Congratulations are in order for China Anne McClain!
The actress and singer is taking her talents to Broadway, officially making her Broadway debut as Daisy Buchanan in the hit musical The Great Gatsby. McClain, 27, will step into the iconic role beginning August 3, 2026, alongside fellow Disney Channel alum Ryan McCartan, who returns as Jay Gatsby.
McClain takes over the role from original leading lady Eva Noblezada, whose final performance is scheduled for July 26. Senzel Ahmady, who currently stars in the national tour, will make her own Broadway debut as Daisy from July 27 through August 2 before McClain officially joins the cast.
The production also features another familiar Disney favorite, Corbin Bleu, who currently stars as Nick Carraway, the story’s narrator. The Broadway company also includes John Behlmann as Tom Buchanan, Linedy Genao as Myrtle Wilson, Charlie Pollock as George Wilson, and Matthew Saldívar as Meyer Wolfsheim.
Best known for starring as Chyna Parks on Disney Channel’s A.N.T. Farm, McClain has built an impressive career with standout roles in Descendants as Uma, Black Lightning as Jennifer Pierce, and Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls and House of Payne. In addition to acting, she is an accomplished recording artist, performing both as a solo artist and with her sisters in the music group Thriii.
Sharing the exciting news on Instagram, McClain wrote:
“Broadway, here I come! So excited to star in THE GREAT GATSBY as Daisy Buchanan, starting August 3rd! Time to get comfy in New York.”
The Great Gatsby opened at Broadway Theatre in April 2024 after its world premiere at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse in 2023. The production has become a major success, earning the distinction of being Paper Mill Playhouse’s highest-grossing show and selling more than one million tickets during its Broadway run.
This marks a major milestone in McClain’s career as she adds Broadway performer to her already impressive résumé.
Congratulations, China Anne McClain! We can’t wait to see you light up the Broadway stage as Daisy Buchanan.
