Korean Musical 'The Great Gatsby' Returns Home with 'Nervous Fear' After Broadway and West End Triumph

From Broadway Triumph to Seoul Homecoming

The Korean-produced musical 'The Great Gatsby' is making headlines as it prepares for its highly anticipated Seoul debut this August. Producer Shin Chun-soo of OD Company recently shared his candid feelings about bringing the internationally acclaimed production home, describing his emotions as 'nervous fear' compared to the 'excited nervousness' he felt for Broadway and West End productions. This sentiment reflects the unique weight and responsibility he feels performing for Korean audiences, who are known for their discerning taste and thorough knowledge of musical theater.

The musical, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic 1925 novel, has already proven its global appeal with remarkable success in both New York and London. The Broadway production, which opened in April 2024, has welcomed over 600,000 audience members, while the West End version launched in April 2025 has generated over £11.3 million (approximately 21.1 billion won) in revenue. This extraordinary performance has established 'The Great Gatsby' as one of the most successful Korean-produced musicals on the international stage.

International Recognition and Awards Success

The musical's journey to international acclaim has been marked by significant recognition from prestigious award bodies. At the 77th Tony Awards, 'The Great Gatsby' won the coveted Best Costume Design award, becoming the first Korean-produced musical to receive such an honor. The production also received the Best Scenic Design Award at the 68th Drama Desk Awards, further cementing its artistic credibility.

Critics have praised the production's spectacular visual elements and immersive staging. The musical features elaborate Art Deco sets and projections that transport audiences to the lavish world of 1920s America. The costume design, which earned the Tony Award, captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties with its flapper dresses and period-accurate men's wear. These visual elements, combined with a jazz-infused score by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, create an authentic atmosphere that brings Fitzgerald's world to vivid life on stage.

Star-Studded Cast for Seoul Production

The Seoul production will feature Tony Award-winning actor Matt Doyle as Jay Gatsby and rising star Senzel Ahmady as Daisy Buchanan. Doyle, who previously won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, brings extensive Broadway experience to the role. He expressed his excitement about the cultural fusion opportunity, noting how 'The Great Gatsby' has created massive waves on social media platforms like TikTok and how impressed he is by the potential for Korean and American musical cultures to merge.

Senzel Ahmady, who gained recognition for her role as Jasmine in the North American tour of 'Aladdin,' has been described as a next-generation musical theater star with enormous potential. She shared her long-standing admiration for the character of Daisy, mentioning that she has loved the role since high school. Ahmady emphasized her commitment to portraying Daisy's complex inner life, describing the character as someone who wears a mask but struggles with suppressed emotions beneath the surface.

The Cultural Impact and Korean Musical Industry

The success of 'The Great Gatsby' represents a significant milestone for the Korean musical industry's global expansion. Shin Chun-soo made history as the first Asian producer to serve as sole lead producer for a Broadway musical. This achievement has not only elevated Korea's status in the international musical theater community but has also demonstrated the potential for Korean creative talent to compete on the world's most prestigious stages.

The production's approach to adapting the American classic has been particularly noteworthy. Shin revealed that extensive research went into understanding Gatsby's character, including reading dozens of academic papers about the novel to effectively translate the character's inner voice to the stage. This meticulous attention to detail and cultural sensitivity has been key to the musical's universal appeal while maintaining the essence of Fitzgerald's original work.

Audience Expectations and Community Response

Korean musical theater enthusiasts have shown tremendous excitement for the upcoming Seoul production. Online communities and blogs have been buzzing with anticipation, with many fans expressing their eagerness to see how the internationally acclaimed production will be adapted for Korean audiences. The production promises to offer an enhanced version compared to its Broadway and West End counterparts, with Shin stating that each production builds upon the previous one like adding layers of paint to a foundation.

The musical's themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream resonate strongly with contemporary Korean audiences. The story's exploration of class conflict and the illusion of social mobility remains relevant to modern Korean society, making it particularly meaningful for local audiences. The production's ability to maintain universal appeal while addressing timeless human emotions has been a key factor in its cross-cultural success.

Looking Forward: Global Expansion and Future Plans

Following the Seoul run, 'The Great Gatsby' is planned to continue its global journey with performances scheduled in Baltimore, Stuttgart, Australia, and Japan starting in June 2026. This ambitious expansion plan reflects the production's confidence in its international appeal and the growing recognition of Korean musical theater on the world stage.

The Seoul production, running from August 1 to November 9, 2025, at the GS Art Center, represents more than just a homecoming—it's a celebration of Korean musical theater's maturation and global competitiveness. As Shin Chun-soo emphasized, the goal is to effectively convey the universality and artistry of this timeless classic while creating a unique connection with each audience. The nervous anticipation he feels for the Korean production reflects not anxiety but rather the deep respect and responsibility he holds for his home audience, promising a production that will honor both the original work and the sophisticated expectations of Korean musical theater fans.