enGORGEd

Created and performed by Reuben Kaye

Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Photo credit Wendell Teodo

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP

enGORGEd Review – Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

The unstoppable Reuben Kaye performed his latest show, enGORGEd, at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. 

The tall, good-looking, gay, openly Jewish, cross-dressing, fearless quadruple threat (if you include comedy) presented his biggest show yet, with an 18 piece orchestra and three backing singers. 

In this show, he reflected on his childhood, his school reunion, his parents’ attitude to their son coming out at a young age, global politics and other world affairs, life in Australia, the calls for him to be banned from Australian television and his frustration and boredom at performing in an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in which his appearance was relatively brief and he was required to sing only one song.

RK was cast as Herod in the most recent production of Jesus Christ Superstar. On the opening night at the Capitol Theatre, I noticed that he was frustrated at having to be responsible, and the director only allowed him one interaction with the audience because he had to consider the other cast members. When you have a performer who has been diagnosed with ADHD and he’s required to wait, something’s got to give. In enGORGEd, he explained how he alleviated the frustration and the time he spent waiting for his scene. Pranking was his chosen M.O. He was Herod but he was also a very naughty boy. Apparently the director didn’t think that his stunts were as funny as we did.

Apart from his insightful, outrageous and uninhibited commentaries on society, politics and sex, and interactions with audience members, there are some big songs. One of my two favourite girl group songs. Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, was recorded by The Shirelles and Carole King and experienced great success. RK’'s arrangement and live rendition is emotionally far more powerful than either of those versions and is alone worth the price of admission. 

This show isn't for you if you're overly sensitive, a snowflake or homophobic (he makes Liberace seem rugged). Is Reuben Kaye a singer, a comedian, a cabaret performer, an actor, a dancer, a drag queen or a social commentator? Yes, and he does all extremely well with unique flair, a sublime singing voice, no shortage of bling and a some mincing. enGORGEd is one of the most enjoyable and entertaining shows I've seen in the past couple of years.

Reuben Kaye deserves to be making it as big and be as globally respected, known and loved as another cross-dressing multi-talent from Melbourne.

Where to stay overnight when attending shows at the Sydney Opera House