OBSERVER: Opera Up Late
Opera, often seen as a conservative elitist art form, was given a hilarious bawdy extreme makeover when Opera Australia’s show Opera Up Late had its Melbourne debut at the Regent Theatre.
Originally created for the World Pride event held in Sydney in 2023, the show was a cabaret-style evening of songs and entertainment made up of several re-imagined arias from classical opera along with musical theatre pieces and pop songs, all spun from a queer viewpoint.
Master of ceremonies for the night was the wonderful comedian and cabaret artist Reuben Kaye.
Kaye was masterly in overseeing proceedings, ever ready with a bit ing quip or double entendre or two. Joining him from Opera Australia were the talented trio of soprano Emma Matthews, mezzo soprano Angela Hogan and tenor Tomas Dalton.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Simon Bruckard on piano, with Shanon D Whitlock playing piano when Kaye sang. For several numbers they were joined by two dancers, Clayton Church and Nicholas Jachno.
The highly entertaining program involved humorous skits taking the mickey out of opera interspersed with superb singing. In an all-too-brief evening there were several highlights.
There was a running joke throughout the show of Matthews, tongue tucked firmly into her cheek, being something of a diva too big for her britches.
Hogan did a moving sorrowful rendition of I’m Kissing You from Romeo + Juliet, sung to an ardent sinuous dance piece choreographed and performed by Church and Jachno.
Then as a finale, Kaye, Matthews, Hogan and Dalton sang a rousing passionate version of the gay anthem Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz.
Artfully shaping the evening were director Shaun Rennie and musical director Simon Bruckard.
While always having an eye on the entertainment factor, the two wisely struck a satisfying balance between outrageously risqué camp humour and more genteel moments which gave pause for reflection and allowed performers and songs alike to shine.
A night to remember.
Venue: Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, Melbourne
Review by Peter Murphy
Emma Matthews in Opera Up Late. Photo: Cameron Grant

