Corbin Bleu opens up about playing Nick Carraway in Broadway’s The Great Gatsby, and what his Olivier nomination means for this stage of his career.

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After originating the role in the West End, Corbin earned an Olivier nomination for his performance — a moment he describes as "a turning point" in his career.

As he steps into the role in New York City, I sat down with the Gatsby star to chat about his connection to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, working with co-stars Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada, and what it means to be recognized by one of theater's highest honors.

Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Corbin: I first read Gatsby in middle school, and it had such an impact on me that it became my favorite book. I told enough people it was my favorite that I was actually given an original publication copy as a gift for my 18th birthday. I still have it to this day, and it’s one of my treasures.

I think what first attracted me to the book, and what attracts most people, is the glitz and the glam and the intrigue of Jay Gatsby. Everybody wants to be Gatsby; his life is something that people are so enthralled by — fame, power, wealth. As I read the book later as an adult, I really picked up on the themes of classism and the fact that it is very much a cautionary tale.

The whole book is told from Nick's perspective, which made me think about the Hamilton adage: "Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?" Gatsby’s story is what it is because it’s Nick’s perspective of him being so great.

So now, getting to play Nick, I love being able to go on his journey.

Corbin: Thank you. I'm so honored. I've been in this industry for a very long time. I started professionally as a child actor, and I've now been working on Broadway for more than 15 years.

My pursuit has always been prioritized by respect over popularity. To be nominated for this honor feels like a turning point in my career, and I'm so happy and excited.

Corbin: (Laughs) I think the most immediate answer is the audience response. We're just very different. They are just as invested out there, but we are a lot louder here in the States.

It's so interesting getting to do The Great Gatsby both in London and New York. The same moments play out, and you can hear the audience responses and how they differ. An example is the first time that Nick and Jordan kiss in the show. In New York, there's always applause, and whooping and hollering in the middle of that. When two characters that you've been wanting and vying for finally get together, it just elicits this audible response.

It's much quieter in London. When I first came there, I felt like a loud American, even just going into a coffee shop and asking a question about the menu. I found myself adjusting and adapting over the time that I was there to be a bit softer. You eventually get used to it and, if anything, come to appreciate it, because the audience is really listening.

Corbin: I have two answers to that. "My Green Light" [performed by Gatsby and Daisy] is just so damn pretty. It's such a beautiful song, and I really do love listening to that.

Nick's story has so much potential at the beginning, and the opening number, "Roaring On," is his most exciting and optimistic point in the show. I love getting to do that number and inviting the audience into the world of our show.

When I'm on stage, and I'm beginning to tell the story, the ensemble ends up right behind me. It's shocking for me, and I turn around and completely face away from the audience. Now I'm staring at the ensemble, and it's such a cool moment to just be an audience member on the stage.

Corbin: Back when I did the show in London, I was originating the role there. I got to be in the rehearsal room with all the actors throughout the entire process, building the show from the ground up. What I've never experienced, until now, is originating a role, then going back into the same show and replacing.

When you replace, your rehearsal time is much shorter, and you don't actually get to rehearse with everyone. You work with either a dance captain or a swing, and they play multiple parts — you really only get one or two rehearsals with other people, and then you're on.

I was lucky enough not to be alone in joining the cast in this iteration. It's me, Reeve, and John Behlmann, our Tom. The three of us got to be in the rehearsal room together, and build our rapport and our chemistry.

I didn't really get to work with Eva much beforehand, aside from a few very short rehearsals. What is so fascinating about that process is that Eva and my cadence, our rhythms, are sort of built on stage in front of audiences. That makes it exciting, and it's been really great to work with her.

Corbin: I love what I do. I'm so lucky that I get to do this as a profession, and because of that love, I take it very seriously. Things like my sleep schedule and my food intake are so important. I cook 90% of my meals because I want to know what I'm eating — so it's like a treat when I go out and eat something else.

I only drink water, and tea or coffee in the morning. I don't really drink any sodas, and I don't drink alcohol. I tend to live more of a "monk" life. (Laughs) I really do.

Being able to perform at my peak relies on the time I'm not on stage. The moments I'm on stage are only as good as the moments outside of it.

Corbin: I do have a pre-show ritual, and I started this back when I did Godspell. I wish I could remember how I even first got introduced to this, but I eat a Granny Smith apple before every show. It has to be a Granny Smith. It has to have that tartness.

There is something about the shape and the bite of the apple that is a great reminder of vocal placement and lifting your soft palate. It's a perfect energy boost that doesn't have a crash. It just gets me revved up and ready to go.

A fan actually crocheted a Granny Smith apple for me, and now I always have that in my dressing room.

Corbin: Ah, wow. Prior to Gatsby, I did a string of shows that have been very big dance roles. I think that's great, because I'm at the point in my life where I'm still capable of doing those. However, Nick is so different from any other role that I've done before. 

When I took on the role, I was thinking, "What makes him stand out?" I feel like it is his ability to truly listen and be present. He is the audience's eyes. If the audience is able to connect with him, they really can feel this journey and this ride that he is on from beginning to end.

Initially, going into it, I was worried that I wasn't going to bring enough to the role. To actually receive an Olivier nomination, I really feel like it's such a beautiful point in my career. I'm very proud, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to play Nick.

Don't miss Corbin as Nick Carraway at The Broadway Theatre.