Unexpressed: An Evening of Songs from the Heart at the Berkeley Street Theatre 02/02

The first performance of Acting Upstage Theatre Company's "Dark Night" Cabaret Series is this Tuesday, February 2nd at the Berkeley Street Theatre. Michael Hughes performs Unexpressed: An Evening of Songs from the Heart alongside special guest and good friend Callandra Dendias (Toronto's Mamma Mia).

Michael Hughes has performed on stages across Canada, in Japan for Walt Disney Entertainment and in New York City. The singing actor was last seen as Dean Hyde in the sold-out, Canadian premiere of All Shook Up with Theatre North West. Prior to All Shook Up, Michael joined legendary producer, David Foster, on his highly successful, sold-out North American Tour, David Foster & Friends. Throughout the summer of 2009, he starred as Gilbert Blythe in the hit Canadian musical Anne and Gilbert on Prince Edward Island. Michael's award-winning, self-titled, debut album is currently in rotation on radio stations across Canada, including CBC Radio, where he was a featured artist. It is available for purchase at HMV, iTunes and through his website www.mickehughes.com.

London native, Callandra Dendias first wowed Toronto audiences when she took over the lead role of Sophie Sheridan in the smash hit mega-musical Mamma Mia! at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Since then she has performed numerous roles with Walt Disney Entertainment and showed off her big voice on television and movie screens across the country in a commercial for Nestle Smarties. Most recently, she was seen as Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and as Diana Barry in Anne of Green Gables, both for the Grand Theatre.

Unexpressed: An Evening of Songs from the Heart will feature songs by Rodgers and Hart, Gershwin, Guettel, Pasek and Paul, Boubil and Schonberg, Sondheim and Webber. It also marks the first time these long-time friends and colleagues have sung together on the same stage. BWW had the chance to sit down and talk with Michael and Callandra over the weekend about their upcoming performance and plans for the future.

As soon as you meet Michael and Callandra, you can tell the two share a very unique bond. They are very comfortable with each other and extremely supportive of each other's goals and dreams. They first met at the Music Theatre Program at Sheridan College eight years ago and have been best friends ever since. Michael was the one who helped Callandra during her callbacks for the role in Mamma Mia, and was present when she first stepped onto the stage at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in her starring role. Their careers have taken them to many different places over the years (including PEI, Japan and a Disney Cruise Line) but no matter what, you can tell that these two have always been there for each other.

So it is a very special occasion that they finally get to perform together, and not only does it mark their first time singing together professionally, but it is also Callandra's first time on stage in over a year. For those fans of Mamma Mia and Callandra's other work, "Unexpressed" should be a welcome treat - an opportunity to hear her sing again after a reasonably long hiatus.

Michael and Callandra were all smiles while discussing the Cabaret night, despite the fact that they have run into a few kinks along the way (finalizing the band, setlist etc). In fact, the setlist was still up in the air when I spoke with them, although I am confident whatever they choose will be a delight to the audience as you can tell they are working hard to make sure each song is carefully selected.

These "Cabaret" style nights are becoming more and more popular, and are a fabulous way to showcase some of the great talent Toronto has to offer. Michael and Callandra are even working on possibly touring their show around Ontario which would expose more people not only to their talent, but also to the wonderful songs that they will be showcasing.

Tickets are still available and it is looking like the show will be sold out, so if you want a chance to see these two best friends sing some wonderful songs and experience a great night of Cabaret style fun, make sure to grab your tickets soon for "Unexpressed: An Evening of Songs from the Heart".

The 'Dark Night' Cabaret Series is presented at the Berkeley Street Theatre on nights when The Light In The Piazza is not playing. February 2: Michael Hughes (David Foster & Friends). February 8: Adrian Marchuk (Jersey Boys). February 16: Sara Farb (Jane Eyre).

When and Where?
Unexpressed: An Evening of Songs from the Heart
Part of the "Dark Night" Cabaret Series

Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs - 26 Berkeley Street, Toronto

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by phone at 416.368.3110 or online at https://bx.canstage

For more information please visit www.actingupstage.com

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