Actor Derek Klena, known for his Tony Award-nominated performances on Broadway, is set to take on the iconic role of Jay Gatsby in the musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, starting December 5, 2026. This exciting announcement comes as Klena prepares to exchange his role in the Savannah Bananas—an exhibition baseball team for which he has been pitching and singing—for a prestigious return to the stage.
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Klena’s Broadway engagement will run until March 14, 2027, during which time he will succeed Ryan McCartan, who has portrayed the enigmatic millionaire Gatsby intermittently. McCartan’s final performance is scheduled for December 4, marking the end of his run in the much-acclaimed production at the Broadway Theatre.
The talented Klena, aged 35, boasts an impressive resume that spans a variety of Broadway hits. He first gained acclaim for his portrayal of Nick Healy in “Jagged Little Pill,” which was inspired by Alanis Morissette’s celebrated album, earning him a Tony nomination. His other notable performances include leading roles in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” and “Wicked,” as well as numerous originating roles in productions like “Anastasia” and “The Bridges of Madison County.”
In a departure from traditional theatre, Klena has spent the last season with the Savannah Bananas, a team renowned for its lively and entertaining style of baseball known as “Banana Ball.” This approach incorporates theatrical elements, including music and choreography, akin to the performance style of the Harlem Globetrotters in basketball. Klena has not only showcased his athletic skills but also engaged audiences across the nation as both a performer and a pitcher.
His upcoming role in “The Great Gatsby” presents Klena with the opportunity to meld his diverse skill set, embodying one of the most resonant characters in American literature. The narrative centres on Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan, amidst the backdrop of the extravagant Roaring Twenties. The musical features a contemporary score by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, complemented by a book by Kait Kerrigan, promising a fresh take on Fitzgerald’s timeless tale.
Joining Klena on stage will be a talented cast. Notable names include China Anne McClain as Daisy, Corbin Bleu as the narrator Nick Carraway, Naturi Naughton-Lewis as Jordan Baker, and Max Monnig as Tom Buchanan. The ensemble is rounded out by Linedy Genao as Myrtle Wilson, Charlie Pollock as George Wilson, and Eric Anderson reprising his role as Meyer Wolfsheim.
The production has enjoyed considerable success, having begun previews on March 29, 2024, and officially opened to the public on April 25 of the same year. Operators behind “The Great Gatsby” report that the show has sold over a million tickets, with plans for international performances already underway, including in London’s West End and a tour across the United States.
The announcement of Klena’s return to Broadway has stirred excitement among fans of both theatre and music. His multifaceted talents, honed through years of diverse performance experiences, promise to bring a vibrant energy to Gatsby’s character. With tickets currently available through June 6, 2027, audiences have a perfect opportunity to witness Klena’s interpretation of this beloved literary figure.
In conclusion, as Derek Klena transitions from the baseball diamond back to the Broadway stage, his role in “The Great Gatsby” stands as a testament to his versatility as a performer. Set for a compelling run this winter, Klena’s performance is anticipated to contribute significantly to the already illustrious legacy of this ongoing theatrical adaptation of an American literary masterpiece.
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