[On Stage] The Roaring Twenties: Abundance and Emptiness Brought to Life on Dazzling Golden Stages

Two large-scale musicals set in the "Roaring Twenties" of the United States are captivating audiences as they take the stage simultaneously. These are "The Great Gatsby," currently being performed at the GS Art Center, and "Broadway 42nd Street," being staged at the Charlotte Theater. Both productions are set in America during the 1920s and 1930s, following World War I (1914-1918), and vividly recreate an era where material abundance and emotional emptiness coexisted. With dazzling golden stages that symbolize the emptiness behind the glamour, both musicals deliver unforgettable entertainment to their audiences.

The 1920s in America saw rapid economic growth driven by the post-World War I boom. As Europe lay in ruins, the United States emerged as the center of the global economy, ushering in an era so prosperous that cars and radios became commonplace. This prosperity fueled a widespread materialism.

The original novel "The Great Gatsby," which inspired the musical, captures this era with precision and is regarded as one of the defining novels of 20th-century America.

Musical 'The Great Gatsby' dazzling party scene
Photo by Odi Company

Musical 'The Great Gatsby' performance scene
Photo by Odicompony

"The Great Gatsby" tells the story of Jay Gatsby, the son of a poor farmer, who is reunited with his former lover Daisy after being separated by his service in World War I. The novel is set in 1922, four years after the end of the war. During this time, Gatsby amasses great wealth, largely through illegal bootlegging operations. Although Daisy is now married, Gatsby cannot bring himself to visit her directly. Instead, he purchases a mansion across the bay from her home and throws extravagant parties every night, hoping that Daisy will hear the rumors and come to him.

When they finally meet, the two display a poignant affection for each other, embodying the archetype of pure and devoted love. At the same time, Daisy reveals her longing for Gatsby's immense wealth, exposing her materialistic tendencies. Although Gatsby's actions were motivated by his desire to see Daisy, the fact that he resorted to illegal means shows that he, too, is ultimately a character consumed by vanity.

In the musical 'The Great Gatsby,' Matt Doyle (right) as Jay Gatsby and Senzel Amadi as Daisy [Photo by Odi Company]

The stage of "The Great Gatsby" musical is nothing short of spectacular, as if to prove the material abundance of the era. The production is so overwhelming that it stands out even among other major musicals. Two cars appear on stage, capturing the spirit of the age of automobile popularization, and the sets depicting the New York Plaza Hotel and Gatsby’s mansion are also impressive. In particular, the scene transition during the end of Act I, where Gatsby and Daisy share an emotional moment in Gatsby’s mansion, is especially striking. The space shifts seamlessly from the interior of Gatsby’s mansion to the balcony and then to the bedroom. The transition from the living room to the balcony is so memorable that it calls to mind the famous balcony scene change in Act II of the musical "Rebecca."

The party scenes set in Gatsby’s golden mansion are mesmerizing. With dazzling ensemble numbers featuring the Charleston and tap dance-both popular at the time-they are visually captivating.

Musical 'Broadway 42nd Street' Performance Scene
Photo by Sam Company

The 1920s was also a period when popular culture flourished. As material prosperity grew, more people sought pleasure and entertainment. Jazz became mainstream during this time, leading to the era being called the Jazz Age. As depicted in the 2022 film "Babylon," this was also when Hollywood experienced explosive growth, transitioning from silent films to talkies. Musicals, which originated in late 19th-century Britain, also became established as popular entertainment during this period.

"Broadway 42nd Street" tells the story of the making of a musical called "Pretty Lady" during this era. The Roaring Twenties came to an end with the Great Depression, triggered by the collapse of the bubble economy in 1929, and "Broadway 42nd Street" is set in 1933, after the Depression.

The musical opens with the excited clamor of former dancers who are thrilled by rumors that the famous producer Julian Marsh is working on a new musical, even though the curtain is still down. As the curtain rises, 30 dancers who have reunited for the show gradually appear, and the musical truly begins with their lively tap dance ensemble. These characters are people who dream of the Roaring Twenties before the Depression, when extravagant shows were in their heyday.

The protagonist, Peggy Sawyer, is a young woman from the countryside who dreams of performing on the glamorous stages of New York. After overcoming various obstacles, she joins "Pretty Lady" as a chorus girl. During rehearsals, the leading lady Dorothy Brock injures her leg, and Peggy steps in to take the lead role, ultimately bringing the show to a successful conclusion.

Musical 'Broadway 42nd Street' Performance Scene
[Photo by Sam Company]

"Broadway 42nd Street" delights audiences with its lighthearted narrative and the bright, optimistic stories of people who refuse to lose hope in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Above all, it perfectly recreates the extravagant shows of the era on golden stages, exemplifying the essence of show musicals.

"Broadway 42nd Street" is a legendary Broadway musical that needs no introduction. It premiered on Broadway in August 1980 and ran for over eight years until January 1989, making it one of the longest-running shows of its time. At the 1981 Tony Awards, it won both Best Musical and Best Choreography, receiving critical acclaim. The musical was revived on Broadway in 2001 and once again earned recognition, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical that year. In Korea, it has become a steady seller, having been performed 19 times since its premiere at the Hoam Art Hall in 1996, including the current production.

"The Great Gatsby" will run until November 9, while "Broadway 42nd Street" will be performed until September 14.