Jeremy Jordan (‘The Great Gatsby’) on the ‘romanticism’ and ‘mania’ of the classic literary figure [Exclusive Video Interview]
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“I really wanted to discover what wasn’t there,” explains Jeremy Jordan when asked about his portrayal of the titular figure in “The Great Gatsby.” The actor is embodying the enigmatic Jay Gatsby in a Broadway musical adaptation of the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. The actor is interested in exploring the “romanticism” and “mania” that exist in this confounding figure who enchants Long Island in the 1920s. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
The musical follows Nick Carraway (Noah Ricketts) who befriends the uber rich Gatsby after receiving an invitation to one of the socialite’s lavish Long Island parties. Gatsby isn’t just an extravagant host, however. He has his sights set on reclaiming his long lost love Daisy (Eva Noblezada), who happens to be Nick’s cousin. Gatsby machinations successfully lure Daisy back to him, but his secret misdeeds threaten to unravel the life he has so carefully created.
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“He has constructed everything around him and within him, it’s all false,” describes Jordan, “and it’s to such a degree that it’s believable to himself.” Part of his created persona involves the vast mansion he lives in, or the expensive cars he drives. But the artifice goes deeper, to the point where he has even changed his mannerisms and personality. “He never breaks character,” notes Jordan, likening him to a “Talented Mr. Ripley” figure. “I mean, he’s actually from North Dakota and he’s got this posh New England accent. So that’s always fun to sort of live in the falsity of it.”
Fans might be used to hearing Jordan belt out a contemporary score with a pop or rock aesthetic, but the grand score of “Gatsby” evokes a classic musical theater sound. “It takes me back to my roots,” admits the actor, “It’s almost like a massage to your vocal chords when you get to sing that kind of style.” He points to Gatsby’s first number, “For Her,” as a prime example of the delightful challenge posed by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen’s score. “Even though it’s easy to sing, it’s the hardest number in the show,” explains Jordan, “because it’s so exposed and you can’t really hide behind anything…if you’re not locked in, it’s very hard to hide any errors or any sort of odd moments.”
Watching him croon that tune from the audience are a number of passionate young fans who hang on Jordan’s every word. Many are experiencing the story of “The Great Gatsby” for the very first time, simply because the actor is attached. Jordan attributes this fan base to his Tony-nominated turn in “Newsies.” “Every young theater kid that’s growing up in the business or wants to become an actor does ‘Newsies’ at one point,” he says, noting how often the musical is produced in schools and community theaters. “I am so eternally grateful because almost 40, I’m not doing that anymore,” he jokes, “So it’s definitely been the gift that keeps on giving.” He is glad the kids are experiencing a musical like “Gatsby,” which Jordan feels is filling the void left by classic mega musicals such as “Les Miserables” or “Phantom of the Opera.” “There is a very special place for this kind of show, that epic sweeping musical theater adventure story,” suggests Jordan, “and we’re really excited to sort of hold that place.”
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