The Cast Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

The Great Gatsby is based on the 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Taking place in 1922, it follows Nick Carraway, recently back from World War I and trying to find his way in New York. He rents a cottage on Long Island near his cousin Daisy. He is introduced to several unique individuals, including the mysterious Jay Gatsby, who has a previous connection with Daisy. Tragic consequences follow as obsession, violence, and debauchery take their toll on those around Nick. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2024. Despite mixed reviews and only one Tony Award nomination, it is still running and has become a commercial success.

The book for the musical by Katt Kerrigan clearly presents the story, includes some of the iconic lines from the novel, and has elements of romance, comedy, historical perspective, tension, and tragedy which make for an engaging plot. However, this is a sanitized version of the story, with some of the grittier backstories and characterizations changed, muted, or rushed. Purists or enthusiasts of the novel or other adaptations may feel somewhat cheated by this version.

The score has music by Jason Howland (Little Women, Paradise Square) and lyrics by Nathan Tysen (Amélie, Tuck Everlasting) and features thrilling earworms-of-a-song in the opening "Roaring On" and big production number "New Money." Act 1 also contains consecutive (and solid) comedic songs in "The Met" and "Only Tea," where Gatsby nervously plans and awaits reconnecting with Daisy after five years apart. The last song before intermission is the soaring duet "My Green Light," which features swelling orchestrations by composer Howland and Kim Scharnberg which are heard often in the score. The songs in Act 2 are less memorable and a bit more generic musically. There are witty and well-crafted lyrics throughout, highlighted in "For Better or Worse," with many conjuring up the Roaring '20s effectively.

Marc Bruni's direction boasts smooth transitions, well-suited blocking, and some breathtaking stage pictures. The choreography by Dominique Kelley is an apt mix of 1920s dances and modern musical theatre moves, best featured in "New Money." "La Dee Dah with You" includes some wonderful tap dancing and other athletic choreography. Charlie Alterman leads a great-sounding twelve-piece orchestra which consists of a mix of traveling and local musicians.

As Gatsby, Jake David Smith puts his beautiful tenor vocals to great use in numbers including "For Her" and "Past Is Catching Up With Me" and captures the character's awkwardness, uptight persona, and obsession with recapturing Daisy's heart. Understudy William Bishop displays versatility, strong vocals, and a winning portrayal of fish-out-of-water Nick Carraway. Senzel Ahmady conveys the cynical outlook of Daisy while also being sympathetic, and shows off attractive vocals and a strong stage presence. Leanne Robinson possesses a powerful and textured singing voice and brings the requisite sass to the role of Jordan Baker.

Will Branner (Tom Buchanan) and Edward Staudenmayer (Meyer Wolfsheim) are appropriately brutish and violent as the villains of the story. Lila Coogan demonstrates skilled singing in her two songs as Myrtle, and Tally Sessions conveys the right pathos as her put-upon husband George. The hard-working ensemble members bring great dance skill, energy, and talent.

The design elements of The Great Gatsby are stunning. Paul Tate dePoo III supplies a magnificent art deco style set design with well-integrated projections, creating the opulent Gatsby mansion and other locales, along with other striking elements including working automobiles. The costume design by Lindo Cho deservedly won the Tony Award, and includes many fabulous and intricately crafted outfits befitting the Roaring '20s timeline. The lighting by Cory Pattak is varied, professionally rendered, and helps to tie the scenic design and projections together. This is certainly a show where you can see where the price of your ticket is spent.

The Great Gatsby is a well-known title, and that familiarity and devotion to the material may impact one's response to this new musical adaptation. The national tour currently in Cincinnati boasts a talented cast, splendid design elements, an engaging story, and a score with a number of highly melodic songs.

The Great Gatsby runs through September 27, 2026, at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-621-2787 or visit cincinnati.broadway.com. For information on the tour, visit broadwaygatsby.com/tour.