Christopher Hoffmann
Staff Writer
Theatergoers will soon be seeing a familiar face on 53rd & Broadway as Jeremy Jordan is set to reprise the role of Jay Gatsby in “The Great Gatsby.” Jordan’s return comes after “Heathers” and “Frozen” actor Ryan McCartan’s tenure as Gatsby wraps up on Nov. 9.
Jordan, a Tony-nominated actor known for his performances in “Newsies” and “Floyd Collins,” originally debuted as the titular character when the hit musical made its world premier in 2023 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. When “The Great Gatsby” made its debut on Broadway in April 2024, he reprised his role as the man who looks towards the green light in the pursuit to reclaim the love of his life.
Jordan departed from the show earlier this year to perform in Lincoln Center’s production of “Floyd Collins,” which earned him his second Tony nomination. Ryan McCartan took over for Jordan and currently plays the title character. His Nov. 9 departure was announced early last month, followed by the announcement of Jordan’s return a few weeks ago.
Jordan will be returning to the Broadway Theatre on Nov. 10, the day after McCartan bids farewell to the show. Starring alongside Jordan is Aisha Jackson as Daisy Buchanan, Michael Maliakel as Nick Carraway, Austin Colby as Tom Buchanan, Samantha Pauly as Jordan Baker, Linedy Genao as Myrtle Wilson, Charlie Pollock as George Wilson and Eric Anderson as Meyer Wolfsheim.
“This rumor has been flying around since April/May, so it wasn’t really a surprise when it was announced. That being said, I still think this is extremely exciting. Ryan McCartan was good as Gatsby, but nothing will compare to the first time I heard Jeremy as Gatsby,” said Mia Mendia, a senior technical theatre major at ESU.
“In my mind, Jeremy is Gatsby. Going back to the show since he left hasn’t felt the same, but now that I know this absolute powerhouse is coming back, I will be seated”, said Mendia about her reaction to Jordan’s grand return to West Egg.
The Broadway Theatre is near 53rd Street at 1681 Broadway Avenue. According to the New York Theatre Guide, the nearest subway stops are the 7th avenue station east of the theatre and the 50th street station three blocks south. The M7, M20, and M104 bus lines can take you to the bus stop on West 53rd Street and 7th Avenue.
If traveling to the theater by car, the nearest parking garage is at 790 Seventh Avenue. Entrances to that garage can be found on West 51st and West 52nd Street in between Seventh Avenue and Broadway. To get from ESU to New York City, students can catch a bus at the Stroudsburg Bus Station on Foxtown Hill Road or the Martz Park N Ride Terminal on Independence Road.
The nearest bus station from the Broadway Theatre is at the New York Port Authority Terminal on West 41st and 8th. Motorists can take Interstate 80 East and drive into the city via the Lincoln Tunnel near the Port Authority Terminal.