Stage Door News
Stage Door News
THE JOURNEY – A LIVING HISTORY OF THE REGENT PARK REVITALIZATION (THE JOURNEY), a musical theatre production and fundraiser presented by Innocon, takes to the stage on November 7, 2018 at Daniels Spectrum, a cultural hub in Regent Park (585 Dundas Street East), with a brand-new storyline. THE JOURNEY gives youth performers the unique opportunity to gain and develop a deeper understanding of artistic skills through professionals in specific disciplines like voice, dance, and acting. Since 2015, young Regent Park resident Limees Rizeig has been a part of the ensemble, this year THE JOURNEY welcomes her back in the starring role of Afiya. Limees illustrates exactly why this production matters. Inspired by true events, THE JOURNEY is written by Daniels’ President Mitchell Cohen, Co-Producer Heela Omarkhail, and Director Kate Fenton in collaboration with the Regent Park community and is under the musical direction of Henry Heillig.
Returning cast members include world-class performers Jackie Richardson (Granny), Alana Bridgewater (Alana) and Jeremiah Sparks (Dread) together with multi-talented local artists Trevlyn Kennedy (Sandy), Jael Jones Cabey (Tameeca) and Jahni Boodoo-Nelson (Raffi).
THE JOURNEY first kicked off in 2012, followed by new iterations in 2013, 2015, 2016. Since 2012, THE JOURNEY has raised over $3 million in support of youth arts programming and sustainability at Daniels Spectrum, in addition to local economic development with training and employment opportunities.
“It has been incredible to witness sold out audiences from across the City applaud local artists and professionals sharing the stage to tell the stories of the Regent Park community. This type investment has allowed young performers to develop their artistic talent and become stars in their own right. The Journey demonstrates the transformative power of the arts at both the community and individual level.” said Heela Omarkhail, Co-Writer and Co-Producer of THE JOURNEY.
THE JOURNEY 2018 musical tells the story of the impact of revitalization on the resilient tight-knit community of Regent Park. Among the many residents, Afiya a poignant teenaged poet who shines through writing and performing, is confronted by her cultural gender role when her parents refuse to accept her art. Meanwhile an eye-opening trip to St. Vincent awakens some boys from the neighbourhood to a new understanding about life at home. THE JOURNEY is the strong heartbeat of the people of Regent Park, all that is lost and gained, as their community quickly transforms around them.
THE JOURNEY:
Local School Matinee – Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Opening Night – Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 7:30 PM
Gala Fundraiser – Thursday, November 8, 2018 (SOLD OUT) at 7:30 PM
** Community Presentation – Friday, November 9, 2018 at 7:30 PM
Closing Night – Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 7:30 PM
** The Community Presentation is for people who live and work in Regent Park, with a pre-show buffet at 6:00 PM.
THE JOURNEY is presented by Innocon and produced by Toronto Artscape Foundation and The Daniels Corporation.
Find THE JOURNEY:
Website: http://journeyregentpark.ca/
Hashtag: #thejourneyrp
Facebook / Instagram / Twitter: @DanielsSpectrum
2018-10-18
Toronto: "The Journey" musical celebrates its return November 7-10 with a new script