OBSERVER: Reuben Kaye
Following its wildly successful Melbourne debut last year, opera’s late-night party Opera Up Late returns to the Regent Theatre for one performance on November 15.
Outrageous, opera-loving host Reuben Kaye will once again entertain audiences with his celebration of all things operatic, with added musical theatre classics and a few pop hits sprinkled in – a night at the opera like none other.
Joining the fun are some of Opera Australia’s finest singers, including Australia’s highly awarded soprano Emma Matthews, with Ruth Strutt, Daniel Macey and Anthony Mackey, who all make a welcome return to the Opera Up Late stage.
This year the operatic cabaret will borrow its set from Opera Australia’s new production of La Bohème and will feature an all-new repertoire of wicked jokes, fabulous costumes and a brand new take on some of opera’s most iconic arias, but in the queerest, campest way possible.
Award-winning director Shaun Rennie has praised the talented host and cast who make this concert an ongoing and joyful celebration of opera, queerness and camp.
“Opera Up Late began as a one-off concert in 2023 for World Pride and has grown into an ongoing celebration of all things opera, camp and naughty unapologetic joy!
“I’d encourage everyone to join us at the Regent Theatre in November for a guaranteed night of belly laughs and divas!” Rennie said.
Performance Date: Sunday November 15 at the Regent Theatre, Collins St., Melbourne
Bookings: opera.org.au
Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Reuben Kaye in Opera Australia’s Opera Up Late. Photo: Carlita Sari