The 1920s, aka the Roaring Twenties, aka the Jazz Age was a period of exuberance. From jazz music to speakeasies, the 1920s were marked by a sense of liberation and a pursuit of pleasure that redefined the cultural landscape of America. On Broadway, two shows currently showcase this era with authenticity and flair: The Great Gatsby and Chicago. Both shows offer a glimpse into an era marked by excess, ambition, and a profound desire for something more. The Roaring Twenties may have ended a century ago, but on Broadway, they're as alive as ever.
Setting the Stage: Broadway in the Roaring Twenties
The 1920s ushered in a wave of transformative societal changes. A post-WWI economic boom led to an upsurge in consumerism as new technologies like automobiles, telephones, and radios became increasingly accessible to the masses. Women, freshly empowered by their right to vote, began challenging traditional norms, pushing for greater autonomy and equality. African Americans, particularly in the northern states, experienced a cultural and intellectual blossoming known as the Harlem Renaissance. Jazz music became the soundtrack of the times. The flapper, with her bobbed hair, short skirts, and carefree attitude, became the embodiment of the era's rebellious spirit. Prohibition, while intended to curb alcohol consumption, ironically led to the proliferation of underground bars known as speakeasies, where jazz music thrived, and the party went on, hidden from the prying eyes of the law.
Broadway was not immune to the energy of the Roaring Twenties. The Theatre District saw a boom in both productions and attendance, with many new theatres opening during this decade. Musicals and musical comedies reached peak popularity with the creation of iconic shows like Tip-Toes and Show Boat. Shows became more visually spectacular and thematically daring, reflecting the extravagance and audacity of the times.
The impact of the Roaring Twenties on Broadway was long-lasting. Today shows like The Great Gatsby and Chicago continue to carry forward the spirit of the 1920s, inviting audiences to step back in time and experience this iconic era.
The Great Gatsby: The Glitz and Glamour
The Great Gatsby centers around the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan. The show invites audiences into a world of dazzling parties, dangerous liaisons, and shattered dreams. The Roaring Twenties are brought to life through the vivid depiction of Gatsby's extravagant lifestyle. His grand mansion, luxurious car, and lavish parties, attended by the who's who of New York society, exemplify the era's material excess. Yet underneath the glitz and glamour lies a sense of disillusionment and despair. The decadence of the times is palpable in the characters' hedonistic pursuits and their moral ambiguity.
This new Broadway production brings the Roaring Twenties to life with its fresh, modern take on scenic design. Designer Paul Tate dePoo III draws inspiration from the aesthetics of Alexander McQueen, creating slick, sexy set designs with a gothic undertone. The production features over 50 scene changes, with the orchestra even moving to the stage at one point, adding a dynamic layer of live music to the performance. One of the standout design elements is the use of the orchestra pit as Gatsby’s pool, a central symbol in the narrative.
The show’s choreography, under the lead of Dominique Kelley, reflects the era's eclectic energy. From tap to voguing to jazz, the choreography is a mix of styles that captures the spirit of the times. While it evokes a similar feeling to the original era, it's infused with a fresh, contemporary edge that keeps it engaging for modern audiences.
The Broadway run of The Great Gatsby is even more grandiose than the show’s original run at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. Every aspect of the production is made bigger, bolder, and more visually stunning. One of the standout moments is the musical number "Roaring On," performed by Jeremy Jordan. His powerful performance as the charismatic Jay Gatsby, combined with the upbeat jazz rhythms of the song and the ensemble's energy, embodies the era's ceaseless drive.
Chicago: The Dark Underbelly of the Roaring Twenties
In the heart of the Prohibition era, where jazz music reigned and a scandal was just another headline, is where we find Chicago. This musical tells the story of Roxie Hart, a woman who lets her ambitions lead her down a dangerous path. After murdering her lover, Roxie teams up with slick lawyer Billy Flynn and fellow inmate Velma Kelly, navigating the world of crime and celebrity to keep her name in the spotlight and away from the gallows.
Chicago showcases the Roaring Twenties' darker side, with its themes of scandal, crime, and the allure of fame. The era's flapper culture, infused with a sense of liberation and rebellion, is embodied in the characters of Roxie and Velma, both of whom use their charm and cunning to manipulate public opinion. The musical's portrayal of corruption, from the police to the press, reflects the societal issues of the time, offering audiences a look behind the glitz of the Jazz Age to its grittier corners.
In the current long-running Broadway production of Chicago, the minimalist set design by John Lee Beatty and modern costumes by William Ivey Long collaborate to create a stage that is both visually striking and thematically resonant. Beatty's set design is a study in simplicity and versatility. This stripped-back aesthetic allows the story and the characters to take center stage, echoing the raw, unvarnished nature of the narrative. Long's costumes blend period elements with a modern twist, reflecting the spirit of the Roaring Twenties while retaining a contemporary edge. The provocative outfits worn by Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly embody the rebellious spirit of the flapper culture while also showcasing their characters' audacity and ambition.
Few numbers in the Broadway repertoire are as iconic as "All That Jazz" and "We Both Reached For The Gun" from Chicago. "All That Jazz" is a celebration of the era's music and carefree spirit, setting the tone for the rest of the show. As Velma Kelly takes the stage, her sultry voice and dynamic choreography evoke the rebellious energy and audacious style of the Roaring Twenties. "We Both Reached For The Gun," on the other hand, is a masterful display of manipulation and media control. The number sees lawyer Billy Flynn turning murderess Roxie Hart's trial into a spectacle, manipulating the press and swaying public opinion. The song is a pointed commentary on the power of the media and the blurred lines between entertainment and justice.
After several decades, Chicago continues to be a hit on Broadway. Its themes of celebrity, manipulation, and the blurred lines between entertainment and justice remain just as relevant today as when the show originally premiered. The musical has also left a significant impact on Broadway, with its unique dancing style influencing numerous productions.
A Night of Jazz and Drama
Both The Great Gatsby and Chicago offer audiences a journey into the Roaring Twenties, yet each production's approach to portraying this iconic era is distinct. The Great Gatsby's stage is awash with the opulence and luxury synonymous with Gatsby's world, from the grandeur of his mansion to the elegant costumes that speak of wealth and status. The score, while containing touches of jazz, leans toward modern pop. In contrast, Chicago's set design is minimalist, hinting at the behind-the-scenes grit and grime of the city's underbelly. The costumes, while still reflective of the era's fashion, lean toward provocative lingerie, embodying the rebellious spirit of the flapper culture. The score is a lively mix of jazz and vaudeville, capturing the energy and audacity of the times.
With its ability to transport audiences to different times and places, Broadway continues to keep the spirit of the Roaring Twenties alive. The Great Gatsby and Chicago serve as time machines, allowing us to step back into an era that changed America forever. They invite us to explore a world of Jazz, flapper girls, speakeasies, and society on the brink of change, all from the comfort of a theatre seat.
While we can read about the era in history books, there's nothing quite like experiencing it firsthand. So, for those yearning for a taste of the 1920s, why not take a trip to Broadway? Let the house lights dim and the Roaring Twenties come to life before your eyes. And here's a tip: Broadway Inbound offers group discounts, making it an affordable way to experience shows like The Great Gatsby and Chicago. So why wait? Jazz up your evening with a Broadway show and get a taste of the Roaring Twenties yourself.