Gatsby Musical Begins Pre-Broadway Run in Houston

**Star-Studded "The Dazzling Great Gatsby" Musical Launches Pre-Broadway Run in Houston**

Houston audiences are getting an exclusive first look at a dazzling new musical bound for Broadway, as "The Dazzling Great Gatsby" opened its pre-Broadway engagement at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts’ Sarofim Hall on Tuesday, July 9. Presented by Broadway Across America Houston, this highly anticipated production offers a fresh take on F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel before its anticipated New York premiere.

The musical, a direct transfer from its acclaimed run at the Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey – a renowned launchpad for Broadway-bound shows – promises a lavish and immersive experience. It plays a limited engagement through Sunday, July 14, providing a rare opportunity for Houstonians to witness a major new work in development.

Crafting the narrative for the stage is Kait Kerrigan, with music by Jason Howland and lyrics co-written by Nathan Tysen and Jason Howland. The creative team boasts significant Broadway pedigree: Jason Howland is a Tony Award-winner known for his work on "Little Women" and "Paradise Square," while director Marc Bruni earned a Tony nomination for "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." Dynamic choreography is provided by Dominique Kelly.

The production features a cast packed with Broadway luminaries, bringing to life Fitzgerald’s memorable characters from the Roaring Twenties. Jeremy Jordan, a Tony Award nominee for "Newsies" and known for his role in NBC's "Smash," stars as the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby. He is joined by two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada, celebrated for her performances in "Miss Saigon" and "Hadestown," who portrays the elusive Daisy Buchanan.

Rounding out the principal cast are Samantha Pauly, fresh from her critically acclaimed run in "Six," as Jordan Baker; Noah J. Ricketts, an alumnus of "Frozen" and "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," as the story's narrator, Nick Carraway; and Paul Whitty as George Wilson. Sara Chase takes on the role of Myrtle Wilson, with John Zdrojeski appearing as Tom Buchanan.

"The Dazzling Great Gatsby" explores themes of wealth, love, class, and the elusive American Dream, set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age. The pre-Broadway run allows the creative team to fine-tune the production based on audience reception and critical feedback, making the Houston engagement a crucial step on its journey to Broadway.

**Performance Schedule at the Hobby Center:** * Tuesday, July 9: 7:30 p.m. * Wednesday, July 10: 7:30 p.m. * Thursday, July 11: 7:30 p.m. * Friday, July 12: 8:00 p.m. * Saturday, July 13: 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. * Sunday, July 14: 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com or by calling 800-982-ARTS (2787). With a limited run and significant Broadway buzz, audiences are encouraged to secure their tickets soon to experience this glittering new musical.

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