Jye Bryant is an accomplished Australian Musical Theatre Composer and Lyricist with a passion for Theatre, Education and Social Justice. His creativity finds expression on cabaret stages across the globe, earning him acclaim as the preferred composer for numerous renowned international artists and theatre companies.
You can get access to Jye Bryant's sheet music here.
Credits to date include:
The Things I Could Never Tell Steven - A New Musical
Created by Jye Bryant
Although we never meet Steven, we learn all about him through the disclosures of four people in his life: his Wife, Mother, Father and Ex. The characters share intimate details about their life with Steven and the things they struggle to tell him. Interestingly, we learn that Steven has his own secrets and as a result will damage the relationships in his life.
The Things I Could Never Tell Steven reminds us that whenever we choose silence we are inadvertently actioning an outcome and that we are never really free from the consequences of our decisions or indecisions.
Reviews
“Bryant’s musical features songs that are beautifully melodic, with witty lyrics that offer plentiful amusement.” – Suzy Goes See
"A piece of theatre that is real, raw and engaging, and it makes for an evocative evening of the best kind of theatre.”– Theatre Haus
“With a wonderful range of musical styles, it is a must see ‘new’ (it premiered in 2015 but is not as well-known as it should be) Australian musical which has a universality in its story and a timelessness.” – Broadway World
“Bryant’s music is mature in its emotional honesty without falling into the trap of being unnecessarily glib…” – The Buzz from Sydney
“It has several international seasons under its belt. You can see why: it’s short and heartfelt and fun.” – Sydney Morning Herald
“I left the theatre appreciative of the cast, the story and my own loved ones.” – Theatre Travels
Production History
Chookas Entertainment, The CAS (AU), 2022
Northwestern State University of Louisiana, West Theatre (US), 2022
Pride Arts Chicago, Broadway Theatre (US), 2021
National Theatre of Parramatta, Riverside Theatres (AU), 2020
Newry Pride, Outside the Lines Theatre Company, Bellinis (UK), 2019
Belfast Pride, Outside the Lines Theatre Company, Accidental Theatre (UK), 2019
Moreton Bay Theatre Company, NeverLand Theatre (AU), 2019
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, Whimsical Productions (AU), 2019
University of County Cork Musical Society (IE), 2018
Sydney Fringe Festival & Queer Fringe Festival, New Theatre (AU), 2017
Premiere Season, King Street Theatre (AU), 2015
Visit: www.thethingsicouldnevertellsteven.com
Licensing is available.
You can purchase the sheet music here.
Captain Moonlite - A New Australian Musical
Created by Jye Bryant
Inspired by the Death Cell Letters of A.G.Scott
A one-act (90 min) musical featuring five (5) men, tells the captivating story of the Irish-born, Australian bushranger, Captain Moonlite, AKA Andrew ‘George’ Scott, who led a ragged bunch of young misfits to stage a siege and shoot out near Gundagai, NSW. The musical is set in a death cell of Sydney’s Darlinghurst Gaol on the eve of Captain Moonlite’s execution in 1880. We hear (told directly from his unsent and previously suppressed death cell letters) about the events that led up to his execution including the birth of the Captain Moonlite legend, the alleged bank robbery and the siege and shoot out that led to the death of his male lover and fellow outlaw, James Nesbitt.
Reviews
“Bryant’s writing is simply marvellous, every word a morsel to the ear, every sentence a line of perfect poetry that hangs together like intricate woven fabric.” – Sydney Theatre Reviews
“The time just seemed to fly as the audience was absorbed in the storyline so completely. Captain Moonlite was well written, well directed with a strong cast to create a great night at the theatre.” – Stage Whispers
“An engaging story supported by some genuinely top-tapping music. I have high hopes for this show and would love to see it grow and travel because this is a story that I think we should be telling.” – The 4thWall Reviews
“Bryant’s adaptation is highly educational, building on and incorporating significant research.” – Theatre Haus
Production History
Liverpool Performing Arts Ensemble, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 2024
Richmond Players Inc., Richmond School of Arts, 2023
Redcliffe Musical Theatre, Theatre 102, 2020
Licensing is available.
Sheet music is available here.
Mother May's - A New Musical
Created by Jye Bryant
Orchestrated by John Tweed
Set in a non-descript location on one tumultuous evening in early 1929, Mother May’s is a nightly burlesque show and club where punters can pay to spend time with one of Mother May’s girls after the show. The owner, madam and mistress of ceremonies, Mother May, energises the audience with bawdy humour and sassy audience interactions, however, backstage – in between risque performances for the punters – the women work through their own personal life struggles. From escaping a violent ex-lover to pursuing implausible dreams of becoming a famous movie star, Mother May’s girls are more than the superficial, burlesque-style performances they put on to satisfy and appease the wealthy male punters.
Production History
University of New South Wales Musical Theatre Society (UNSW-MTS), Studio One, 2023
Henry Lawson Theatre Inc., Henry Lawson Theatre, 2016
Check out some of the songs here.
The Velveteen Rabbit - A Magical Musical
Book by Margery Williams
Script by Jeannie Melinz
Music & Lyrics by Jye Bryant
On Christmas Day, a fluffy, cuddly Velveteen Rabbit is unwrapped and overjoyed to become a little boy’s new favourite toy. The boy plays with Velveteen Rabbit for hours, until suddenly more modern and mechanical gifts steal the boy’s attention, and Velveteen Rabbit is tossed aside in the nursery. All the other toys reject Velveteen Rabbit except the wise, old Skin Horse, who explains what it means to be loved – really loved – and how a special nursery magic can make toys become real. Despite criticism, neglect and setbacks, Velveteen Rabbit pursues a quest for love and discovers that nursery magic happens when you stay true to yourself.
Licensing available for hire. Backing Tracks included.
You can purchase the sheet music here.
In God We Crust - A New Musical
Book & Script by Colby Jones
Music & Lyrics by Jye Bryant
Additional Orchestrations by John Tweed
In God We Crust – A New Musical is a spirited gospel romp, loosely inspired by a true story that revolves around Martha, a devout Christian woman. Her life takes a miraculous turn when she discovers the face of Jesus burnt into her morning toast. As this divine blessing propels her into the media limelight, Martha becomes a sensation, but the newfound fame comes at a cost – she starts neglecting her family. This uplifting musical touches on the themes of family, faith, and the perils of obsession that nearly lead Martha to lose everything she holds dear. Ultimately, In God We Crust serves as a poignant reminder to be grateful for the blessings already present in our lives.
Licensing available for hire.
You can purchase the sheet music here.
Short Musicals
Gold Digger Nights
A Very Short Musical
Book by Jim McGrath
Music & Lyrics by Jye Bryant
The tale of two hopefuls, Mr Fox and Ms Cougar, whose disguises set them both on a course destined for destruction.
Licensing is available.
You can purchase sheet music here.
Sail Away
A Very Short Cruisical
Book by Nicole Smith
Music & Lyrics by Jye Bryant
Orchestrated by John Tweed
Set in the 1960’s, Mabel Schwarz believes she is on a long-awaited, once in a lifetime luxury cruise to the South Pacific celebrating her husband, Stanley’s recent retirement from banking. Sadly, she is a widowed, elderly resident of Oak Park Nursing Home with dementia and secrets to unlock.
Licensing available for hire.
You can purchase the sheet music here.
Musicals Currently In Development
The Orange Groves Of Home - A New Australian Musical
Created by Jye Bryant
The Orange Groves of Home is a moving and emotionally charged musical that explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit during The Great War.
In 1915, in rural New South Wales, Jack O’Connor, a 14-year-old boy growing up on a struggling farm, grapples with the shattered remnants of his family after his parents' separation. The farm, once a source of stability, is now financially sinking due to his father, Thomas’s mismanagement and alcoholism, which ultimately leads to his mother, Mary, leaving his father. Feeling betrayed and misunderstood, Jack is coerced by his embittered father, Thomas, to testify against his mother, Mary, in court, further straining their relationship. In an act of rebellion and desperation, Jack lies about his age and enlists as a soldier in World War One, only to have his father (unbeknownst to Jack) join his battalion to keep a watchful eye on him. On the journey to the battlefield, Jack meets Harry, a resilient street kid seeking escape from his traumatic past. Their friendship blossoms amidst the chaos of war, providing solace and companionship.
When Jack encounters his father in Cairo, he is furious and eventually Thomas decides to transfer out of the battalion, but in a desperate bid to save his son, writes a letter to Jack’s commanding officer, alerting him to Jack’s age and pleading for Jack's life to be spared.
Meanwhile, Jack and Harry are already on the frontline when tragedy strikes and Jack accidentally shoots and kills Harry, leaving him devastated.
Jack is swiftly relieved from his duties and sent home from the war only to learn his father was killed in battle.
Through the intertwining narratives of Jack, Thomas, Mary, and Harry, a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds amidst the backdrop of war-torn Australia.
Monogamish The Musical
Created by Jye Bryant
A one-act musical for six people that explores the variations and limitations of traditional monogamy through a combination of relationship types. With divorce rates soaring and many younger people deciding to rewrite the rules of dating and mating, I pose the question: is monogamy natural (or useful) for humans or is our society peddling a tired and rigid social construction that few can hope to live up to? As society embraces alternative forms of relationships (and situationships), we may need to redefine concepts like fidelity and exclusivity.
Any Day Now - A New Musical
Created by Jye Bryant
In 1954, Dorothy Martin, a Chicago housewife begins receiving messages from an alien called Sananda from the planet, Clarion, who warns that a catastrophic flood that will destroy Earth but promises to save a chosen few by flying saucers. Inspired by true events, the musical explores themes of faith, hope, and the human need for something greater than themselves.
Previous Musicals
