Derek Klena to Star in Broadway's Gatsby
Klena takes the title role in the musical at the Broadway Theatre beginning December 5, succeeding Ryan McCartan.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Arts Theater — General
Derek Klena will take over the title role in The Great Gatsby at the Broadway Theatre beginning December 5, after Ryan McCartan's final performance on December 4. Klena has previously starred on Broadway in Moulin Rouge!, Jagged Little Pill and Wicked.
Why it matters
The casting marks a leading-role change for a production that has sold more than 1 million tickets since its April 2024 Broadway opening. Klena's engagement runs through March 14, 2027, after which no successor has yet been named.
The Broadway production has sold more than 1 million tickets since opening on April 25, 2024, with ticket sales currently open through June 6, 2027. The casting change does not alter the production's announced run dates, though no replacement for after March 2027 has been disclosed.
The players
Derek Klena
Broadway performer known for originating Nick Healy in Jagged Little Pill, earning a Tony nomination, and for his work in Wicked and Moulin Rouge!.
Ryan McCartan
Actor who is the current star of The Great Gatsby musical and whose final performance is scheduled for December 4.
Chunsoo Shin
Producer of The Great Gatsby musical who announced the casting of Derek Klena.
The details
Producer Chunsoo Shin announced the casting of Derek Klena, who originated the role of Nick Healy in Jagged Little Pill and played Fiyero in Wicked. The musical, with music and lyrics by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, is directed by Marc Bruni and choreographed by Dominique Kelley, and has also launched productions in London's West End, Seoul and on a U.S. National Tour.
Timeline
March 29, 2024: Broadway production began previews
April 25, 2024: Broadway production opened
December 4: Ryan McCartan gives his final performance as Gatsby
December 5: Klena begins the title role at the Broadway Theatre
March 14, 2027: Klena's Broadway engagement concludes and he returns to the Savannah Bananas
Industry Dynamics
Lead replacements in long-running Broadway musicals are a common way producers keep established shows drawing audiences after their original stars depart. Gatsby's international footprint across London, Seoul and a U.S. tour suggests the producers are relying on the title to sustain commercial momentum beyond a single cast.
Tickets for The Great Gatsby are available through June 6, 2027, so audiences can choose performances with either the outgoing or incoming lead. Theatergoers planning a visit around the December 5 transition should check the production's calendar for Klena's scheduled dates.
The takeaway
Lead changes like this one can keep a long-running musical relevant to repeat audiences, so fans of either performer may find it worth comparing performances. Checking current schedules before booking will help ensure the cast you want is on stage.
What happens next
Ryan McCartan's final performance is December 4, and Derek Klena's first performance in the title role is December 5, 2026. Klena's Broadway engagement concludes March 14, 2027, when he returns to the Savannah Bananas.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Arts Theater — General for context on Broadway casting news.
