explores themes of wealth, class, unrequited love, and the American dream during the height of the Jazz Age.

Key Characters:

  • Jay Gatsby: A mysterious millionaire with a dark past, known for throwing lavish parties at his mansion in hopes of reuniting with Daisy.
  • Daisy Buchanan: A beautiful and wealthy socialite who is married to Tom Buchanan but still holds a special place in Gatsby’s heart.
  • Nick Carraway: The novel’s narrator and Gatsby’s neighbor, who becomes entangled in the complex relationships between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom.
  • Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s wealthy, arrogant, and aggressive husband, who has his own extramarital affair.
  • Jordan Baker: A professional golfer and Daisy’s friend who becomes romantically involved with Nick.

The story revolves around Gatsby’s attempt to rekindle his love with Daisy and the tragic consequences of their reunion. The musical is expected to bring the opulence, drama, and passion of the novel to the stage, set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties.


Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


The Music of The Great Gatsby

While specific details about the musical’s score have not yet been fully revealed, Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine has been announced as the composer and lyricist for the show. Known for her powerful voice and ethereal, emotional music, Welch’s involvement has generated significant excitement.

What to Expect from the Music:

  • Jazz Age Influence: The score is expected to incorporate influences from Jazz Age music—a key element of Fitzgerald’s world—alongside Welch’s signature style, blending modern musical influences with the glamour and decadence of the 1920s.
  • Emotional Ballads and Lavish Party Numbers: Look for a combination of soulful, emotional ballads reflecting Gatsby and Daisy’s romance, alongside large, energetic ensemble numbers depicting the wild parties at Gatsby’s mansion.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


Choreography and Dance

Given the Jazz Age setting, The Great Gatsby: The Musical will likely feature dynamic choreography that captures the exuberance and excess of the Roaring Twenties. Charleston dances, flapper-inspired moves, and elegant ballroom sequences are expected to bring the world of Gatsby’s lavish parties to life.

  • Choreography Style: Expect a mix of classic jazz dance, period-inspired movement, and modern theatrical choreography to reflect the energy and decadence of the 1920s. The dance numbers will likely highlight the contrast between the glitzy exterior of Gatsby’s world and the emotional undercurrents of the characters’ relationships.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


Set and Costume Design

The Great Gatsby: The Musical will undoubtedly feature dazzling set and costume designs that transport audiences back to the glamorous world of the 1920s. With the novel’s emphasis on wealth, excess, and opulence, the production is expected to capture the visual splendor of Gatsby’s world.

Set Design:

  • Gatsby’s mansion is sure to be one of the most spectacular elements of the set, complete with luxurious interiors and sweeping party scenes.
  • Other key locations, such as Nick’s modest home, Tom and Daisy’s grand estate, and the vibrant world of New York City in the Jazz Age, will be brought to life through intricate and immersive stage design.

Costumes:

  • The costume design is expected to be a feast for the eyes, with flapper dresses, beaded gowns, feathered headpieces, and sharp 1920s suits. The show will likely feature glamorous period costumes that reflect the extravagance of the Jazz Age.
  • Daisy Buchanan’s wardrobe, in particular, will showcase her wealth and status, while Gatsby’s tailored suits will reflect his mysterious yet polished persona.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


Creative Team

The Great Gatsby: The Musical boasts an impressive creative team, led by acclaimed artists who are bringing a fresh take to this classic story.

Director:

  • Rebecca Frecknall, an award-winning director known for her innovative and visually striking productions, will helm the Broadway adaptation. Frecknall is expected to bring a contemporary and emotional depth to the storytelling while staying true to the spirit of the original novel.

Music and Lyrics:

  • Florence Welch, the Grammy-nominated lead singer of Florence and the Machine, is composing the music and writing the lyrics. Her powerful and emotional music style, combined with the jazz influences of the era, is expected to elevate the show’s emotional depth.

Book:

  • The book for the musical is being written by Martyna Majok, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. Majok’s involvement promises a thoughtful and modern take on the timeless themes of love, class, and the American dream.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


Tickets and Seating

Ticket Prices

  • Ticket prices for The Great Gatsby: The Musical are yet to be announced, but typical Broadway prices range from $69 to $250, depending on seating and demand. Premium seating is likely to be more expensive, especially for opening performances and weekends.

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Tickets will be available through the official Broadway box office, Ticketmaster, and other authorized Broadway ticket sellers. Be sure to keep an eye on announcements for the official ticket sale date, as this highly anticipated show is expected to sell out quickly.

Best Seats

  • Orchestra seats offer a close-up view of the actors and will immerse you in the energy and drama of the performance.
  • Front Mezzanine seats provide a great vantage point to take in the large dance numbers, set design, and intricate details of the production.
  • Rear Mezzanine or Balcony seats are more affordable and still offer a good view of the stage, especially for big ensemble numbers and party scenes.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


When to Visit: Best Times and Tips for Booking

Best Time to See the Show

  • Weekday matinees are generally less crowded and more affordable, making them a great option for those looking to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Opening weeks will likely be in high demand, so consider booking tickets well in advance if you want to attend one of the first performances.

Booking in Advance

  • The Great Gatsby: The Musical is one of the most anticipated new shows on Broadway, so booking early is highly recommended. As soon as tickets become available, consider securing your seats, particularly for weekend and evening performances.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


What to Expect at the Show

An Immersive Jazz Age Experience

Audiences can expect to be transported into the world of Gatsby’s lavish parties, with energetic dance numbers, period-appropriate jazz music, and stunning set pieces. The glitz and glamour of the 1920s will be on full display, but beneath the surface, the musical will explore the darker themes of Fitzgerald’s novel—loneliness, desire, and the disillusionment of the American dream.

Emotional Depth

While The Great Gatsby is known for its glamorous setting, the Broadway adaptation is expected to delve deeply into the emotional struggles of its characters. Gatsby’s longing for Daisy, Nick’s disillusionment with wealth and society, and the fragile relationships between the characters will be brought to life with raw emotion and intensity.

Nearby Dining and Attractions

The show will take place in the heart of the Broadway Theater District, offering plenty of dining and entertainment options for a complete night out in New York City.

Dining Options

  • Carmine’s: A family-style Italian restaurant located in the Theater District, known for its large portions and festive atmosphere.
  • Sardi’s: A classic Broadway institution, Sardi’s serves American fare and is famous for its celebrity caricatures lining the walls.
  • The Rum House: A cozy bar located near Times Square, perfect for a pre-show cocktail, offering a speakeasy vibe reminiscent of Gatsby’s era.

Nearby Attractions

  • Times Square: Just steps from most Broadway theaters, Times Square is an iconic NYC destination with bright lights, entertainment, and photo opportunities.
  • Rockefeller Center: Located a few blocks away, Rockefeller Center offers shopping, dining, and sightseeing, especially during the holiday season when the area is beautifully decorated.
  • Bryant Park: A great place to relax before or after the show, Bryant Park offers outdoor seating, a winter skating rink during the holiday season, and seasonal events.

Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


Conclusion

The Great Gatsby: The Musical on Broadway promises to be a dazzling, emotionally powerful production that brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel to life in a whole new way. With a talented creative team, stunning music by Florence Welch, and a rich, immersive Jazz Age setting, this musical is set to be one of the most anticipated theatrical events of 2024. Whether you’re a fan of the novel, a lover of musicals, or someone looking for a new Broadway experience, The Great Gatsby: The Musical is sure to be a captivating and unforgettable journey into the world of excess, romance, and the elusive American dream.


Buy Tickets to The Great Gatsby


Cover photo: broadwaygatsby.com