When doing Jordan-Nick romances, I think a lot of producers forget that Nick has a girlfriend/fiance back at home whom he is stringing along and writing weekly (love) letters to for the entire novel, and he moved to Long Island to avoid the scandals about the two of them. And Jordan has several hanger-ons/boys who think they have something with her, and Nick knows this. At best, they have a FWB relationship where they both don't commit because they are aware of each other's carelessness inherent of the old money.
@@ummsayreIt does actually, in chapter 1 the convo about him being engaged back in the Mid West is proven to be true later in the novel in chapter 4 I think when he talks about writing love letters to a girl back home.
I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting for the songs, press images -anything - to be released about the ART version. I’m a huge fan of Florence and the Machine and I know she will bring a depth and complexity to her rendition which goes beyond surface extravagance. Thank you for your very detailed and erudite review of both versions as they make me imagine what the ART Version could be.
I loved the entire experience at the Art show. I want this album of work! I've seen Florence three times, so I had high expectations;I was right to have them!!!
I personally think the choice of Nick and Jordan’s sexuality is something that cannot be understated. Maybe it’s because I am an English major, but i think the choice to make nick and jordan lovers in the broadway great gatsby ignores a lot of nuance included even in the original book. I just want to see the ART version so bad.
@@jyangtoho It literally does though? They don't end up together but Nick and Jordan are definitely the B plot couple in the current Gatsby on Broadway
@@titania6841 sorry I misread the original comment lol you’re right but I really did not care much for that plot as I was more focused on daisy and jay
@titania6841 In the book, Nick and Jordan have a casual romance but aren't in love, unlike in the Broadway adaptation, which has a whole song portraying them as such. The novel actually hints that their sexuality is more queer-coded. While @jyangtoho is right that our focus is mainly on Jay and Daisy's dynamic, it's refreshing that an adaptation is finally putting the nuance of Nick and Jordan's sexuality on display, instead of just making them a straight couple for an easy storytelling process.
Got to see the ART version tonight (June 9th) and it seems like it is WAY more polished now than when you saw it. Set, lighting, and song list all flowed incredibly well. There were some absolutely beautiful moments in the show commenting on the 1920’s and i would even say today’s social climate as well! I would go watch it over and over again if i could!!!
Except, that defeats the entire point of the story. “The Great Gatsby” takes place during an era of excess. It cannot and should not be evocative of the Great Depression.
I’m so sorry if this wasn’t clear, I was just saying that I was excited that the review compared the orchestrations/musical style of ART’s production to Hadestown. Not the entire production, which I can only assume is dripping in 1920s glamour and not at all evocative of the great depression. I was referring exclusively to the music.
saw ART’s gatsby at their invited dress rehearsal, it was already so incredible i couldn’t imagine preferring any other adaption again. i’m traveling to boston to see it again on their last night of previews in august!
Yes, the book was about the class struggle, and the fact that nothing that Gatsby did would make him accepted in the establishment. There was no actual love between Gatsby and Daisy, and that's a very important aspect of the plot. Daisy cares about nothing but herself, and Gatsby pursues her more as a representative trophy of the life he yearns for with all his being. And that obsession destroys him (and Myrtle).
@@jgregveneklasen2657 Clearly I need to read the book again. For me it was all about the romance and frankly, I hated Daisy for not loving Gatsby, because he in my mind he absolutely did love her... he yearned for that life to worthy of HER, and she rejected him. When she couldn't say she never loved Tom I threw the book across the room in a rage, tbh. Couldn't go back to it for a full day. She couldn't possibly love Tom if she ever loved Gatzby (and obviously she didn't love Gatzby... she loves herself).
@@taniab2018 We have several layers to this: 1) this is Nick narrating Gatsby's feelings, every description you read is Nick's imagination, and one of the biggest themes in the book is that Nick is an unreliable narrator who has deliberately tried to concealed things to downplay or accentuate things based on his opinions. If it reads as romance, it's because he's on Gatsby's side and wanted to paint him as favorably as possible. 2) Gatsby never knew Daisy, so at best, he was infatuated, but he couldn't have loved her. He loves the idea of her: rich, care-free, confident, stylish, pretty, an integral part of high society - the American Dream. In a way, Daisy was both someone he wants to be with and wants to be. Daisy was his first glimpse into old money, and he wanted it so bad, but he never understood both Daisy and old money, and that is why he was doomed to never have either. His obsession with Daisy IS his obsession with the American Dream, he couldn't tell the two apart. This, no matter how you put it, is not love. 3) Of course, you can argue that love-at-first-sight/infatuation/crushes are also considered love, and his love for both Daisy and the American Dream, despite his lack of understanding of both, is a type of genuine love. Not the most profound type of love, but it is a love most fairytales possess nonetheless, and is something worth admiring.
@@sup9441 Thank you. That's helpful. I will say based on Nick's narration - which I do see your point on re: unreliability - Tom is a guy I view as of unworthy of love. He's a monster incapable of loving anyone
I have to say I love your approach to these reviews; open-minded, no gushing or bias towards or against one production more than the other, and not nitpicky either. Good focus on what is and nothing more.
Fun fact: they don't have _entirely_ separate casts. Maya Sistruck was in the ensemble of the Papermill version (which I saw) and is also in the cast of the ART version (which I wish I could see).
I’m so intrigued by the description of the set pieces made of broken car parts in the ART production! What an interesting angle to showcase, and a strong commentary on the illusion of the 1920’s and the eventual destruction of the glamour of shiny gleaming cars versus the reality of their eventual decay.
I read The Great Gatsby book before I went to go see The Great Gatsby at papermill. (Tbh I mainly went because of my love for Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada). I def agree that the papermill version focused much more on the romance. The producers of this show basically admitted that the roles of Gatsby and Daisy were written for Jeremy and Eva. I loved this adaptation and I will be going to see it on broadway in august! I can totally understand why the english majors are mad. YES, there isn't really any aspect of the original theme implemented into this version. NO, it wasn't written to do that. People need to understand that this is a modern take of the novel that will open it to new audiences.
I totally agree!!! I saw it on Broadway and it’s so clear that this was made to bring people into this story, to focus on the romance and to focus on the spectacle. And I feel like that’s totally okay- I like you get why the English majors and the book nerds are upset. However, although it’s not a great adaptation of the original source material, we got amazing songs, amazing sets, a very talented cast, and a very musical theater take on Gatsby. I was very content with the Broadway version personally
As someone who has also read the book and was able to see the ART Gatsby, I will never begrudge a show for prioritizing spectacle and romance (which is what it feels like this Broadway production is doing). There are many adaptations of things that I love that aren’t like the source material at all and still capture my attention. What bothers me about the Papermill Gatsby is that it gives me the impression that it doesn’t think it could stay more faithful to the source material AND have the glitz and glamor. ART Gatsby has that spectacle, has the fantastic choreography and big musical numbers AND it stays true to the original intention of the text. Everything that the Papermill Gatsby has going for it, the ART Gatsby has and then some. But the former gets to be on Broadway and get recordings and press while the latter doesn’t. Both shows have their merits and I can see why you and others prefer Papermill more (Wicked is one of my favorites and I know it’s nothing like its original book). But I do think there’s more to the criticism of the Broadway show than just “english nerds” being upset.
Hi not an English major, actually a theatre major. Things get left on the cutting room floor all the time in aspirations, you can’t transfer everything. I think the designers/actors did a great job, it’s just an incredibly shallow interpretation of the novel. The failure of the American Dream is so vital right now and sacrificing that for “romance” shows a flawed understanding of the source material. And Queer erasure is always gross.
I don’t know- I see what you mean, but I don’t think the Great Gatsby needs a “modern take” to introduce it to new audiences. It’s a treasured piece of American literature that has stood the test of time, and doing anything less than a faithful adaptation feels like a disservice to the work, especially in making an adaptation with the intention to “introduce it to new audiences”.
A modern take does not mean completely misunderstanding the book's themes and message, specially when they are actually incredibly relevant in today's Zeitgeist
Saw both on consecutive nights this week, so both are fresh in my head (after a bunch of driving). You nail things well here: VERY different approaches. Papermill is the Broadway spectacle show, and Jordan is a fun surprise to be so involved as she is. ART’s music is singularly brilliant, and their lighting design and set design are nomination-ready today. I wish you got to see the set elements that weren’t working, as they come rising up through the floor of the stage, highly impressive additions to the already imaginative set that keeps catching the audience off guard with its subtle touches and tricks. And the ART Myrtle role is a force of nature. 📈📈📈 We enjoyed both shows, but I understood why Papermill was only nominated for costume design. Conversely, we felt like ART’s version will rake Tony nominations when it inevitably gets to Broadway.
When I heard about the casting for The Great Gatsby on Broadway, I was thrilled. I was definitely curious to check it out, and your review really cemented that decision for me. As a romantic and Broadway lover, I couldn't be more excited. However, I'm also a big fan of the book. I'm glad to hear that at least the ART adaption is taking the themes and nuances of the novel into greater consideration. Speaking as a book nerd, The Great Gatsby might have romance, but it's not a love story. Overall, I still wish to see the Broadway version because I love musicals and imagine it will be a fun and light-hearted experience. I also plan to see the ART version because I'm a fan of the novel and love Florence Welch's music. Initially, I thought I would choose the best adaptation to see, but now I'm eager to see both. It's not like a competition; if anything, seeing one will just make me more curious to see the other. I hope both succeed well in what they aim to do :)
i'm obsessed with this review. I saw the Paper Mill version on Broadway and had strong thoughts about it, namely: that I needed to see the ART version, haha. thanks for filling us in about the differences so clearly. i appreciate it!
I'm actually really glad there's two. I love the soundtrack of the broadway one, and it seems like it's a lot of fun. I was a little disappointed in how it seemed a little surface level though. Having the ART one more focused on the message behind it is great, and I can't wait to listen to it. I'm glad we get both of them with their different takes!
One of my favorite set pieces from the A.R.T. version is the wall of lights that gets revealed. During one song in Act 2, a set of eyes appear that look just like the cover art of the Great Gadsby book. The bar lights also reveal an NYC skyline at another moment. The most memorable songs to me were Welcome to the New World (and the reprise), New York Symphony (my personal favorite), Feels Like Hell, and Out of the Ashes.
Just saw The Great Gatsby on Broadway last week and I was absolutely blown away. Totally loved everything: the cast, the staging, the music. Absolutely LOVED it.
I just saw TGB on Broadway and was very interested in seeing ART’s production as well. I so appreciate how thorough this was! Congrats on what seems to be your most popular video!
Honestly I’m more excited for the ART Gatsby play, it feels more close to what I imagine a musical adaptation of the book. The one that ended up on broadway lacks that feeling that the original piece has. I hope the ART adaptation gets to broadway one day!
i saw art gatsby this week and it was incredible- and the set and lighting was stunning. i didn’t see solea pfieffer but her understudy was so so talented (and it was her first time going on as myrtle!!). also gatsby definitely had dirt on the bottom of his suit
I’ve already seen ART Gatsby twice and going a third time tomorrow - set is definitely finished for the ART run as of Saturday. The elevator in the stage that was not functional for the two scenes you mentioned is now is use (albeit for the first time Saturday night). Very excited to see it post-opening!
I was in a straight show of the great Gatsby and I played Jordan down bad for Daisy and only doing the Nick thing because Daisy said she’d ought to, and anything, _anything_ for Daisy.
I would love to see both. But probably won't get to. I can't wait until ART Gatsby puts out an album. Then I'll have 2 musicals about my favorite book. That'll be a first!
It's fun to know the art Gatsby focus a lot on the green light since Florence herself wrote a song for the Gatsby's hollywood adaptation soundtrack named Over the Love which quoted a lot (you guessed it): the green light 😆
As a literature and theater nerd, I was really disappointed by the Broadway adaptation because I felt they didn't understand or care about the story and characters at all. It's clear to me that their first priority was showing off Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada's amazing talents, and the actual themes and nuance of the book weren't even taken into consideration. I thought even the music was bland and unmemorable. Hopefully they release a cast recording for the ART production because it seems really interesting!
I’m excited to hear the score from the ART production! Well both productions, actually, since I’ve only heard a few songs from Bway cast (loved them!). I loved hearing you explain the role of Myrtle is expanded upon in the ART production, including some great songs. That character is so emotional and tragic (compared to the vapid nature of Daisy) and deserved to be examined deeper. I sure hope they don’t cut any of her songs before it makes it to Broadway. Is there a date planned for when the ART production will come to Broadway, or is that not a definite yet? Thanks for your review!!
I saw the ART version on 7/31 and the Broadway version on 8/1 and the one that is rolling around in my head more and more is the ART version. I thought that Isaac Powell came off a little young as Gatsby, but he was so earnest and likable that I felt for him so much more. And I think Wolfsheim in the ART production was much more fleshed out and less of a generic baddie with a baddie villain song, ya know? But the spectacle of the broadway version was fun and the kind of thing that casual broadway goers are going to want to see on stage.
I watched the paper I’ll version and while I had a fun time, I definitely believe I would enjoy the other version. I wanted more nuance and thematic depth that was closer to the literary work that wasn’t there in the paper mill version. Some students were in front of me when I watched and as they had recently read the book (as I had when I was in school) they felt the richness of the story being traded for something else, which I’d say is spectacle. For a general audience I would highly recommend it and there’s a few songs that do get stuck in my head, but I’m so excited for when arthouse puts out more information!
great video!! i'm going to see the papermill gatsby on broadway soon and i'm so excited! personally i like the sound of art's overall interpretation more and i would love to see it too if i can, hoping they're in boston just a tad longer so they're still there when i go back to school in mass!!
I think it sounds like I would be harder to do the art route because they would have to get the themes and things so spot on. I noticed that you said that everyone was covered in dirt except Gatsby and I would point out that in the book it says that Myrtle isn’t covered in the grey of the valley of ashes. Also obviously Daisy should not be covered in that.
They aren’t covered in dirt, there’s a rust colored tint to the hems of dresses and pants. About the bottom 3-4 inches. Otherwise the costumes are normal (gorgeous) for the era. I took it to symbolize that no one is unscathed or unblemished in the story. They all have a major flaw no matter their social status. Edit- but that could be the night that I saw it since it isn’t fully ready for production. But since I saw it near the end of the run, I hope the tainted hem is what they go with.
I've only heard the Papermill cast recording and I absolutely love it, but I would love to see the ART production as well. I loved the book so much in high school that I bought my own copy and read it again for fun. I appreciate the different approaches that different adaptations make and that they focus on different themes and motifs of the story.
I had the privilege of ushering for the A.R.T. show twice. The first time was at the very beginning of the run, the second was at the very end of the run. I left the second time thinking that this was an absolutely brilliant show. I loved the cast, choreography, music, the set, the script. I love what they did with this show, and it was absolutely perfected during its run. I sure hope it has a future.
SO HAPPY THE ART VERSION MADE NICK AND JORDAN GAY. When I saw it on Broadway and the love song between Jordan and Nick came on I almost got up and left
@lil_doggo_of_doom have you read the book, outside of like a high school English class when you’re being given the main ideas? Because if not, reread the end of chapter 2, and also just think about Nick writing this entire thing about how great Gatsby is. I think AreTheyGay did an analysis on it, and it’s important to mention that there’s subtext erased in the movies.
I got to see both versions. While I understand that ART Gatsby was in its out of town try out, I enjoyed the Broadway production more. I felt that I was actually at one of Gatsby's parties.
Sad I won't be able to see the ART version before it ends, and sadder that Jeremy was not on last night when I saw the Broadway version, but seeing your video now has cheered me up. It's great to see two different adaptations of the same iconic story, and I hope the ART version is able to transfer to BWay because I love Rachel and Florence's work!! 🎉
i finished the papermill slime tutorial b4 watching this and my biggest criticisms were nick x jordan and the reduced emphasis on the actual american dream commentary until the end of the musical. id love to see the ART version esp bc i loved everything else ab papermill version sm
How crummy was it that The Great Gatsby wasn’t really even acknowledged at the Tony Awards tonight? What was up with that? Anyone have an explanation or theory?
It wasn't nominated for Best Musical. Only Best Musical/Revival nominees are given performance slots. Sometimes other shows can pay to perform but likely not in this crowded of a year
i can't believe i'm so late to this video, it's exactly what i've been wanting to see! i love the book and everything i've heard about the broadway/paper mill gatsby makes me feel like they were trying to make something that would appeal to any and everyone and just be fun and entertaining at the cost of the incredible and fascinating and prescient themes of the novel. it's about class and wealth and privilege and corruption, all in a post-pandemic world where no one wants to think about any of that, they just want to party!
I also saw both, but I am biased as a Florence fan, and to me the ART blew me away and staid with me while the paper mills was a fun time but completely forgotten about next day. The choices made on the ART production are just so much more intentional and leave room for analysis and thought, the paper mills just looks nice, no thoughts. Like, the color in the ART one is so interesting because, at least the night I saw, Myrtle and the husband wear red and so Gatsby in pink it’s like a nod to how he isn’t really a part of the high class (who are in white) but is also no longer working class (who wear red), and the dirt on the hems too, like it’s those details that make it memorable. I was also lucky to see the full sets, and they were nice, the floor rising to revel the apartment and plaza hotel room, I still think about that show and how much I wish I could see it again or listen to it. And I can’t help being against the paper mills, because as long as that one is on broadway, we are not going to get the ART production on broadway too, it wouldn’t make sense. Also can’t forgive the paper mills gatsby for making Jordan and nick a couple. Nick is canonically gay, there’s a fairly explicit scene for the time it was written in.
excellent dueling review. I saw both too...I saw the Papermill production in NJ and on B'way, and just saw the ART production this Sat night (6/1/24). The elevator in the floor was working BTW. I largely agree with your excellent review, and with chagrin must admit you are more generous to the ART production than I have been, but I agree it is very much a work in progress. I hope they do fix it and bring it to B'way w/ great success...and its unfair to compare the B'way production, which is polished and finished, w/ the ART production right now. I see what you are saying about the thematic intent of the ART show....and focusing on Solea Pfeiffer is never a wrong move...though I think she should have played Daisy. I hate to say this. but I found it difficult to tell some of the characters apart (Daisy/Jordan...btw Jordan had one of the best songs) since they looked so similar. Also, I think Solea Pfeiffer is overdue for a comedy part...I'd like to see something different from her after three in a row all so similar. I think focusing so much on all of the non-main characters (basically, everyone, even the "servants", has there own song) makes the ART production unfocused ...I hope they tie up that plot better. Also, I hope they fix the shirts scene....made no sense as presented, although I see what they were trying to do w/ the final toss of the shirt at the end.....and it was criminal to have a folding chair and table as the set for the 1st Tea w/ Daisy scene...that scene is the thematic center of the entire Daisy/Jay arc. not even any flowers? as done it was a throwaway. that is where we are truly first seeing Jay as vulnerable...his Achilles heel...his humanity... George Wilson had songs in this...yet we know far less about him than the B'way version - strange - that character needs some help (though I like the idea of contrasting him to Tom, and contrasting Daisy/Myrtle...needs work though). They deleted the entire plot point about why Tom and George know each other except for a throwaway line about buying his car....it is not sensical as presented...needs some filling in. One of the best songs was for Meyer Wolfsheim..but it seemed like the only real "broadway" number in the show...and since his character story was hardly even hinted at...it felt like it was from a different production...I think you need to have read the book/seen the movie for this whole show to make any sense as it currently is. All this said...my one problem is that, while I love Florence Welch's music....it is NOT Broadway music (the audience didn't know when to clap for 80% of the songs...because they weren't sure where they ended...because Florence's music isn't three act like that, and there are no cues to the audience at all). I am not sure this show will EVER work with her music as is....my one thought is that, since you can't really change the music (and why should you...its pretty great)...why not go full tilt and deconstruct the plot and production even more (maybe not Jamie Llyod levels...but maybe make it set in the modern day, get rid of some of the scene structure and loosen it up so that the scenes flow in an overlapping structure much like the music does...I'm obviously thinking of Illinoise as an example but I'm not the expert here....supposedly Rachel Chavkin is...and as opposed to Lempicka where she tried to shoehorn great classic Broadway numbers into a "subversive plot' - here everything BUT the plot is subverssive...so just let go and go for it.... also - sorry to everyone who loves and prefers the ART version as is...I'm just one dumbo in the horde...flame on!!
I agree with much of this! Mainly I was expecting the ART version to take more dramatic liberties and was surprised how much it hewed to the original plot, making it impossible not to compare with the PM version continually. I was even looking for Eva N. to appear whenever Daisy made an entrance.
Perhaps they changed something, but on opening night, it was pretty easy to tell Daisy and Jordan apart. Sure they were both wearing white, but that’s the only similarity I saw between their appearances.
I really appreciate this review! With so little released about the ART version I’ve been so curious what they’re doing!! Paper mill is currently one of my favorite broadway shows, and I’ve been worried that with the ART version people will pit them against each other and I just feel very protective of it 😂 my partner never had to read the Great Gatsby in high school, so he went in totally blind. We were talking about it the other day and he said what he got out of it was that it’s a show about hope, and I love how clearly he was able to see to the root of it. It may take liberties but I think that it does a beautiful job of telling a tragic story about hope
Gatsby at the ART was incredible. Very little if anything needs to be altered, although I may have seen a version that was more polished. Despite it being a composer of contemporary music, the score worked perfectly with the era. I wish I could have seen it more than once.
Took the end of the video you mentioned something about an accurate representation of the book. Have you ever seen Gatz at the public theater? Curious about your thoughts since they are literally reading the book for 8 hours
Okay I’m not insanely mad that the Broadway version isn’t book faithful. So many amazing movies and productions are classics and yet aren’t faithful to the messages or events of the book- think The Shining or Phantom of the Opera. Now in no way is the Broadway Gatsby as good as phantom, but I think my point still stands. It tells the story from a romantic perspective, and focuses on the glitz and glamour of it all. And we got some awesome songs out of it so I don’t really see the major issue- I know a lot of people are made over Jordan and Nick (I don’t know why tf they put them together either) or how they portrayed the Buchanans however I think overall it’s just supposed to be how it’s marketed as: The Biggest Party on Broadway
Yeah same, I enjoyed Papermill Gatsby as its own thing even knowing it maybe wasn't gritty enough as an adaptation. That said, I did sort of wish for more foreshadowing of the tragic ending though, because if you don't know the book that ending feels like it comes out of nowhere (a woman in my audience screamed when the first gunshot went off). I also kind of liked adorkable Gatsby and Jordan/Nick just as a different take - it's more interesting to watch a real romance fall apart than a shallow fling.
I am unapologetically biased towards the Broadway Great Gatsby for multiple reasons. 1: I found the songs to be incredibly catchy and engaging. 2: I am a sucker for Jeremy Jordan, I'm sorry the guy is my kryptonite. and 3: I love that they do a different spin on how things went from the book. It would be so easy for it to just be a line-for-line adaptation from book to stage just with songs shoehorned in but they do something different with it by shifting the focus from social class to romance and I really appreciate that.
Not a NY girly, so probably be a while before the ART show makes it through Broadway and into a touring company, but that sounds like an interesting production!
I think papermill gatsby is what people who didn't actually read the book think it is. The people only kinda paid attention in class and loved the roaring 20's spectacles. That's the vibe of that one, nothing wrong with that, I love a good spectacle of a show, it's what broadway is built up by. However the ART version may not end up being as popular, but it seems to go far more into the deeper meaning of the book. It is what I would usually call an "artsy fartsy" musical. Fun to think about, but maybe not as whimsical and wonderous as the papermill production. They're both great and i feel more inclined to the ART version, but I feel like both need to be acknowledged as wonderful musicals.
Saw the Broadway gatsby and I loved it, but very much disagree it is family friendly. I have 2 daughters, 9 and 11, who have seen several shows on Broadway including moulin rouge. After seeing gatsby I would not take them to see it. The themes and the way they are presented on stage are 100% mature. I think 14+ for this one! Just like the glitzy parts are in your face so are the dark parts… murder, sex and suicide are not light subjects and glitz does not take the impact of that content away.
Going strictly by the bits of music and certain songs that are all I've heard of the Broadway version, I was disappointed by the music. I love the casting, but the music is lacking for me. I was intrigued by the idea of the ART version before, but after your talk, I am even more eager for a cast album for it. And as an English major and a long-time fan of the novel, the ART productiin definitely sounds more my speed. Thanks for the info!
I hope gatsby goes to broadway. I love solea. After some bad experiences, I've decided pre broadway shows aren't for me and I'll wait for the finished product.
With only 1 Tony nomination making it likely to have no Tony wins - can Papermill Gatsby have a long run? Without Tony wins, shows usually close by end of the summer even when highly praised. The Tony snubs might be saying: move over & make room for ART Gatsby by next season. Sometimes it’s about being first (Coke), sometimes it’s the one that took the time to make the better mouse trap (Apple). Intriguing.
The broadway gatsby has been consistently making 1 million dollars in the box office for weeks. The show’s real test is when there are less tourists in the fall. This show is also the strongest contender of the one Tony it’s nominated for- costumes. Regardless of reviews - Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada is selling out tickets for the show
Remember the Tony Awards are decided by 100 voters. The Great Gatsby (PaperMill's) received a number of Theatre World People awards. Jeremey Jordan best actor for ex. It is a big Bway classical musical -- great singers, dancers, sets, costumes. I wish it was bit edgier.
I feel like I read a completely different book to everyone who made the adaptations (Papermill, to some extent the Hollywood movie etc) because I've just done Gatsby for my English A level. And I don't think Gatsby and Daisy were ever truly in love, save a short stint in 1917. I think they are in love with the ideas of one another and what they represent - for Gatsby, Daisy represents the goal he has been working towards his entire life, and is the 'endgoal' to his class transition. For Daisy, Gatsby represents the dedication and appreciation that she is lacking from her husband, and possibly a counter to Tom's constant cheating, and you can see their difference in attitude in her apathy towards Gatsby's death. This, to me, isn't true love. In a slightly different world in which women and wives were not seen as symbols of wealth to be conquered, I think Gatsby could have been fighting to obtain the green light only - it is just as out of reach to him, and he feels the same way towards as he does toward Daisy.
so from what you're saying, it sounds like the ART production did their homework and read the book, and the PM production watched the Baz Lurhmann film.
The ART version was better... period -- the last 3 seconds of the show alone was enough for me to see it twice. When I saw it (July 6th) they had the set and lighting finished and it was incredible
Yeah i don’t see the paper mill version lasting on broadway without Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada literally all their songs were made for them especially Gatsbys songs. They had ZERO chemistry though which kinda took me out of it but at least they can sing ! Also the money song is so annoying im tired of them pushing it on TikTok lol id rather listen to “For Her” over and over
Its actually disgusting that they didn't wait that extra year for the 100 year anniversary of the book. Can you imagine how much stronger of marketing it would garnish if they had waited ONE MORE YEAR to open on broadway???
I almost gave up during that rambling first 3.5 minutes of your review. The whole review was then too repetitive and that phrase “I’ll get more into that” was really overused. Please concentrate on giving proper content and stop repeating yourself and that would help matters massively. At 12 minutes I couldn’t take any more I’m afraid… You have insight but please sort out the presentation.
100% my least favourite thing about ART Gatsby. It diminished the overall set with how cheap it looked. I noticed myself watching it stuck to someone at one point vs what was actually happening.
The fact that people are so lazy to create a musical based off an old book twice is just so disappointing. We need more original ideas. I'm not saying the show is bad, but if you read Great Gatsby, there's nothing new.
I disagree. I find his divergent style refreshing, honest and thorough. I say keep doing what you're doing and don't listen to Maria. I think Maria has an attention span issue. 🤦🏽♀️
When doing Jordan-Nick romances, I think a lot of producers forget that Nick has a girlfriend/fiance back at home whom he is stringing along and writing weekly (love) letters to for the entire novel, and he moved to Long Island to avoid the scandals about the two of them. And Jordan has several hanger-ons/boys who think they have something with her, and Nick knows this. At best, they have a FWB relationship where they both don't commit because they are aware of each other's carelessness inherent of the old money.
But he dont even got a gf tho?
@@ummsayre he does. Jordan is a side piece/fwb.
@@sup9441 it never says that in the book tho??
@@ummsayreIt does actually, in chapter 1 the convo about him being engaged back in the Mid West is proven to be true later in the novel in chapter 4 I think when he talks about writing love letters to a girl back home.
@@ummsayrehe does, in the first chapter. Daisy even questions him about it
I am literally on the edge of my seat waiting for the songs, press images -anything - to be released about the ART version. I’m a huge fan of Florence and the Machine and I know she will bring a depth and complexity to her rendition which goes beyond surface extravagance. Thank you for your very detailed and erudite review of both versions as they make me imagine what the ART Version could be.
I loved the entire experience at the Art show. I want this album of work! I've seen Florence three times, so I had high expectations;I was right to have them!!!
You won’t be disappointed. It’s amazing.
I personally think the choice of Nick and Jordan’s sexuality is something that cannot be understated. Maybe it’s because I am an English major, but i think the choice to make nick and jordan lovers in the broadway great gatsby ignores a lot of nuance included even in the original book. I just want to see the ART version so bad.
The ART Gatsby is for the gays, and I’ll leave it at that.
@@jyangtoho It literally does though? They don't end up together but Nick and Jordan are definitely the B plot couple in the current Gatsby on Broadway
@@titania6841 sorry I misread the original comment lol you’re right but I really did not care much for that plot as I was more focused on daisy and jay
@titania6841 In the book, Nick and Jordan have a casual romance but aren't in love, unlike in the Broadway adaptation, which has a whole song portraying them as such. The novel actually hints that their sexuality is more queer-coded. While @jyangtoho is right that our focus is mainly on Jay and Daisy's dynamic, it's refreshing that an adaptation is finally putting the nuance of Nick and Jordan's sexuality on display, instead of just making them a straight couple for an easy storytelling process.
Agreed. Former English major and English teacher here.
Got to see the ART version tonight (June 9th) and it seems like it is WAY more polished now than when you saw it. Set, lighting, and song list all flowed incredibly well. There were some absolutely beautiful moments in the show commenting on the 1920’s and i would even say today’s social climate as well! I would go watch it over and over again if i could!!!
FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE AND HADESTOWN??? ITS LIKE YOURE DESCRIBING MY DREAM
Except, that defeats the entire point of the story. “The Great Gatsby” takes place during an era of excess. It cannot and should not be evocative of the Great Depression.
I’m so sorry if this wasn’t clear, I was just saying that I was excited that the review compared the orchestrations/musical style of ART’s production to Hadestown. Not the entire production, which I can only assume is dripping in 1920s glamour and not at all evocative of the great depression. I was referring exclusively to the music.
saw ART’s gatsby at their invited dress rehearsal, it was already so incredible i couldn’t imagine preferring any other adaption again. i’m traveling to boston to see it again on their last night of previews in august!
omg you also caught my friend in your video, taking the picture in front of the silver G in the white dress at 5:36 😂
the choice to misrepresent the book so completely and make it romance focused is so insane but im not surprised!!! anyway i stan art gatsby forever
Yes, the book was about the class struggle, and the fact that nothing that Gatsby did would make him accepted in the establishment. There was no actual love between Gatsby and Daisy, and that's a very important aspect of the plot. Daisy cares about nothing but herself, and Gatsby pursues her more as a representative trophy of the life he yearns for with all his being. And that obsession destroys him (and Myrtle).
@@jgregveneklasen2657 Clearly I need to read the book again. For me it was all about the romance and frankly, I hated Daisy for not loving Gatsby, because he in my mind he absolutely did love her... he yearned for that life to worthy of HER, and she rejected him. When she couldn't say she never loved Tom I threw the book across the room in a rage, tbh. Couldn't go back to it for a full day. She couldn't possibly love Tom if she ever loved Gatzby (and obviously she didn't love Gatzby... she loves herself).
@@taniab2018 We have several layers to this: 1) this is Nick narrating Gatsby's feelings, every description you read is Nick's imagination, and one of the biggest themes in the book is that Nick is an unreliable narrator who has deliberately tried to concealed things to downplay or accentuate things based on his opinions. If it reads as romance, it's because he's on Gatsby's side and wanted to paint him as favorably as possible. 2) Gatsby never knew Daisy, so at best, he was infatuated, but he couldn't have loved her. He loves the idea of her: rich, care-free, confident, stylish, pretty, an integral part of high society - the American Dream. In a way, Daisy was both someone he wants to be with and wants to be. Daisy was his first glimpse into old money, and he wanted it so bad, but he never understood both Daisy and old money, and that is why he was doomed to never have either. His obsession with Daisy IS his obsession with the American Dream, he couldn't tell the two apart. This, no matter how you put it, is not love. 3) Of course, you can argue that love-at-first-sight/infatuation/crushes are also considered love, and his love for both Daisy and the American Dream, despite his lack of understanding of both, is a type of genuine love. Not the most profound type of love, but it is a love most fairytales possess nonetheless, and is something worth admiring.
@@sup9441 Thank you. That's helpful. I will say based on Nick's narration - which I do see your point on re: unreliability - Tom is a guy I view as of unworthy of love. He's a monster incapable of loving anyone
I have to say I love your approach to these reviews; open-minded, no gushing or bias towards or against one production more than the other, and not nitpicky either. Good focus on what is and nothing more.
I really need the ART Gatsby album and/or clips of it, im so intrigued by it
Fun fact: they don't have _entirely_ separate casts. Maya Sistruck was in the ensemble of the Papermill version (which I saw) and is also in the cast of the ART version (which I wish I could see).
Oh man, I would love to get her take on the two shows from a performers POV.
I’m so intrigued by the description of the set pieces made of broken car parts in the ART production! What an interesting angle to showcase, and a strong commentary on the illusion of the 1920’s and the eventual destruction of the glamour of shiny gleaming cars versus the reality of their eventual decay.
I read The Great Gatsby book before I went to go see The Great Gatsby at papermill. (Tbh I mainly went because of my love for Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada). I def agree that the papermill version focused much more on the romance. The producers of this show basically admitted that the roles of Gatsby and Daisy were written for Jeremy and Eva. I loved this adaptation and I will be going to see it on broadway in august! I can totally understand why the english majors are mad. YES, there isn't really any aspect of the original theme implemented into this version. NO, it wasn't written to do that. People need to understand that this is a modern take of the novel that will open it to new audiences.
I totally agree!!! I saw it on Broadway and it’s so clear that this was made to bring people into this story, to focus on the romance and to focus on the spectacle. And I feel like that’s totally okay- I like you get why the English majors and the book nerds are upset. However, although it’s not a great adaptation of the original source material, we got amazing songs, amazing sets, a very talented cast, and a very musical theater take on Gatsby. I was very content with the Broadway version personally
As someone who has also read the book and was able to see the ART Gatsby, I will never begrudge a show for prioritizing spectacle and romance (which is what it feels like this Broadway production is doing). There are many adaptations of things that I love that aren’t like the source material at all and still capture my attention.
What bothers me about the Papermill Gatsby is that it gives me the impression that it doesn’t think it could stay more faithful to the source material AND have the glitz and glamor. ART Gatsby has that spectacle, has the fantastic choreography and big musical numbers AND it stays true to the original intention of the text. Everything that the Papermill Gatsby has going for it, the ART Gatsby has and then some. But the former gets to be on Broadway and get recordings and press while the latter doesn’t.
Both shows have their merits and I can see why you and others prefer Papermill more (Wicked is one of my favorites and I know it’s nothing like its original book). But I do think there’s more to the criticism of the Broadway show than just “english nerds” being upset.
Hi not an English major, actually a theatre major. Things get left on the cutting room floor all the time in aspirations, you can’t transfer everything.
I think the designers/actors did a great job, it’s just an incredibly shallow interpretation of the novel.
The failure of the American Dream is so vital right now and sacrificing that for “romance” shows a flawed understanding of the source material.
And Queer erasure is always gross.
I don’t know- I see what you mean, but I don’t think the Great Gatsby needs a “modern take” to introduce it to new audiences. It’s a treasured piece of American literature that has stood the test of time, and doing anything less than a faithful adaptation feels like a disservice to the work, especially in making an adaptation with the intention to “introduce it to new audiences”.
A modern take does not mean completely misunderstanding the book's themes and message, specially when they are actually incredibly relevant in today's Zeitgeist
Saw both on consecutive nights this week, so both are fresh in my head (after a bunch of driving). You nail things well here: VERY different approaches. Papermill is the Broadway spectacle show, and Jordan is a fun surprise to be so involved as she is. ART’s music is singularly brilliant, and their lighting design and set design are nomination-ready today. I wish you got to see the set elements that weren’t working, as they come rising up through the floor of the stage, highly impressive additions to the already imaginative set that keeps catching the audience off guard with its subtle touches and tricks. And the ART Myrtle role is a force of nature. 📈📈📈 We enjoyed both shows, but I understood why Papermill was only nominated for costume design. Conversely, we felt like ART’s version will rake Tony nominations when it inevitably gets to Broadway.
When I heard about the casting for The Great Gatsby on Broadway, I was thrilled. I was definitely curious to check it out, and your review really cemented that decision for me. As a romantic and Broadway lover, I couldn't be more excited. However, I'm also a big fan of the book. I'm glad to hear that at least the ART adaption is taking the themes and nuances of the novel into greater consideration. Speaking as a book nerd, The Great Gatsby might have romance, but it's not a love story.
Overall, I still wish to see the Broadway version because I love musicals and imagine it will be a fun and light-hearted experience. I also plan to see the ART version because I'm a fan of the novel and love Florence Welch's music. Initially, I thought I would choose the best adaptation to see, but now I'm eager to see both. It's not like a competition; if anything, seeing one will just make me more curious to see the other. I hope both succeed well in what they aim to do :)
i'm obsessed with this review. I saw the Paper Mill version on Broadway and had strong thoughts about it, namely: that I needed to see the ART version, haha. thanks for filling us in about the differences so clearly. i appreciate it!
I'm actually really glad there's two. I love the soundtrack of the broadway one, and it seems like it's a lot of fun. I was a little disappointed in how it seemed a little surface level though. Having the ART one more focused on the message behind it is great, and I can't wait to listen to it.
I'm glad we get both of them with their different takes!
One of my favorite set pieces from the A.R.T. version is the wall of lights that gets revealed. During one song in Act 2, a set of eyes appear that look just like the cover art of the Great Gadsby book. The bar lights also reveal an NYC skyline at another moment. The most memorable songs to me were Welcome to the New World (and the reprise), New York Symphony (my personal favorite), Feels Like Hell, and Out of the Ashes.
Just saw The Great Gatsby on Broadway last week and I was absolutely blown away. Totally loved everything: the cast, the staging, the music. Absolutely LOVED it.
I just saw TGB on Broadway and was very interested in seeing ART’s production as well. I so appreciate how thorough this was! Congrats on what seems to be your most popular video!
I saw the ART production last night. I LOVED some of the songs so much, and the performer for Myrtle and her song in the second act were phenomenal.
Honestly I’m more excited for the ART Gatsby play, it feels more close to what I imagine a musical adaptation of the book. The one that ended up on broadway lacks that feeling that the original piece has. I hope the ART adaptation gets to broadway one day!
i saw art gatsby this week and it was incredible- and the set and lighting was stunning. i didn’t see solea pfieffer but her understudy was so so talented (and it was her first time going on as myrtle!!). also gatsby definitely had dirt on the bottom of his suit
I’ve already seen ART Gatsby twice and going a third time tomorrow - set is definitely finished for the ART run as of Saturday. The elevator in the stage that was not functional for the two scenes you mentioned is now is use (albeit for the first time Saturday night). Very excited to see it post-opening!
I was in a straight show of the great Gatsby and I played Jordan down bad for Daisy and only doing the Nick thing because Daisy said she’d ought to, and anything, _anything_ for Daisy.
I would love to see both. But probably won't get to. I can't wait until ART Gatsby puts out an album. Then I'll have 2 musicals about my favorite book. That'll be a first!
i honestly feel like this review is almost like a dramaturgically informed one, love it! subscribed :)
It's fun to know the art Gatsby focus a lot on the green light since Florence herself wrote a song for the Gatsby's hollywood adaptation soundtrack named Over the Love which quoted a lot (you guessed it): the green light 😆
As a literature and theater nerd, I was really disappointed by the Broadway adaptation because I felt they didn't understand or care about the story and characters at all. It's clear to me that their first priority was showing off Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada's amazing talents, and the actual themes and nuance of the book weren't even taken into consideration. I thought even the music was bland and unmemorable. Hopefully they release a cast recording for the ART production because it seems really interesting!
I’m excited to hear the score from the ART production! Well both productions, actually, since I’ve only heard a few songs from Bway cast (loved them!). I loved hearing you explain the role of Myrtle is expanded upon in the ART production, including some great songs. That character is so emotional and tragic (compared to the vapid nature of Daisy) and deserved to be examined deeper. I sure hope they don’t cut any of her songs before it makes it to Broadway. Is there a date planned for when the ART production will come to Broadway, or is that not a definite yet? Thanks for your review!!
I saw the ART version on 7/31 and the Broadway version on 8/1 and the one that is rolling around in my head more and more is the ART version. I thought that Isaac Powell came off a little young as Gatsby, but he was so earnest and likable that I felt for him so much more. And I think Wolfsheim in the ART production was much more fleshed out and less of a generic baddie with a baddie villain song, ya know? But the spectacle of the broadway version was fun and the kind of thing that casual broadway goers are going to want to see on stage.
I watched the paper I’ll version and while I had a fun time, I definitely believe I would enjoy the other version. I wanted more nuance and thematic depth that was closer to the literary work that wasn’t there in the paper mill version. Some students were in front of me when I watched and as they had recently read the book (as I had when I was in school) they felt the richness of the story being traded for something else, which I’d say is spectacle. For a general audience I would highly recommend it and there’s a few songs that do get stuck in my head, but I’m so excited for when arthouse puts out more information!
great video!! i'm going to see the papermill gatsby on broadway soon and i'm so excited! personally i like the sound of art's overall interpretation more and i would love to see it too if i can, hoping they're in boston just a tad longer so they're still there when i go back to school in mass!!
I think it sounds like I would be harder to do the art route because they would have to get the themes and things so spot on. I noticed that you said that everyone was covered in dirt except Gatsby and I would point out that in the book it says that Myrtle isn’t covered in the grey of the valley of ashes. Also obviously Daisy should not be covered in that.
They aren’t covered in dirt, there’s a rust colored tint to the hems of dresses and pants. About the bottom 3-4 inches. Otherwise the costumes are normal (gorgeous) for the era.
I took it to symbolize that no one is unscathed or unblemished in the story. They all have a major flaw no matter their social status.
Edit- but that could be the night that I saw it since it isn’t fully ready for production. But since I saw it near the end of the run, I hope the tainted hem is what they go with.
I've only heard the Papermill cast recording and I absolutely love it, but I would love to see the ART production as well. I loved the book so much in high school that I bought my own copy and read it again for fun. I appreciate the different approaches that different adaptations make and that they focus on different themes and motifs of the story.
I had the privilege of ushering for the A.R.T. show twice. The first time was at the very beginning of the run, the second was at the very end of the run. I left the second time thinking that this was an absolutely brilliant show. I loved the cast, choreography, music, the set, the script. I love what they did with this show, and it was absolutely perfected during its run. I sure hope it has a future.
SO HAPPY THE ART VERSION MADE NICK AND JORDAN GAY. When I saw it on Broadway and the love song between Jordan and Nick came on I almost got up and left
Did the art version actually?? Because if so that’s amazing
Why tho???? That makes no sense.
@lil_doggo_of_doom have you read the book, outside of like a high school English class when you’re being given the main ideas? Because if not, reread the end of chapter 2, and also just think about Nick writing this entire thing about how great Gatsby is. I think AreTheyGay did an analysis on it, and it’s important to mention that there’s subtext erased in the movies.
I got to see both versions. While I understand that ART Gatsby was in its out of town try out, I enjoyed the Broadway production more. I felt that I was actually at one of Gatsby's parties.
Wonderful video essay!
Very good comparisons; I enjoyed.
i like jeremy
jordan
me too, he’s so awesome
i memorized the entire soundtrack in less than a week
Sad I won't be able to see the ART version before it ends, and sadder that Jeremy was not on last night when I saw the Broadway version, but seeing your video now has cheered me up. It's great to see two different adaptations of the same iconic story, and I hope the ART version is able to transfer to BWay because I love Rachel and Florence's work!! 🎉
I saw Solea and Eva as Eurydice 🙏🙏 I love them.
I would love to see both productions!
Like the two major film adaptations, there are things from both that I like, and I would love to see something in the middle.
Thanks for the unbiased review!
i finished the papermill slime tutorial b4 watching this and my biggest criticisms were nick x jordan and the reduced emphasis on the actual american dream commentary until the end of the musical. id love to see the ART version esp bc i loved everything else ab papermill version sm
Amazing video. Love the book, looking forward to watching one of these.
How crummy was it that The Great Gatsby wasn’t really even acknowledged at the Tony Awards tonight? What was up with that? Anyone have an explanation or theory?
It wasn't nominated for Best Musical. Only Best Musical/Revival nominees are given performance slots. Sometimes other shows can pay to perform but likely not in this crowded of a year
It did win one Tony for costumes
@@jyangtoho - Exactly
It was a very crowded season this year.
Now I really want to go watch the ART Great Gatsby musical
i can't believe i'm so late to this video, it's exactly what i've been wanting to see! i love the book and everything i've heard about the broadway/paper mill gatsby makes me feel like they were trying to make something that would appeal to any and everyone and just be fun and entertaining at the cost of the incredible and fascinating and prescient themes of the novel. it's about class and wealth and privilege and corruption, all in a post-pandemic world where no one wants to think about any of that, they just want to party!
I also saw both, but I am biased as a Florence fan, and to me the ART blew me away and staid with me while the paper mills was a fun time but completely forgotten about next day. The choices made on the ART production are just so much more intentional and leave room for analysis and thought, the paper mills just looks nice, no thoughts. Like, the color in the ART one is so interesting because, at least the night I saw, Myrtle and the husband wear red and so Gatsby in pink it’s like a nod to how he isn’t really a part of the high class (who are in white) but is also no longer working class (who wear red), and the dirt on the hems too, like it’s those details that make it memorable. I was also lucky to see the full sets, and they were nice, the floor rising to revel the apartment and plaza hotel room, I still think about that show and how much I wish I could see it again or listen to it. And I can’t help being against the paper mills, because as long as that one is on broadway, we are not going to get the ART production on broadway too, it wouldn’t make sense. Also can’t forgive the paper mills gatsby for making Jordan and nick a couple. Nick is canonically gay, there’s a fairly explicit scene for the time it was written in.
11:07 what are Noah and Jeremy doing at the end there lol
excellent dueling review. I saw both too...I saw the Papermill production in NJ and on B'way, and just saw the ART production this Sat night (6/1/24). The elevator in the floor was working BTW. I largely agree with your excellent review, and with chagrin must admit you are more generous to the ART production than I have been, but I agree it is very much a work in progress. I hope they do fix it and bring it to B'way w/ great success...and its unfair to compare the B'way production, which is polished and finished, w/ the ART production right now.
I see what you are saying about the thematic intent of the ART show....and focusing on Solea Pfeiffer is never a wrong move...though I think she should have played Daisy. I hate to say this. but I found it difficult to tell some of the characters apart (Daisy/Jordan...btw Jordan had one of the best songs) since they looked so similar. Also, I think Solea Pfeiffer is overdue for a comedy part...I'd like to see something different from her after three in a row all so similar.
I think focusing so much on all of the non-main characters (basically, everyone, even the "servants", has there own song) makes the ART production unfocused ...I hope they tie up that plot better. Also, I hope they fix the shirts scene....made no sense as presented, although I see what they were trying to do w/ the final toss of the shirt at the end.....and it was criminal to have a folding chair and table as the set for the 1st Tea w/ Daisy scene...that scene is the thematic center of the entire Daisy/Jay arc. not even any flowers? as done it was a throwaway. that is where we are truly first seeing Jay as vulnerable...his Achilles heel...his humanity...
George Wilson had songs in this...yet we know far less about him than the B'way version - strange - that character needs some help (though I like the idea of contrasting him to Tom, and contrasting Daisy/Myrtle...needs work though). They deleted the entire plot point about why Tom and George know each other except for a throwaway line about buying his car....it is not sensical as presented...needs some filling in.
One of the best songs was for Meyer Wolfsheim..but it seemed like the only real "broadway" number in the show...and since his character story was hardly even hinted at...it felt like it was from a different production...I think you need to have read the book/seen the movie for this whole show to make any sense as it currently is.
All this said...my one problem is that, while I love Florence Welch's music....it is NOT Broadway music (the audience didn't know when to clap for 80% of the songs...because they weren't sure where they ended...because Florence's music isn't three act like that, and there are no cues to the audience at all). I am not sure this show will EVER work with her music as is....my one thought is that, since you can't really change the music (and why should you...its pretty great)...why not go full tilt and deconstruct the plot and production even more (maybe not Jamie Llyod levels...but maybe make it set in the modern day, get rid of some of the scene structure and loosen it up so that the scenes flow in an overlapping structure much like the music does...I'm obviously thinking of Illinoise as an example but I'm not the expert here....supposedly Rachel Chavkin is...and as opposed to Lempicka where she tried to shoehorn great classic Broadway numbers into a "subversive plot' - here everything BUT the plot is subverssive...so just let go and go for it....
also - sorry to everyone who loves and prefers the ART version as is...I'm just one dumbo in the horde...flame on!!
I agree with much of this! Mainly I was expecting the ART version to take more dramatic liberties and was surprised how much it hewed to the original plot, making it impossible not to compare with the PM version continually. I was even looking for Eva N. to appear whenever Daisy made an entrance.
Perhaps they changed something, but on opening night, it was pretty easy to tell Daisy and Jordan apart. Sure they were both wearing white, but that’s the only similarity I saw between their appearances.
I really appreciate this review! With so little released about the ART version I’ve been so curious what they’re doing!! Paper mill is currently one of my favorite broadway shows, and I’ve been worried that with the ART version people will pit them against each other and I just feel very protective of it 😂 my partner never had to read the Great Gatsby in high school, so he went in totally blind. We were talking about it the other day and he said what he got out of it was that it’s a show about hope, and I love how clearly he was able to see to the root of it. It may take liberties but I think that it does a beautiful job of telling a tragic story about hope
Gatsby at the ART was incredible. Very little if anything needs to be altered, although I may have seen a version that was more polished. Despite it being a composer of contemporary music, the score worked perfectly with the era. I wish I could have seen it more than once.
Took the end of the video you mentioned something about an accurate representation of the book. Have you ever seen Gatz at the public theater? Curious about your thoughts since they are literally reading the book for 8 hours
I don't even know what The Great Gatsby is about and somehow this video was still interesting!
Literally same
Okay I’m not insanely mad that the Broadway version isn’t book faithful. So many amazing movies and productions are classics and yet aren’t faithful to the messages or events of the book- think The Shining or Phantom of the Opera. Now in no way is the Broadway Gatsby as good as phantom, but I think my point still stands. It tells the story from a romantic perspective, and focuses on the glitz and glamour of it all. And we got some awesome songs out of it so I don’t really see the major issue- I know a lot of people are made over Jordan and Nick (I don’t know why tf they put them together either) or how they portrayed the Buchanans however I think overall it’s just supposed to be how it’s marketed as: The Biggest Party on Broadway
Yeah same, I enjoyed Papermill Gatsby as its own thing even knowing it maybe wasn't gritty enough as an adaptation. That said, I did sort of wish for more foreshadowing of the tragic ending though, because if you don't know the book that ending feels like it comes out of nowhere (a woman in my audience screamed when the first gunshot went off). I also kind of liked adorkable Gatsby and Jordan/Nick just as a different take - it's more interesting to watch a real romance fall apart than a shallow fling.
11:23 thats fine, im a little memory blind to actor names
I am unapologetically biased towards the Broadway Great Gatsby for multiple reasons. 1: I found the songs to be incredibly catchy and engaging. 2: I am a sucker for Jeremy Jordan, I'm sorry the guy is my kryptonite. and 3: I love that they do a different spin on how things went from the book. It would be so easy for it to just be a line-for-line adaptation from book to stage just with songs shoehorned in but they do something different with it by shifting the focus from social class to romance and I really appreciate that.
Not a NY girly, so probably be a while before the ART show makes it through Broadway and into a touring company, but that sounds like an interesting production!
I think papermill gatsby is what people who didn't actually read the book think it is. The people only kinda paid attention in class and loved the roaring 20's spectacles. That's the vibe of that one, nothing wrong with that, I love a good spectacle of a show, it's what broadway is built up by. However the ART version may not end up being as popular, but it seems to go far more into the deeper meaning of the book. It is what I would usually call an "artsy fartsy" musical. Fun to think about, but maybe not as whimsical and wonderous as the papermill production. They're both great and i feel more inclined to the ART version, but I feel like both need to be acknowledged as wonderful musicals.
Saw the Broadway gatsby and I loved it, but very much disagree it is family friendly. I have 2 daughters, 9 and 11, who have seen several shows on Broadway including moulin rouge. After seeing gatsby I would not take them to see it. The themes and the way they are presented on stage are 100% mature. I think 14+ for this one! Just like the glitzy parts are in your face so are the dark parts… murder, sex and suicide are not light subjects and glitz does not take the impact of that content away.
I saw the ART one and i thought it was amazing.
Going strictly by the bits of music and certain songs that are all I've heard of the Broadway version, I was disappointed by the music. I love the casting, but the music is lacking for me. I was intrigued by the idea of the ART version before, but after your talk, I am even more eager for a cast album for it.
And as an English major and a long-time fan of the novel, the ART productiin definitely sounds more my speed.
Thanks for the info!
I hope gatsby goes to broadway. I love solea. After some bad experiences, I've decided pre broadway shows aren't for me and I'll wait for the finished product.
With only 1 Tony nomination making it likely to have no Tony wins - can Papermill Gatsby have a long run? Without Tony wins, shows usually close by end of the summer even when highly praised.
The Tony snubs might be saying: move over & make room for ART Gatsby by next season.
Sometimes it’s about being first (Coke), sometimes it’s the one that took the time to make the better mouse trap (Apple). Intriguing.
The broadway gatsby has been consistently making 1 million dollars in the box office for weeks. The show’s real test is when there are less tourists in the fall. This show is also the strongest contender of the one Tony it’s nominated for- costumes. Regardless of reviews - Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada is selling out tickets for the show
Remember the Tony Awards are decided by 100 voters. The Great Gatsby (PaperMill's) received a number of Theatre World People awards. Jeremey Jordan best actor for ex. It is a big Bway classical musical -- great singers, dancers, sets, costumes. I wish it was bit edgier.
“The Great Gatsby” won the Tony in that single category.
THERE IS NO REAL ROMANCE BETWEEN DAISY AND GATSBY IN THE NOVEL.
I feel like I read a completely different book to everyone who made the adaptations (Papermill, to some extent the Hollywood movie etc) because I've just done Gatsby for my English A level. And I don't think Gatsby and Daisy were ever truly in love, save a short stint in 1917. I think they are in love with the ideas of one another and what they represent - for Gatsby, Daisy represents the goal he has been working towards his entire life, and is the 'endgoal' to his class transition. For Daisy, Gatsby represents the dedication and appreciation that she is lacking from her husband, and possibly a counter to Tom's constant cheating, and you can see their difference in attitude in her apathy towards Gatsby's death. This, to me, isn't true love. In a slightly different world in which women and wives were not seen as symbols of wealth to be conquered, I think Gatsby could have been fighting to obtain the green light only - it is just as out of reach to him, and he feels the same way towards as he does toward Daisy.
I would love to listen to Push it Down from ART Gatsby 100 more times
so from what you're saying, it sounds like the ART production did their homework and read the book, and the PM production watched the Baz Lurhmann film.
The ART version was better... period -- the last 3 seconds of the show alone was enough for me to see it twice. When I saw it (July 6th) they had the set and lighting finished and it was incredible
Yeah i don’t see the paper mill version lasting on broadway without Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada literally all their songs were made for them especially Gatsbys songs. They had ZERO chemistry though which kinda took me out of it but at least they can sing !
Also the money song is so annoying im tired of them pushing it on TikTok lol id rather listen to “For Her” over and over
Its actually disgusting that they didn't wait that extra year for the 100 year anniversary of the book. Can you imagine how much stronger of marketing it would garnish if they had waited ONE MORE YEAR to open on broadway???
I almost gave up during that rambling first 3.5 minutes of your review. The whole review was then too repetitive and that phrase “I’ll get more into that” was really overused. Please concentrate on giving proper content and stop repeating yourself and that would help matters massively. At 12 minutes I couldn’t take any more I’m afraid… You have insight but please sort out the presentation.
The tinsel at the ART Gatsby just looks….so bad/cheap, and it kept constantly getting stuck on things. I wish they’d swap for cloth.
100% my least favourite thing about ART Gatsby. It diminished the overall set with how cheap it looked. I noticed myself watching it stuck to someone at one point vs what was actually happening.
The fact that people are so lazy to create a musical based off an old book twice is just so disappointing. We need more original ideas. I'm not saying the show is bad, but if you read Great Gatsby, there's nothing new.
I have put this on 1.5 speed and its still laborous to listen to this review. Arrange your thoughts better
🙄 if you're that ADD, don't pick videos any longer than 5 minutes, if that.
If you don’t like this amazing review then watch something else
@@maxborish605 ill do whatever I please, thank you very much.
I disagree. I find his divergent style refreshing, honest and thorough. I say keep doing what you're doing and don't listen to Maria.
I think Maria has an attention span issue. 🤦🏽♀️
@@jgregveneklasen2657this is kind of a weird way to say “watch something else” and i say this as someone with add :/