About Reverend Jay
Reverend Jay McPherson is the televangelist you didn’t know you needed—an unholy mix of satire, southern charm, and just the right amount of stage magic.
Born from Pentecostal fire, Reverend Jay is on a mission to become “the greatest televangelist ever”—but with a divine twist. This glitter-drenched preacher isn’t here to shame or condemn; he’s here to celebrate doubt and lovingly roast the religious dogma he grew up with. Equal parts stand-up comic, spiritual guru, and draggy illusionist, Reverend Jay leaves audiences laughing, thinking, and maybe even feeling a little bit seen.
Reverend Jay’s live show debuted at the 2024 Fort Worth Fringe Festival, where his holy roller of a solo show quickly turned heads (and turned water into wine—allegedly). Since then, he’s taken the stage at the Dallas Indie Comedy Festival, the long-running queer comedy showcase Queer Factor, and stages across North Texas, winning over crowds with his wild blend of theatrical storytelling, biting satire, and sleight-of-hand wizardry.
No two services are quite the same, but one thing’s for sure: Reverend Jay brings the spirit. Whether calling down glitter from the heavens or delivering a sermon on radical self-acceptance, he creates an inclusive space where the faithful, the faithless, and everyone in between are welcomed with open arms and a wink.
Expect a holy spectacle. Expect big laughs. Expect to leave feeling just a little bit more fabulous than you arrived.
About the Show
The Reverend Jay Show is a high-energy, cabaret-style spectacle that blends razor-sharp comedy, stage magic, music, and even the occasional puppet to deliver a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Equal parts revival tent and burlesque-inspired variety show, this solo performance stars the unforgettable Reverend Jay McPherson—on a mission to become the next Jimmy Swaggart. With its bold mix of satire, heart, and theatrical flair, the show is a crowd-pleaser that’s both wildly entertaining and deeply resonant—perfect for festivals, comedy venues, and theatres looking for fresh, genre-blurring work that leaves audiences laughing, thinking, and maybe even shouting “Amen!”
About Josh Maxwell
Josh Maxwell is a longtime theatre artist, author, and minister whose work blends storytelling, spirituality, and the transformative power of performance.
His stage journey began at the age of four, singing with his grandfather’s Southern Gospel quartet. From church pageants to school plays, Josh found his passion for theatre early on—nurtured first in sacred spaces, then expanded through community and educational theatre. As an actor, he has taken on a wide range of roles, from Princeton in Avenue Q to Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, and even half the population of Tuna, Texas in an award-winning production of Red, White and Tuna.
Josh is also an accomplished director and designer, with credits including Chicago, JB, Mame, The Lion King Jr., Little Shop of Horrors, and The Wizard of Oz, among many others. Administratively, he has over a decade of experience in theatre and events management, including seven years as Managing and Artistic Director of Paris Community Theatre in Paris, Texas.
In 2021, Josh introduced the world to Reverend Jay McPherson, a satirical yet heartfelt character inspired by the evangelists, faith healers, and prophets he encountered in his youth. Reverend Jay quickly gained a devoted following on TikTok, with multiple viral videos and over 10 million views. With a comedic gospel of inclusion, hope, and glitter, Reverend Jay struck a chord—especially with those who had felt alienated by traditional religion. Though fictional, Josh considers Reverend Jay a vital extension of his personal ministry.
In 2024, Josh founded Verve Fellowship, a progressive, inclusive, and multi-faith arts-based ministry dedicated to preaching love.
Beyond the stage, Josh is deeply committed to community engagement, having worked extensively with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations as a volunteer, mentor, and advisor. A lifelong musician and vocalist, he plays piano and has recorded three albums. He is also the author of four books, including the recently released A Practical Guide to Lighting Design.
To View Reverend Jay’s Electronic Press Kit, please click here.