Celebrity
Corbin Bleu The Great Gatsby Broadway Olivier Nominated Role
Corbin Bleu has played many memorable roles in his career, and Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby is no exception.
Allan Amato / Via Vivacity Media Group
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, the Gatsby star sat down 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.
Did you grow up reading The Great Gatsby? How did your perspective on Nick change from reading the novel to playing him on stage?
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.
Congratulations on your Olivier nomination! What did that recognition mean to you, especially for this role?
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.
Jeff Spicer / Via Getty Images
You first portrayed Nick in the West End before Broadway. What’s the biggest difference between performing in London and New York?
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.
Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade / Via Vivacity Media Group
Speaking of fun moments in the show, is there a specific number you find yourself anticipating every night?
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.
Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade / Via Vivacity Media Group
Nick, Daisy, and Gatsby have such strong chemistry. When you started rehearsals with Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney, when did you really feel that dynamic click?
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.
Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade / Via Vivacity Media Group
Performing on Broadway is one of the hardest jobs mentally, vocally, and physically. What kind of routine do you have to stay in shape?
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.
Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade / Via Vivacity Media Group
Do you have any fun pre-show rituals before you hit the stage?
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.
Finally, you’ve played so many iconic roles, both in film and in the theater. What does playing Nick mean to you at this point in your career?
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.
The Met Gala is officially upon us yet again, bringing high fashion and sports together in a major way. This year’s theme is Costume Art, and the official dress code is Fashion Is Art. While actors, musicians, and even politicians step out for arguably the biggest night in fashion, sports stars also show up and show out. In fact, one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs is the legendary Venus Williams. Let’s take a look at the athletes who graced the red carpet this year!
Venus Williams
John Shearer / WireImage via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
And here’s Naomi with her second look that she revealed as she ascended the steps!
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Jimmy Butler
Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Alysa Liu
Theo Wargo / FilmMagic
Angel Reese
Matt Crossick/Via Alamy
Serena Williams
Julian Hamilton / Getty Images
Dwyane Wade
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Russell Wilson
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Eileen Gu
Matt Winkelmeyer/MG26 / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
A’ja Wilson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Justin Jefferson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Joe Burrow
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Steph and Ayesha Curry
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Keep an eye out, as we’ll keep updating with more photos throughout the night at the gala. Check out the rest of our Met Gala coverage here.
Paul Anthony Kelly recently discovered a universal truth the hard way:
Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
People do not mess around when it comes to Beyoncé on Beyoncé’s internet.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
When Paul was questioned on the Met Gala red carpet regarding his favorite Beyoncé track, the Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette star essentially shrugged off the entire inquiry.
Rob Kim / Getty Images
“I don’t know,” he remarked while shaking his head. “I’m a metal head.”
Cindy Ord / Getty Images
His reaction has been under the social media microscope ever since. A segment of the internet is labeling his tone as dismissive:
“Like immediately and it’s not even the answer. It’s the excessive shoulder shrugs and eye rolls. Like okay miss thing we get it”
@moonniyiasvt/ Not A Real Company Productions / Via x.com
“Sometimes it’s just the tone. He looked like he had an attitude. ‘I’m sorry I’m not really an avid consumer of her music, but she seem so sweet’ would have been a good answer instead of that superiority complex he showed by saying he listens to heavy metal”
@AriesGroove81 / Via x.com
“I’m a metal head too and rarely (if ever) listen to Beyonce but I still have a favourite song of hers. It’s not that deep.”
@ultimateakasha / Via x.com
“Oh….crush cancelled.”
@cinnamonqueennn / Via x.com
“I mean, I agree with the sentiment, but the question was asked because Beyoncé is one of the heads of the gala”
@MercyBuzzard13 / Via x.com
“well he might like act iii then”
lovelanguagc / Via x.com
“Its true but at the same time im sure he could’ve named a song lmao Everybody knows atleast one Taylor or Beyonce song his idk and shrug reaction was kinda disrespectful”
@bb52521601 / Via x.com
“Arrogant, basic white guy attitude. It’s one thing not to know her songs which is fine but the way he said it sounds like he can’t even be bothered to think for a minute.”
@AthenaK11374912 / Via x.com
Meanwhile, others argue that not having a go-to Beyoncé anthem isn’t exactly a felony:
“Yess let’s normalize people having their own music taste, and not trying to ‘fit in’ In a world where everyone wants to fit in.”
@natthewarrior/ / Via x.com
“Not everyone listens to Beyonce, the hive needs to grow up.”
@Lurker_4Lyfe / Via x.com
“They’re about to drag this man for 40 days and 40 nights aren’t they”
@CandidlyCandy_ / Via x.com
“We got to stop pretending certain artists are holy gods and have to be loved and listened to by everyone! He was completely unproblematic and professional and just answered the question honestly! Get off his ass oh my goodness”
@jetteecarlottaa / Via x.com
“I don’t know who he is, but he is literally just stating he has a preference for heavier music. Why do people always have to start drama over nothing?!”
@/jadednerdyspice / Via x.com
“He wasn’t disrespectful, just real. Beyonce is iconic but not everyone’s cup of tea!.”
@chinenye_v32170 / Via x.com
Looking at one side of the coin, Beyoncé actually served as a co-chair for the Met Gala this year. Because of that, several attendees were quizzed on their favorite Bey hits, including Colman Domingo, Angela Bassett, Nicole Kidman, and Chase Infiniti. In context, the question was totally relevant, and Paul’s body language could be seen as brushing off her artistic impact.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
On the flip side, the world of music is vast and exists far beyond the pop charts. Paul has every right to stay loyal to the genres that move him. Art is subjective by nature, after all.
Thestewartofny / Getty Images
I have a feeling the real JFK Jr. would have navigated that question with a much more diplomatic response.
Bettmann / Getty Images
What is your take on the viral drama surrounding Paul Anthony Kelly and the Beyhive? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Country music is super IN right now.
Scott Dudelson / Getty Images for Stagecoach
And one woman in particular has been front and center…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
ELLA LANGLEY.
Michael Buckner / Penske Media via Getty Images
She recently performed at Stagecoach, and is most known for her hit song “Choosin’ Texas.”
John Shearer / Getty Images for Stagecoach
It’s probably the one song that most men are currently in love with right now.
@alexsoto040 / tiktok.com
Anyway, most women have noticed how the men in their lives can’t get enough of her:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
These men even have a name for themselves: “ELLA FELLAS”:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
And they shout it loud and proud!!!
@camj859 / tiktok.com
So, it’s no surprise TikToker @cassgracef is currently going viral for addressing what she is calling the “Ella Langley Effect.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
In her TikTok that has over a million views, she says, “No one has warned me about this Ella Langley effect and what it is doing to men. All of this happened in literally one week, and it’s insane. So the other day, I was home, and my dad was showering, and guess what he was listening to at full volume? Ella Langley, full volume to the top. I kid you not. I could hear it in my bedroom. It was so freaking loud. And I’m just like, first of all, what is he doing listening to Ella Langley, like, that’s a little crazy that he even knows who she is.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I get in the car with my fiancé, maybe the next day, honestly, maybe even the same day, and he goes, ‘Oh, let me show you this song.’ And what is it? ‘Be Her.’ Of course it is, because that’s what my dad was just listening to in the shower. I’m like, okay, cool, cool, cool. Then he goes, ‘Yeah, she’s like, the HOT—,'” @cassgracef shares before she admits she stopped him. “Whoa, whoa. Let’s back that up. Let’s back that up. I am still here. I am still present. I do still exist. So like, back that up, rescind that.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Continuing, she says, “So we talked about that, and then he was like, yeah, she’s so pretty and gorgeous. And I said, correct, I agree. Maybe not the hottest person you ever seen in your life, because [ME], but she is beautiful and gorgeous. I agree. I concur.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m in the car with my brother, taking him somewhere, I don’t remember where, and he’s like, ‘Hey, can you play this?’ You want me to play ‘Be Her,’ like everyone else wants? Everyone? Yeah, cool, cool. What does he say? ‘Yeah, she’s, like, the hottest.’ I’m like, guys. I get it. She’s beautiful. She’s gorgeous. But all of you saying this and listening to her at the same time, kind of crazy,” she adds.
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m texting in one of my group chats, and one of the guys replies, saying, ‘Y’all gotta listen to this song.’ You’re kidding. You’re literally kidding. What? What does it proceed to be after that? With all the boys? She’s so hot. She’s so hot. Guys, you know who else is hot? Harry Styles. Okay, I love me some Ella Langley, don’t get me wrong, but four people saying that probably literally, within a week, I’m like, what does she have on these men? What is this effect she has going on?”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, while some women would break up with their man after this kind of swooning…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Most think they JUST WANNA BE HER (it’s a reference to the ‘Be Her’ song, IYKYK).
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Oh, and lots of others would rather hear about an Ella crush vs. anything else:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, as a woman who loves country music, I get it. I really do. If you know an ELLA FELLA, let us know in the comments. You can check out Ella’s music online (and I do highly recommend “Be Her”)!
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic
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