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Few performers embody the spirit of contemporary musical theatre quite like Chloé Zuel. Best known for originating the role of Eliza Hamilton in the Australian production of Hamilton, Zuel has built a career defined by emotional depth, vocal power and an unmistakable connection to storytelling – qualities she now brings to the stage in Stoddart Entertainment Group’s Superstars: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains in Concert.
For Zuel, signing on to the project felt instinctive. “I love singing with an orchestra and I loved working with the company for the previous Superstars concert,” she says. “I also got so excited about the songs that I would get to sing.”
Over the past 14 years, Zuel’s career has spanned some of the most celebrated productions in Australian theatre. From her groundbreaking work in Hamilton and Six to her performances in West Side Story, Ragtime, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Legally Blonde, she has built a reputation for versatility, warmth and fearless performance. Most recently, she took on the role of Elizabeth in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for Shake & Stir, adding a darker dramatic edge to her already diverse body of work.
When it comes to her own theatre heroes, Zuel is quick to name the artists who inspire her. “Lin-Manuel Miranda, he’s a genius and everything he touches turns to gold,” she says. “Audra McDonald, she’s a trailblazer. Cynthia Erivo, her skill set is unmatched. Jessie Mueller, what an incredible storyteller.”
Many of those influences echo through her favourite roles, which include Eliza Hamilton, Kim in Miss Saigon and Elle Woods.
But in a show that celebrates both heroes and villains, Zuel is just as fascinated by the darker side of storytelling. “I think maybe the villains are the musical theatre haters who judge it without really knowing it,” she laughs. “But if we’re talking favourite musical theatre villain, I think that would be Aaron Burr… or is Hamilton the villain? Both?! I pick both.”
Away from the stage, motherhood has subtly changed her relationship with music. While she still loves singing Disney, Waitress and Hamilton, she admits her current favourite song is a gentler one. “At the moment it’s Edelweiss, because I sing it to my son every night before bedtime.”
That emotional honesty is exactly what audiences can expect from Superstars. For Zuel, this concert is about more than vocal fireworks, it’s about accessibility, connection and celebrating the artform she loves.
“It will be a dynamic blend of storytelling, iconic musical theatre songs and a stunning live orchestra,” she says. “Theatre lovers will absolutely adore it, but it’s also a fantastic introduction for anyone who might not usually see musicals – like getting a tasting plate of all the best shows.”
In Superstars: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains in Concert, Chloé Zuel brings her trademark warmth, power and storytelling to a celebration of musical theatre’s most iconic characters, guiding audiences through the light and dark that make these stories unforgettable.
(Image is Chloé Zuel in the Australian production of Hamilton. Photographer is Daniel Boud.)