The irrepressible Reuben Kaye is returning to the Sydney Opera House this summer with his irreverent take on all things operatic in Opera Australia’s late-night comedic take on the genre that had audiences in stitches when it premiered at last year’s WorldPride festival.
For one night only on Friday 1 March, Reuben and his sassy co-stars will inhabit the sacred ground of the Joan Sutherland Theatre stage in a camp collision of opera and cabaret, with award-winning director Shaun Rennie returning to recreate this high-octane gala concert.
Audiences will be treated to a wildly entertaining night of queer romance, clever comedy, drag, high camp musical homage and the world’s most famous arias.
The late-night soiree beneath the city’s famous sails starts at 10:45pm and will feature operatic tenor Benjamin Rasheed, mezzo-soprano Ruth Strutt, soprano Cathy-Di Zhang and celebrated musical theatre star Georgina Hopson, with music direction by Opera Australia’s Chorus Master Paul Fitzsimon.
Never one to shy away from controversy, the brutally funny, multi-award winning entertainer, Kaye has cemented himself as one of the biggest names in comedy and cabaret, both locally and overseas, with a massive following on Tiktok, Youtube and Instagram. His subversive comedy and quick wit are matched only by his impressive vocal range and his love of opera.
“Ever since I first forced my parents to watch me re-enact the final scenes of Carmen in full costume at 8 years old in the living room I have dreamed of this moment. And I plan to approach it with just as much subtlety, dignity and restraint.” said Kaye.
Award-winning, internationally successful theatre and cabaret composer Shanon D Whitelock returns as Kaye’s music director and pianist.
Opera Up Late
Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Performance: Friday 1 March 2024 – 10:45pm
Information and Bookings: www.opera.org.au
Image: Cathy-Di Zhang, Reuben Kaye and Ben Rasheed at the Sydney Opera House – photo by Daniel Boud