Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...As for the whole show? You get some cool choreography (still well executed), a solid score from Jason Howland (speaking of big talents) and Nathan Tysen, one great, Frank Wildhorn-esque song, “For Her,” which Smith sings very nicely and plenty of adroit lines taken from the novel to spice up Kait Kerrigan’s mostly efficient adaptation, including one about crime in Chicago that got an uneasy laugh from the audience, some newly aware of our city’s long-lived role in this particular all-American morality tale."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The 2024 musical based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1920s-era novel is an art deco, flapperific fever dream. Sadly, the five-star production values are wrapped around a barely two-star adaptation of the novel itself. Director Marc Bruni’s staging is a fizzy Champagne pyramid of a show where style overcomes substance."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...It’s not a hard show to sit through by any means, thanks to the fine voices and the efficient staging. But the sadness of Gatsby’s story is that his dream was always based on a shoddy illusion. Turning him into a thwarted romantic hero goes against the grain of Fitzgerald’s story and denies us the chance to see the decay beneath the decadence."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Highly Recommended
"...The staging in this play is absolutely breathtaking, creating a captivating visual atmosphere for the audience. While a few costumes didn't quite fit the historical period, they still added a stylish, elegant touch to the production. One of the standout features of the set was the presence of gorgeous vintage cars. The elaborate projections were equally impressive, creating a vivid backdrop for the wealthy Gatsby mansion, and the striking picture of the Doctor T.J. Eckleburg billboard—the iconic "Eyes of God"—which loomed ominously over the Valley of Ashes, highlighting the contrast between wealth and despair."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Tonight's opening at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, as part of the Broadway In Chicago season brought the story to life for Chicago theater audiences. As I have always said, there is nothing like "live theater". No matter how wonderful a film might be ( and these were all well done) watching a story evolve, right before your eyes is still the greatest treat of all. This production features an ensemble that is terrific, and as directed by Marc Bruini with some great choreography by Dominique Kelley ( if you love tap, you will see some of the best)."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...This is another recent, much-anticipated Broadway transfer that was well worth the wait. THE GREAT GATSBY does not disappoint. It’s fabulous, fantastic, big, beautiful and splashy. Marc Bruni’s production glitters and glistens like the lights of Times Square."
The Fourth Walsh
- Highly Recommended
"...Author F. Scott Fitzgerald penned a tale scrutinizing the moral decay of American values during the indulgent Roaring Twenties. A hundred years after its debut, his masterpiece continues to scrutinize the carelessness of the affluent. Their champagne-soaked disregard for the pulse of humanity is -unfortunately- a relatable and timeless theme."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre
- Recommended
"...The performers inhabit this hybrid sensibility quite comfortably, especially Jake David Smith and Senzel Ahmady as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan respectively. The musical is basically a vehicle for a pair of performers who can knock off "star-crossed lovers" in their sleep and with vocal chops to spar. (These parts were originated by Clyde Barrow and Eurydice, after all.) Our leads' voices have the stamina to reach across Long Island Sound."
PicksInSix
- Highly Recommended
"...The splashy opulence of the 1920s Jazz Age comes to life in the national touring production of "The Great Gatsby: A New Musical," which opened at Broadway in Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre on Wednesday night. F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel—considered by many one of the finest works of the 20th century—explores wealth, power, privilege and intrigue. The stage adaptation features a book by Kait Kerrigan with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and is directed by Marc Bruni with choreography by Dominique Kelly."
Curtain Call Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The Great Gatsby delivers a gorgeous to look at and emotionally charged musical full of glamour and intrigue propelled by one very powerful score!"
Chicago Culture Authority
- Recommended
"...Up to the climax, though, even this faithful rendering delivers a lushly entertaining experience under the direction of Marc Bruni, with Dominique Kelley’s choreography and the voices of Robinson, Smith and Ahmady proving to be the most crowd-pleasing highlights. As a spectacular feast for the eyes and ears, it’s a party worth attending."
Werner's Theatre Reviews
- Recommended
"...As a Broadway debut, book writer Kait Kerrigan delivers a solid adaptation alongside composers Nathan Tysen and Jason Howland. However, the storytelling occasionally falters due to an uneven focus and the inclusion of additional plot elements not present in the original novel. Given ongoing scholarly discussions around the story's queer subtext, it would be interesting to see a deeper exploration of the multiple and varied character relationships."
NewCity Chicago
- Recommended
"...The sets, costumes and effects are quite impressive, to be sure. There are even moving cars on stage. The choreography by Dominique Kelley is a treat, with the dancing party guests coming from the world of the Harlem Renaissance."
