Selected work · 2026
Jesus Christ Superstar
Therry Theatre
Musical Director · Keys · Electronic music & sound design
The production
A rock-opera score built on urgency, conflict and an unbroken dramatic pulse. This production brought musical direction, keyboard performance, electronic music and sound design into one connected musical language.
- Year
- 2026
- Company
- Therry Theatre
- Role
- Musical Director · Keys · Electronic music & sound design
Musical Director's vision
The sound of
Jesus Christ Superstar
My aim was to make the score feel immediate rather than preserved in its original era: raw when the drama called for it, expansive at its peaks, and always driven by the text.
The band’s acoustic energy and the electronic elements needed to feel like a single instrument. Careful choices around orchestral colour, keyboard programming and dynamics gave the singers room to tell the story while keeping the score’s danger and momentum alive.
Creative focus
- 01
A unified sound across live band, programmed textures and effects
- 02
Clean ensemble storytelling through a vocally demanding score
- 03
Dynamic pacing that sustained the rock opera’s continuous arc
- 04
Keyboard performance integrated with musical and sound direction
In review
What the
critics heard.
“Matthew Rumley leads a very tight band and has drilled the ensemble well, with the harmonies clean and clear.”
BroadwayWorld Adelaide
“MD Matthew Rumley’s ideal choice and blend of orchestral instruments … was worthy of the price of admission.”
TASA Online
“Matthew Rumley’s musical direction and the band provide a strong foundation for the score.”
The Barefoot Review