Austin Colby Will Join Great Gatsby Tour
The actor will start a limited engagement in Philadelphia beginning on October 21.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Arts Theater — General
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Broadway actor Austin Colby will join the North American tour of The Great Gatsby for a limited engagement. The production is scheduled to begin its Philadelphia run at the Academy of Music on October 21, 2026.
Why it matters
The casting change brings a veteran of the Broadway production to the touring version of the hit musical, which is adapted from the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Colby previously played Tom Buchanan and served as an understudy for Jay Gatsby in the original Broadway show.
The production currently features Senzel Ahmady as Daisy Buchanan and Jake David Smith as Jay Gatsby. The musical features music and lyrics written by Nathan Tysen and Jason Howland.
The players
Austin Colby
He is an actor who previously appeared in the Broadway production of The Great Gatsby as Tom Buchanan and as an understudy for the role of Jay Gatsby.
Jake David Smith
He currently performs the lead role of Jay Gatsby in the ongoing North American touring production.
Senzel Ahmady
She plays the character of Daisy Buchanan in the touring stage production.
Nathan Tysen
He is a songwriter who composed the music and lyrics for the stage musical adaptation of the novel.
Jason Howland
He is a composer who wrote the music and lyrics for the musical production currently touring North America.
The details
Austin Colby transitions to the touring company following his previous work on Broadway. He joins a cast that performs the adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic American novel.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Austin Colby begins his limited engagement in Philadelphia.
Industry Dynamics
The transition of Broadway performers into touring companies is a common strategy for maintaining high production standards as stage shows expand across the country. This move helps align the touring version of The Great Gatsby with the established quality of the Broadway production.
Theatergoers in Philadelphia can see Austin Colby perform live when the tour stops at the Academy of Music. Tickets for the limited engagement are available through the venue's standard booking channels.
The takeaway
The addition of a Broadway veteran to a touring cast often provides a fresh draw for fans of the original show. Audiences interested in high-profile stage performances should check local venue schedules for limited-run engagement dates.
Further reading
Learn more about local stage productions at the Philadelphia Arts Theater — General section.
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