By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez
“The Great Gatsby” is getting a new life on stage.
F. Scott’s Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece is playing out in a big way at Broadway in Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre on Chicago’s Randolph Street. The show runs to May 3. This is the first National Touring Production of the show, which made its Broadway debut in April of 2024.
Set in the 1920’s on the North Shore of Long Island, the story revolves around debonair millionaire Jay Gatsby and the lifelong pursuit of his great love Daisy Buchanan.
The themes of societal corruption, the heartbreak of love gone wrong, immorality, and the evil side of wealth are woven throughout the story, which ultimately has a tragic ending.
While the story of “The Great Gatsby” has been told in a novel and four films, this is the first time it’s been done as a musical. And it works perfectly in a spectacular stage rendition.
From beautful costumes and captivating sets to standout choreography and a powerful score, this production does it up lavishly. Costume design was done by Linda Cho while Dominique Kelley artfully crafted choreography. Dance numbers, which include energetic tap dancing, are top notch.
Starring as Jay Gatsby is Jake David Smith, who offers a fine performance with strong vocals. Senzel Ahmady, as Daisy, also gives a praiseworthy performance. Among other stars in the musical are Joshua Grosso as Nick Carraway, Leanne Robinson as Jordan Baker, Lila Coogan as Myrtle Wilson, Will Branner as Tom Buchanan and Tally Sessions as George Winston.
Highlighted musical numbers include “Roaring On,” “New Money,” “My Green Light” and “Better Hold Tight.”
FYI: “The Great Gatsby” runs to May 3 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets are $41 to $165 with a select number of premium tickets available. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
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About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
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