Who Plays Tom Buchanan In The Great Gatsby Musical

So, you're heading to see The Great Gatsby Musical, and you're wondering: who on earth plays Tom Buchanan? You know, the big, brutish, terrible husband type from F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece.

Spoiler alert — no one originally wrote him to be likable. And yet somehow, the actor who plays him on stage turns him into one of the most entertaining parts of the whole show.

The Man Behind the Scowls

In the Broadway adaptation of The Great Gatsby, the role of Tom Buchanan has been portrayed by Eric Roberts. Yes, you read that right — a legitimate Hollywood actor stepping onto the Great White Way.

Now, if the name Eric Roberts rings a bell, it should. He's the brother of Julia Roberts, and that connection alone makes casting discussions pretty fun.

Playing Tom Buchanan is no walk in the park. The character is arrogant, powerful, and downright unbearable — and somehow you have to make audiences care that he's onstage.

Meanwhile, Tom Schoeffler Takes the Torch

Actually, here's where it gets interesting. On the national tour and in the current Broadway cast, Tom Schoeffler has been the name most audiences see in the Tom Buchanan role.

Total coincidence that his first name matches the character's? We're choosing to believe it's serious destiny.

Tom Schoeffler brings this kind of raw, boisterous energy to the role. He makes Tom feel like a walking thunderstorm wrapped in an expensive suit.

Why Playing Tom Is a Dream (Kind Of)

Most actors dream of playing the fun, flashy roles. Tom Buchanan is technically the villain, and yet it's an absolute blast to watch someone chew the scenery.

Austin Colby on Finding His 'Frat Boy' Tom Buchanan and Sharing the

Tom gets all the best lines. He gets power moves, uncomfortable dinner scenes, and that iconic polo polo polo scene that basically screams "I'm rich and I can do whatever I want."

The contrast between Tom's old-money bravado and Gatsby's flashy new-money optimism is electric. Any actor clever enough to seize that dynamic wins big with audiences.

The Costumes Alone Deserve an Award

Tom Buchanan walks on stage in outfits that scream "country club king." Think linen shirts, riding boots, and that permanent look of someone who has never been told "no."

Behind the scenes, wardrobe wars are real. The costume designers for this production had a blast crafting looks that felt Kentucky Derby meets "I own everything here."

Every outfit says something. And Tom's always says, "Checkmate."

The Scene Stealers Are Real

One of the quirkiest things about watching Tom Buchanan on stage is how the other characters react to him. Gatsby looks at him with quiet rage. Daisy rolls her eyes. Nick just... exists, trying not to get swept up in the chaos.

Austin Colby on Finding His 'Frat Boy' Tom Buchanan and Sharing the

And Tom plays all of those dynamics with a grin. It's like he knows he's the most insufferable person in the room and embraces it fully.

That kind of confidence takes serious talent from whoever slaps on the costume and steps into those shiny shoes.

Jazz Age Vibes Meet Broadway Glitz

The Great Gatsby Musical, written by Jason Howland with lyrics by Nathan Tysen from the F.S. Fitzgerald novel, captures the wild energy of the 1920s perfectly. And Tom Buchanan sits right in the middle of that chaos like a king on a crooked throne.

The music swells, the confetti flies, and there stands Tom — utterly unbothered. It's honestly one of the most hilarious stage presences you'll see all season.

Every big production number somehow includes him lurking in the background or front and center — never both, but always present.

Fun Facts to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Here's a quirky nugget: the role of Tom has been associated with several talented performers across various productions. Regional theaters, university programs, and the national tour all feature their own versions.

Show Photos: The Great Gatsby | Broadway.com

Each actor brings something slightly different. Some lean into the brooding side. Others go full cartoon villain. Theatregoers eat it up either way.

And frankly, debating which Tom Buchanan reigns supreme is one of the best pre-show conversations you can have over popcorn.

Why This Topic Is Just Plain Fun

Talking about who plays Tom Buchanan is fun because it merges three great things: a classic novel, an iconic villain, and the magic of live theater. And who doesn't love a good debate about a "love to hate" character?

Plus, there's something delightful about saying his name — Tom Schoeffler — on stage and having a whole production react to it.

So next time you see The Great Gatsby Musical, keep your eyes on the man in the crisp, expensive suit. He's the reason half the audience is nervously laughing and the other half is silently sweating.

Tom Buchanan may be the villain of the story. But on stage? He steals the spotlight, every single time.