What to Know About “The Great Gatsby” Musical Before It Dances into Austin
Ahead of the Broadway in Austin engagement, ensemble actress Anna Gassett shares insights on bringing the Roaring Twenties spectacle to life on tour
Texas Performing Arts’ Broadway in Austin series will welcome the hit musical “The Great Gatsby” to Bass Concert Hall from March 10–15, 2026. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, the production brings the glamour, excess and heartbreak of the Roaring Twenties to the stage with a dazzling Tony Award-winning design and a jazz- and pop-infused score that has captivated audiences across the country.
As mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby throws lavish parties in pursuit of his lost love Daisy Buchanan, the story unfolds through larger-than-life characters and timeless themes of ambition and longing.
Ahead of the Austin run, we sat down with ensemble member Anna Gassett to talk about life on tour, the spectacle behind the production and what audiences can expect from the show.
In Conversation with Anna Gassett
Q: For audiences who may only know the novel, what makes this stage adaptation so unique?
A: Well, this stage adaptation is a big, gorgeous night at the theater. You can witness a love story and really just enjoy the Jazz Age celebration. We have Tony Award–winning costumes, massive sets. It’s truly a visual spectacle, so you’ll definitely be able to see Gatsby’s parties come to life on stage.
Q: It looks like such a lavish set design with huge party scenes. What’s it like performing in those moments?
A: It’s a lot of fun. I grew up doing competition dance, so I’m used to all the custom costumes and crazy rhinestones and all those things. It’s a lot of fun to do this professionally now and get to wear these stunning costumes. We also have some exciting things on stage. We have a real car that comes on stage every night, which is wild to be on stage with, and pyrotechnics, lots of glitz and glamour.
Q: What’s your favorite moment in the show or favorite song to perform?
A: My favorite moment is in the number “La Dee Dah With You.” It’s at the top of Act 2. I come out on stage and get to do an entire tap dance break with three of my fellow performers, and that is just totally a highlight. Tap was one of the first classes I ever took when I was two years old, so it’s really special to be able to do it every night.
Q: As a 2023 graduate of Texas State, how does it feel to bring this Broadway tour so close to your alma mater and perform for Texas audiences again?
A: I went to Texas State because of their musical theater program. It’s really special to be back. I just hope that I can inspire some of the students and show them that it’s possible to be doing this right out of college. The training they provide at Texas State really prepares us for these jobss
The head of our program, Caitlin Hopkins, really drew me to the program. She’s incredible. She made me really believe in myself.
I grew up as a competition dancer. That was really what I did my whole life, but she allowed me to branch out and become confident in my acting skills and my vocal skills. Nowadays everyone’s looking for a triple threat for all their shows, so Caitlin really gave me that confidence.
Q: Did your professional career take off right after college?
A: Pretty soon after, yes. Right out of college, actually, I toured internationally with “West Side Story.” This is my first time doing a long-running show in the U.S. Prior to this national tour, I was also fortunate enough to be a part of the Seoul production of “The Great Gatsby.” I spent July through November in Korea. It was amazing. I just couldn’t imagine myself at a young age doing this and being able to see all these places all around the world.
Q: What are you looking forward to doing while you’re in Austin?
A: I’m really excited to get some Torchy’s Tacos.
Q: For those who haven’t seen the show, is there anything else you’d want people to know about it?
A: If you think of big Broadway shows, “The Great Gatsby” is the show. It’s classic. It has all the big, beautiful things you expect from a Broadway show. It’s just visually incredibly pleasing to the eye.
Tickets and More Info
Texas Performing Arts presents Broadway in Austin’s touring production of The Great Gatsby” from March 10-15 at Bass Concert Hall. Tickets start at $35 and are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com, by phone at (512) 477-1444, or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall.