There’s something magical about stepping into a Broadway theatre – the lights, the energy, the feeling that you’re about to be swept into another world. And when you get to share that magic with your kids, it becomes more than a night out; it becomes a treasured family memory that you’ll carry long after the curtain falls. And that’s exactly how I felt seeing The Great Gatsby on Broadway with kids.
The show is a sparkling mix of Roaring ’20s glamour and modern Broadway flair. Whether you’re planning your first show as a family or you’re seasoned theatergoers, here’s what our night looked like – and what you might want to know before bringing your own crew along for the ride.
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Disclosure: A huge thank you to Broadway Gatsby for the tickets. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
The Tony Award-winning musical, The Great Gatsby, is an adaptation of the book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald 100 years ago. The stage version isn’t quite as dark as the novel. It still explores class division, trauma, and the corruption of the American dream, but it focuses much more on the love story between Gatsby and Daisy.
Going to the theatre with these two is one of my all-time favorite things to do! I love having special experiences with the kids based on what they’re interested in, and I’m so thankful that the girls love Broadway as much as I do!
We happened to catch Jeremy Jordan’s first night back as Jay Gatsby, and the atmosphere was electric. I’ve never been in the audience on opening night or for a crowd-favorite cast member’s return, and it was an amazing experience. And of course, Ellie got a souvenir cup – they’re such a fun (and inexpensive!) thing to collect! Make sure to arrive a little early if you want to get drinks/snacks or merchandise, as sometimes the lines can be long.
Lexie, in particular, was really excited for the show. She read the book in her English class last year, and it quickly became one of her favorites – a girl after my own heart.
Fantastic cast, fantastic music, fantastic show all around. Wow. I cannot adequately put into words how amazing this show was – especially with Jeremy Jordan headlining the cast. While it definitely takes some creative liberties, the main thematic points remain. Plus, the soundtrack is epic – we’ve been listening to it non-stop!
Like most shows, The Great Gatsby is recommended for ages 10 and up. Children under age four are not permitted in the theater. I think this one is better for teens than younger kids. It’s a bit slower than other shows on Broadway because of the character development, which could make it harder for younger kids to stay engaged. That being said, both Lexie and Ellie loved it – especially the big dance numbers!
After the show, we headed out to the Stage Door to get our Playbills signed. Since it was Jeremy Jordan’s first night back, there were SO MANY fans there to see him. He took his time, signing Playbills and chatting with people as he made his way down the line.
We purchased a copy of The Great Gatsby book, signed by the entire cast, as part of a Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS donation. The girls made sure to have Jeremy Jordan sign it, since his was the only missing signature. If you’re planning to hit up the stage door after the show, bring a copy of the book to get signed – it’s a great, inexpensive souvenir.
What a fantastic show and unforgettable night! If you’re going to NYC anytime soon, make plans to see Jeremy Jordan in The Great Gatsby on Broadway! They’re running a special on tickets to save 30% with code EARLYBIRD if you buy 2+ weeks in advance.
The Great Gatsby is currently on tour throughout the United States and will be in Charlotte in October 2026. The show is 2.5 hours long, including one intermission, and can be seen on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre – 1681 Broadway.
Have you seen The Great Gatsby yet, either on Broadway or on tour?? Do you prefer the book or the musical??
