Mickey and Judy comes to Port Hope full of music and heart to celebrate the impact of one of the greatest stars of all time.

The overture for Michael Hughes’ life story began when he was a child and watched the Judy Garland classic The Wizard of Oz with his family. How that musical and Garland herself ended up guiding his life is the subject of this utterly engaging, and beautifully heartfelt, solo show.

After playing to sold out audiences around the world, Mickey and Judy comes to the Capitol’s intimate Sculthorpe Theatre to celebrate the impact of one of the greatest stars of all time.

Opening Night July 28^th

A sought-after cabaret and concert performer, Michael was a featured guest of Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster on his sold-out North American arena tour, David Foster & Friends. He was also the principal vocalist for The National Ballet of Canada's West Side Story Suite, and his self-titled album received a Toronto Independent Music Award nomination for Best Adult Contemporary Album.

Capitol Theatre interview with Michael Hughes:

What is your first memory of seeing Judy Garland on screen?

I feel like everyone's first memory of seeing Judy Garland was The Wizard of Oz, and I'm no different. She was leaning against a haystack in Kansas looking all sepia toned, but the minute she opened her mouth I was hooked. That voice!

What inspired you to create the show Mickey and Judy?

An out of the blue phone call and subsequent meeting with my childhood psychologist. He offered me copies of his notes from our sessions and the kid he describes in those notes was so funny, I felt like I had to share that kid with people.

What is your favourite Judy song to perform and why?

This is the hardest question to answer! She has an amazing catalogue of songs! My favourite Judy song that I sing in Mickey & Judy is "Do it Again" from her Live at Carnegie Hall recording.

What's a quote or line from Judy that you find inspirational?

“If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard”. For me, it means that true happiness has to be found within oneself. And I think I really started to understand that quote while writing this show.

What should the audience read, watch or listen to, if they want to learn more about Judy?

I would watch the mini series Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows - based on Judy's daughter, Lorna Luft's book. It covers most of Judy's life and has some amazing performances by Tammy Blanchard (young Judy Garland) and Judy Davis who won an Emmy for her work. Also, it was filmed in Toronto, so you'll recognize lots of Canadian actors.

Don't miss Mickey & Judy @ the Capitol:

July 27 - Aug 6, 2023

For tickets visit capitoltheatre.com.

Photo: Michael Hughes. © 2017 Goetz Photography.