Naturi Naughton, best known for her role in the hit series Power and as a former member of the R&B group 3LW, is set to return to the Broadway stage. She will take on the role of Jordan Baker in the musical adaptation of The Great Gatsby, starting on 31 July. This marks her first Broadway appearance in 20 years, following her debut as Little Inez in the popular musical Hairspray.
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Naughton succeeds Samantha Pauly, who is currently playing the role of Jordan Baker and will perform her final show on 26 July. Expressing her excitement about this new chapter, Naughton stated, “Twenty years ago, I made my Broadway debut in Hairspray, and now I get to come back to the theatre as a new woman with new money as the fabulous Jordan Baker! The Great Gatsby is a classic, and I can’t wait to party with a live audience!”
The Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved 1925 novel, tells the story of the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby as he seeks to rekindle his romance with the elusive Daisy Buchanan, all set against the lavish backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. Within this context, Jordan Baker plays a pivotal role as Daisy’s close friend and a professional golfer who develops a romantic relationship with Nick Carraway, the story’s narrator.
This rendition of The Great Gatsby features a score by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, accompanied by a book written by Kait Kerrigan. Directed by Marc Bruni, the musical first premiered at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse in 2023, where it achieved record-breaking success, becoming the highest-grossing production in the venue’s history. Following its triumphant run, the show transferred to Broadway in 2024.
Since opening at the Broadway Theatre, The Great Gatsby has proven to be immensely popular, selling over one million tickets and completing more than 800 performances. Naughton will be joining a talented ensemble that includes Reeve Carney as Jay Gatsby, Eva Noblezada as Daisy Buchanan, and Corbin Bleu playing Nick Carraway. The cast further comprises John Behlmann as Tom Buchanan, Linedy Genao as Myrtle Wilson, Charlie Pollock as George Wilson, and Matthew Saldívar as Meyer Wolfsheim.
The production also showcases an impressive ensemble of performers, including Alexis Hasbrouck, Curtis Holland, Nathaniel Hunt, Traci Elaine Lee, Alicia Lundgren, Dariana Mullen, and many more who will enrich the theatrical experience. These talented individuals, along with a team of swings, contribute significantly to the overall dynamic of the show.
Following her initial Broadway debut, Naughton rose to fame as part of the multi-platinum group 3LW. Over the years, she has carved out a successful career in film and television, most notably as Tasha St. Patrick in the Power franchise. Her film credits likewise feature appearances in notable titles like Notorious, Fame, and ABC’s Queens.
In addition to her on-screen accomplishments, Naughton has expanded her repertoire to include behind-the-scenes work. As a three-time NAACP Image Award winner, she has taken on the role of executive producer for projects such as the Starz series The Nowhere Man and the acclaimed film Color Book. Her directorial debut was realised with the short film 333, which premiered at the 2025 American Black Film Festival.
Tickets for The Great Gatsby are currently available for sale, and Naughton’s return to Broadway is highly anticipated by both fans and theatre-goers alike. With her unique talent and charisma, Naughton is expected to bring a fresh perspective and vibrancy to the role of Jordan Baker, further enhancing the allure of this classic tale reimagined for the stage.