The Broadway production of “The Great Gatsby” has announced an incoming principal player. Ryan McCartan will join the musical currently running at the Broadway Theatre on Jan. 21, 2025, taking over the central role of Jay Gatsby. McCartan will succeed original star Jeremy Jordan, who, as previously announced, will exit the production on Jan. 19.
Additionally, the production has revealed plans to honor the 100th anniversary of the original publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel upon which the musical is based, with a year-long celebration. The “Great Gatsby” Centennial Celebration will begin with a gala performance of the musical on Jan. 16, 2025, with a soirée to immediately follow. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (NYPLPA).
“We are honored that the Library for the Performing Arts will be celebrated by the ‘Great Gatsby’ Broadway production,” said Roberta Pereira, the Barbara G. and Lawrence A. Fleischman executive director of the NYPLPA, in a statement. “The musical adaptation of Fitzgerald’s landmark novel is a perfect marriage of our interests between literary history and Broadway excellence. As a kickoff to our 60th anniversary celebration in 2025, we couldn't be more thrilled that they have invited us to be a part of their story.”
A 2011 Jimmy Award winner, McCartan made his Broadway debut replacing as Fiyero in “Wicked.” He also appeared as Hans in “Frozen” both on Broadway and on tour. McCartan’s Off-Broadway credits include “Heathers” and “Scotland, PA.” On television, he is known for his appearances on “Liv & Maddie” and “The Winchesters.”
In addition to Jordan, the current principal cast of “The Great Gatsby” includes Eva Noblezada as Daisy Buchanan, Eric Anderson as Meyer Wolfsheim, Sara Chase as Myrtle Wilson, Samantha Pauly as Jordan Baker, Charlie Pollock as George Wilson, Noah J. Ricketts as Nick Carraway and John Zdrojeski as Tom Buchanan.
Featuring music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and a book by Kait Kerrigan, “The Great Gatsby” follows the reclusive and enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby who will stop at nothing to reunite with his former flame Daisy Buchanan. The production features direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Dominique Kelley and musical direction by Daniel Edmonds. Following previews that began on March 29, “The Great Gatsby” opened on April 25. Linda Cho won a 2024 Tony Award for her work as the production’s costume designer.
“The Great Gatsby” is produced by Chunsoo Shinn.
