Jamie Muscato (born 12 April 1990)[1] is an English actor and singer.
Jamie Muscato | |
|---|---|
 Muscato in Moulin Rouge! in 2023 | |
| Born | 12 April 1990 Brighton and Hove, England |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Notable work | Heathers: The Musical Moulin Rouge! |
Muscato is best known for his portrayal of Jason Dean in the original London run of Heathers: The Musical in 2018. He has starred in several other West End stage productions, including Moulin Rouge! as Christian, West Side Story as Tony and Les Misérables as Enjolras.
As a teenager, he was in a production of Unforgotten as a member of the British Youth Music Theatre, continuing his musical theatre training and appearing in other singing competitions. His first professional role was as an ensemble swing for the original London cast of Spring Awakening, marking his West End debut after its transfer.
Early life and theatre beginnings
Muscato grew up in Brighton.[2][3] When he was eight, he took part in an open audition for a pantomime in his hometown. He then fell in love with acting and joined several amateur theatre companies, saying later on that "[acting has] been the only thing I've wanted to do since then and I've been lucky to make a career out of it".[3] He auditioned for the role of Harry Potter in the films, and performed in front of director Chris Columbus.[4] He starred in productions of Unforgotten in the British Youth Music Theatre in 2004 and 2005.[5]
Muscato took part in the ITV show Stars in Their Eyes Kids at age 15, auditioning for the contest, thanks to a tape submitted by his mother. For the show, he impersonated Michael Crawford, singing The Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera.[6]
On 29 October 2006, at the London Wicked day celebration, he participated in the singing contest held during the event as one of ten, with the song Dancing Through Life. He went on to win the competition.[7]
Acting career
2009–2014: Professional debut and career beginnings
Muscato was cast in the original London production of Spring Awakening as a swing, by its casting director, Pippa Ailion, after she had seen him in a singing competition.[8] This marked his professional debut, as the show ran in the Lyric Hammersmith from January 23, 2009, through to March 14, 2009.[9] Muscato later made his West End debut following the show's transfer to the Novello Theatre,[10] where it played from March 21, 2009, until its early closure on May 30, 2009.[11]
Muscato joined the 25th Anniversary Tour of Les Misérables in his first named role as Jean Prouvaire.[12] The tour started in the Wales Millennium Centre on December 12, 2009, in Cardiff. The tour made stops in Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Paris, until it settled in the Barbican Theatre from September 14, 2010, to October 2, 2010. Muscato appears in the live cast recording of the show as Prouvaire. Muscato also performed in the 25th anniversary concert production of Les Misérables at the O2 Arena in London in the role of Joly.
Following the tour of Les Misérables, Muscato joined the musical, Love Story, as an ensemble cast member, as well as understudy for Oliver Barrett IV. He joined the show after its transfer to the Duchess Theatre, in 2010. The show closed in February 26, 2011.[13] During the run, a cast recording was announced, which includes Muscato.[14] After Love Story ended its run, he joined the ensemble cast of the original West End run of Rock of Ages, also understudying for both Drew and Franz.[15] He took a break from the show to film for the movie version of Les Misérables, where he was part of the ensemble cast as a revolutionary student. Later during the 85th Academy Awards, Muscato was offered the opportunity to be flown to Los Angeles to perform alongside the main cast of the film.[16]
Muscato continued in Rock of Ages until late 2013, where he joined the cast of the world premiere of The Light Princess as an ensemble cast member and understudy for lead male Digby. It ran in the National Theatre from October 9, 2013, through February 2, 2014.[17] He later remarked in an interview that it was his dream to perform in the National Theatre after he had visited it on a school trip, which was fulfilled after he had performed in the show.[16] Muscato is part of the show's cast recording, released in 2015, as a member of the ensemble.
2014–2017: First lead role, other musicals, and first television role
Following its 2012 run Off-Broadway, Dogfight was announced in May 2014 to be receiving both its European and UK premiere in the Southwark Playhouse, for a month-long engagement from August 13, 2014, through September 13, 2014. On June 30, 2014, casting for the show was announced, with Muscato playing the lead role of Eddie Birdlace.[18] This marked his first lead role in a professional production, playing opposite Laura Jane Matthewson, who was cast as Rose Fenny. Muscato received positive reviews for his performance, citing his charismatic portrayal, acting, and vocal quality.[19][20][21] Exactly a year after the show's closing, a reunion of the cast was announced, to perform a one-night only concert production of the show. It played on the St. James Theatre on October 11, 2015.[22]
Muscato made his television debut as English musician Rory Storm in 2014 ITV series Cilla, about English singer Cilla Black's early career.
Muscato was announced to be playing Nathan in The House of Mirrors and Hearts, which would be playing in the Arcola Theatre.[23] The show ran from July 7, 2015, to August 1, 2015. It received mixed reviews, praising the cast, including Muscato for his charm, but criticizing its plot and dialogue.[24][25][26]
In October 2015, Muscato joined the Welsh National Opera production of Sweeney Todd, touring around the United Kingdom. He portrayed Anthony Hope.[27] The tour started in Cardiff, then made stops throughout Southampton, Bristol, Llandudno, Oxford, Liverpool, and Birmingham before returning to Cardiff. The tour took place from October 15, 2015, through November 29, 2015.
On December 4, 2015, Muscato was announced to be taking over the role of Joe in the premiere production of Bend It Like Beckham in the Phoenix Theatre, from the role's originator, Jamie Campbell Bower.[28] He appeared in performances starting December 14, 2015, until the show's closing on March 15, 2016.[29] As part of the VAULT festival, Muscato starred as the titular character in the one-man musical Stay Awake, Jake for four days, from February 3 to 7, 2016.[30]
In April 2016, Muscato starred in a workshop alongside Melissa Errico for The Gold Room, a musical from the creative team of Michael Feinstein and Warner Brown. It was directed by Jeremy Sams. The workshop was an industry-only event, which was not open to the public.[31]
The London production of Lazarus was announced on July 25, 2016, following the death of the musical's author David Bowie earlier in the year, to be playing at the King's Cross Theatre from November 8, 2016, through January 22, 2017.[32] On September 15, 2016, Muscato was announced to be in the cast as Ben.[33] The London production featuring Muscato was filmed and eventually screened for one night at the Kings Theatre on May 2, 2018, played alongside a live accompaniment by the original band. The film was streamed again in 2021 for a weekend, in honor of David Bowie's birthday and death anniversary.
On May 19, 2017, The Other Palace announced five musicals in various stages of development to be seen for a fraction of a price, in a workshop-style production in the theatre's studio.[34] Heathers, a musical based on the 1989 cult classic of the same name was the first of the set whose cast was announced, where Muscato was cast as the lead male role, Jason "J.D." Dean. He played the role opposite Charlotte Wakefield as Veronica for five performances, from May 30 to June 5, 2017.[35] Later in June, Bonnie & Clyde, a musical based on the eponymous criminal duo, was the third of the five to receive a cast. Muscato was announced to be playing Clyde Barrow, opposite Evelyn Hoskins who would be playing Bonnie Parker. Five performances took place, from June 26 to July 1, 2017.[36]
Later that month, a staging of Big Fish was announced to be staged in The Other Palace, based on the 2003 film of the same name. Muscato was announced to be portraying a younger version of Edward Bloom, complementing the older counterpart led and portrayed by Kelsey Grammer. The show ran from November 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017.
2018–2020: Heathers, one-off shows, and West Side Story
In April 2018, Carrie Hope Fletcher was announced to be playing the role of Veronica Sawyer in the European premiere and full staging of Heathers in The Other Palace.[37] Later in May, more of the production's cast was announced, including Muscato, who was recast from the previous year's studio staging of the musical.[38] Like in the previous production, he played J.D., a mysterious student with a dark past who strings Veronica along for the bloodthirsty pursuit of the popular students in Westerburg High. The show was announced to run for eight weeks, starting June 9, 2018, through August 4, 2018. For West End Live, the cast of Heathers including Muscato performed a handful of songs from the musical.[39] Due to demand, a transfer to the West End was announced on July 4, 2018, which would run from September 3, 2018, through November 24, 2018.
As announced, the show returned after its break for its transfer to the West End in the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which received updates to its script, as well as a new song. On October 19, 2018, a cast recording of the show including Muscato was announced.[40] The show ended as scheduled on November 24, 2018.
Muscato received praise for his portrayal of J.D. In a review for the show, britishtheatre.com writer Danny Coleman-Cooke called Muscato "the stand-out performer" and praised his acting and comedic timing.[41] Writing for The Independent, Paul Taylor praised Muscato's vocal ability and performance that "[combined] seductive, witty charm and a haunted, high-risk insecurity".[42] He was also praised for his charisma and chemistry with Fletcher.[43][44] For his performance as J.D., Muscato was nominated in the 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards for Best Actor in a Musical.[45]
On February 22, 2019, Ghostlight Records released the second single from the musical's cast recording, entitled "Seventeen". It is a duet between Veronica and J.D., where the former convinces the latter to leave their bloodstained past behind to live together as a high school couple. Accompanying it is a music video featuring Muscato and Fletcher, captured at Livingston Studios and Abbey Road Studios.[46] Muscato also appeared in the music video of the first single, "I Say No", and has a single line in the song.[47] The cast recording of the musical was released on March 1, 2019.[48]
Muscato participated in The Other Palace's MT Fest 2019, a two-week musical theatre festival mounting a "Taster Menu" series of semi-staged musicals, 45 minutes each in length.[49] He starred as Jared alongside former castmate Carrie Hope Fletcher in an adaptation of But I'm a Cheerleader for three days, from February 18 to 20, 2019.[50]
As part of the Sunday Favourites series of solo concerts held in The Other Palace, Muscato performed his own on June 9, 2019.[51] He performed alongside friends and former castmates, covered other artists' songs, and performed songs from musicals he had previously starred in. He also celebrated his mother's birthday during the concert.[52]
On June 16, 2019, he starred as Henry Glynn in a one-off concert production of The Clockmaker's Daughter, which was staged in the Cadogan Hall.[53]
On August 15, 2019, Muscato was announced to be playing the lead role of Tony in West Side Story, alongside Adriana Ivelisse as Maria.[54] To promote the show, the channel released 40-second clips of Muscato singing "Something's Coming" on September 25, 2019, and "Tonight" alongside Ivelisse on October 14, 2019. The production ran from November 23, 2019, until January 11, 2020. Muscato received praise for his portrayal of Tony, praising his vocal ability alongside Ivelisse.[55][56][57][58]
Muscato is credited in his portfolio to have appeared in 2018 film The Nun as Father Patino, but is uncredited in the film. Muscato appears in 2019 BBC TV historical drama series The Trial of Christine Keeler as a police officer in the first episode.
2020–2021: Non-theatre acts amidst pandemic, The Colour of Spring, and return to theatre
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Muscato's upcoming projects were cancelled or postponed.[16] With his former castmate Laura Jane Matthewson, Muscato performed as a part of Back Garden Busk in Chorleywood in August and September 2020, socially distanced from the audience.[59] In December 2020, Muscato worked with The Umbrella Rooms, performing several songs as a part of a live prerecorded concert on the website.[60]
At the end of 2020, The Colour of Spring directed by Paul Andrew Kimball premiered on several film festivals, starring Muscato as leading man Sam Cameron, opposite Alexa Morden as Sarah. The film is shot almost exclusively in black-and-white. The film received critical acclaim, being heavily awarded in many film festivals internationally.[61] For his role as Sam Cameron, he has won at least 16 awards for Best Actor across several film festivals.[62]
Muscato starred in a digital revival of BKLYN - The Musical as Taylor, with Emma Kingston as Brooklyn. The show premiered through the stream.theatre website. The musical was available on the website from March 22 to April 4, 2021.[63]
After the original extension of the Les Misérables staged concert was suspended on December 16, 2020, after only 10 performances due to local COVID restrictions, the show was announced to be returning on March 10, 2021.[64] Muscato was announced to be playing Enjolras on May 4, 2021, replacing Bradley Jaden, who had taken over the role of Javert. The concert production ran from May 20 through September 5, 2021.[65]
2021–present: Meant to Be Yours, workshops, television, and Moulin Rouge!
On December 3, 2021, Toy Soldier Productions announced that it was developing a musical based on Shakespeare's play Macbeth, and that Muscato was part of the cast. He was later announced to be playing Banquo.[66] A single starring Muscato from the musical was announced on December 22, 2022, titled "However Hard I Try", which was released on January 13, 2023.[67] The song is about Banquo's internal conflict with the knowledge of King Duncan's murder by his close friend, Macbeth. A music video featuring Muscato was released on the production's YouTube channel.[68]
Continuing with his venture into on-screen television acting, Muscato appeared on British medical drama Doctors as Wes Corbett, a guitarist squabbling with his bandmate. The episode aired on March 7, 2022.[69] He then starred on the 2022 Pistol miniseries as British journalist Neil Spencer.[70] The miniseries' premiered in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2022, which Muscato attended.[71] Muscato later appeared in British TV series The Undeclared War as Finn for four episodes.[72] Muscato starred in German/British television series The Chemistry of Death for one episode as Alan Ratcliffe. The show premiered on January 19, 2023 in the United Kingdom.
In February 2022, Muscato's rendition of Meant to Be Yours from Heathers: The Musical entered the Spotify Viral Top 50 in 31 countries, Top 5 in 9 countries, and Top 1 in Canada and Australia after a portion of the song became viral on the TikTok app.[73] Muscato himself also participated in the trend, posting his own video with the sound.[74] Billie Eilish also participated in the trend.[75][76] As of July 2023, the sound was used in over 100 thousand videos.[77] Looking back on the trend, Muscato said in an interview that "it was fascinating", and that he "felt so proud that something [he'd] done affected so many people".[75]
Muscato was announced to be part of the cast of the UK workshop of Starry the Musical, a musical based on the letters between Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo van Gogh, where he played Vincent. The workshop ran from March 28, 2022, to April 7, 2022, with a closed industry showing on April 8, 2022.[78]
On September 5, 2022, Muscato was announced to be taking over the role of Christian in Moulin Rouge! The Musical from its originator, Jamie Bogyo. He would be playing alongside Melissa James, who would be taking over the role of Satine. As announced, the cast change happened on October 17, 2022.[79] Muscato was praised for his portrayal of Christian, mainly for his vocal ability and acting, where it was highlighting his charm and charisma.[80][81] For West End Live, he performed "El Tango de Roxanne" from the musical on June 17, 2023.[82] Muscato performed as Christian until October 14, 2023.[83]
On September 21, 2022, Muscato was announced to be starring in a one-night-only concert production of Once alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher, which would take place on March 12, 2023, in the London Palladium.[84] Due to demand, an additional matinee performance was added on October 5, 2022.[85] To promote the performance, Muscato and Fletcher performed "Falling Slowly" from the musical on WhatsOnStage.com's YouTube channel on February 14, 2023.[86] The performances took place as scheduled on March 12, 2023.
A TikTok video uploaded by Steven Sater on December 17, 2022, revealed that Muscato was a part of the workshop cast of Nero, a musical Sater and Duncan Sheik had been working on since 2006.[87]
On August 7, 2023, Muscato was announced to be taking part in Stephen Schwartz's birthday concert, Schwartz at 75, which took place at the Lyric Theatre on September 17, 2023.[88] Later in October, Muscato played Matt "Matty" Flamhaff in a workshop run of the musical 13 Going on 30, which at Battersea Arts Centre.[89] Muscato announced his own solo concert on November 17, 2023, to play in July 2024 at Cadogan Hall. A matinee show was added after the evening show sold out in minutes.[90][91]
Discography
Cast recordings
- Strangers – Brighton Theatre Group Studio Cast (2005)[92]
- Les Misérables Live! (2010 London Cast Recording) (First Night Records, 2010)[93]
- Love Story – Original London Cast Recording (Faber Music, 2011)[94]
- The Light Princess (Original Cast Recording) (Universal/Mercury Records, 2015)[95]
- Heathers: The Musical (Original West End Cast Recording) (Ghostlight Records, 2019)[96]
Singles
- Seventeen – from Heathers: The Musical (Original West End Cast Recording), alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher, released February 22, 2019[46]
- However Hard I Try – from Lady M, released January 13, 2023[67]
Music videos
- I Say No – from Heathers: The Musical (Original West End Cast Recording), alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher, released February 15, 2019[47]
- Seventeen – from Heathers: The Musical (Original West End Cast Recording), alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher, released February 22, 2019[46]
- However Hard I Try – from Lady M, released January 13, 2023[68]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes and awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Wild Oats | Ben[2] | |
| The Euphoria of Drowning | Max[2] | ||
| 2010 | Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary | Joly | |
| 2012 | Les Misérables | Ensemble student | |
| 2018 | The Nun (2018 film) | Father Patino[2] | Uncredited |
| 2020 | The Colour of Spring | Sam Cameron | Won Best Actor in at least 16 different film festivals |
| 2021 | BKLYN - The Musical | Taylor |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Cilla (2014 TV series) | Rory Storm | Episode 1 and 2 |
| 2019 | The Trial of Christine Keeler | Police officer[97] | Episode 1 |
| 2022 | Doctors | Wes Corbett[98] | Episode date: March 7, 2022 |
| Pistol (miniseries) | Neil Spencer | Episode: "Bodies" | |
| The Undeclared War | Finn | Episodes 1, 2, 3, and 6 | |
| 2023 | The Chemistry of Death (TV series) | Alan Ratcliffe[99] | Episode: "Where the Wind Blows You" |
Stage credits
Awards and nominations
| Year | Work | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Heathers: the Musical | WhatsOnStage Award | Best Actor in a Musical | Nominated |
| 2020 | The Colour of Spring | Actors Awards | Best Actor | Won |
| 2023 | Moulin Rouge: the Musical | West End Wilma Award | Best Takeover in a Role | Won |