Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
REVIEW 'The Great Gatsby' melds jazz-age splendor with contemporary score
"The Great Gatsby" on Broadway, produced by Shin Chun-soo, stars Jeremy Jordan, left, as Jay Gatsby and Eva Noblezada as Daisy. Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Korean producer Shin Chun-soo brings Fitzgerald's classic onto Broadway
NEW YORK — "Thank you. Gamsahamnida. I am truly happy to be part of such a fantastic (production). I extend my respects to the source of inspiration for this one, Fitzgerald, and (I am) pleased to deliver the best performance every day going forward. Thank you," said Shin Chun-soo, the producer of the new Broadway musical "The Great Gatsby," during his speech after the opening night performance on April 25.
The evening marked a historic moment for Broadway as well as a significant milestone for Shin, a renowned producer from OD Company in Korea. Although not his first Broadway venture, this was the first occasion where he assumed the role of sole lead producer, embracing both the challenges and triumphs of the production all on his own.
After the beloved U.S. classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald entered the public domain in 2021, it was inevitable that this globally celebrated story would find new life on the stage through various adaptations, and the Korean producer became the first to transform the iconic 1925 novel into a Broadway musical.
The creative team, featuring Kait Kerrigan for the book, Jason Howland for the music, Nathan Tysen providing lyrics, and Marc Bruni as director, works together to vividly recreate the Roaring '20s on stage at the Broadway Theater, one of the largest stages in the world's musical theater capital. The setting is complete with lavish parties and decadence, capturing the spirit of the 1920s while drawing parallels to contemporary times, which share many similarities.
Jeremy Jordan plays the formidable yet enigmatic Jay Gatsby in "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway. Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Starring Broadway favorites Jeremy Jordan as Jay Gatsby and Eva Noblezada as Daisy Buchanan, the musical largely remains faithful to Fitzgerald's original novel. The story begins with Nick Carraway (Noah J. Ricketts) moving to Long Island, New York. He narrates how he quickly becomes drawn into the world of his wealthy neighbor Gatsby and the complexities of Gatsby's love for Daisy.
Jordan delivers a complex portrayal of Gatsby, masterfully balancing his character's formidable yet enigmatic presence with a somewhat nervous pursuit of Daisy. His approach adds a layer of humor, especially evident in scenes like the one where he plots to invite Daisy to tea at Nick's cottage. The actor captivates the audience with powerful solo performances in songs such as "For Her" and "Past Is Catching Up to Me," showcasing Howland's skillful composition and orchestration for the lead roles.
Noblezada's portrayal of Daisy is captivatingly in charm on the surface, yet underlies a morally complex character, exploring depth and intricacies of her character's internal and external conflicts musically. In the song "For Better or Worse," she explores her turbulent marriage and in "Beautiful Little Fool," the lyrics delve into Daisy's superficiality, a product of the societal constraints imposed on women of her era.
Jordan Baker (Samantha Pauly), center, in a scene from "The Great Gatsby" / Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Howland's score vividly brings the 1920s to life on the 2020s stage, combining power ballads and jazz-infused tunes that range from exuberant party anthems to the poignant duet "My Green Light" between Gatsby and Daisy. This mix not only animates the era's vibrant atmosphere but also deepens the emotional connection between the characters and the audience.
The performances of Jordan and Noblezada shine brightly against the backdrop of grand Art Deco sets designed by Paul Tate de Poo III, including iconic symbols from Gatsby's "new money" mansion and Daisy’s refined residence to Gatsby's yellow Rolls-Royce and Tom's blue coupe.
Adding to the spectacle, Linda Cho’s costume designs enhance the show's magic with their dazzling attention to period detail. Her creations include bedazzled black-and-gold flapper dresses and flowing, elegant gowns for Daisy, each piece contributing to the authentic and glamorous depiction of the 1920s.
Producer Shin Chun-soo speaks onstage during the curtain call for the opening night of "The Great Gatsby" at Broadway Theatre in New York City, April 25. AFP-Yonhap
Despite its visual and musical triumphs, the musical struggles with the novel’s subtler themes. The portrayal of tragic events in the second act lacks the depth of the original narrative, and the final scene — where narrator Nick reflects on Gatsby's dreams and their remnants — is overshadowed by a bittersweet dance reprise, suggesting a direction that favors spectacle over narrative depth.
This rendition of "Gatsby" clearly prioritizes spectacle, possibly a strategic choice in a Broadway season overcrowded with experimental and diverse productions. Yet, for those drawn to Broadway for its grandeur and spectacle, "The Great Gatsby" offers a fulfilling experience.
While the production may lean more towards opulence than depth, it serves its role in bringing traditional Broadway entertainment to modern audiences, celebrating the timeless charm of Gatsby’s extravagant world.