By Adonis Huggins
Adonis is a staff with Focus Media Arts Centre.
 
On November 23rd and 24th, of 2022, the Daniels Spectrum Arts Centre featured the World Premiere of "Songs From The Journey", a performance of the greatest hits from "The Journey" musical.
 
There have been multiple productions of "The Journey" musical between 2013 and 2018, all celebrating the transformation of Regent Park. Storylines for each production evolved as the revitalization unfolded, highlighting key milestones experienced by residents of the community.
 
In 2022, in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Daniels Spectrum, many of the past performers returned to the stage to present "Songs From The Journey". The songs were woven together with a storytelling narrative written by Mitchell Cohen, Trevlyn Kennedy and Heela Omarkhail. Canadian stage icons Jackie Richardson, Alana Bridgewater and Gavin Hope brought the songs to life, along with local stars Trevlyn Kennedy and Charlotte Siegal and music by "The Journey" Orchestra led by Music Director Henry Heillig. Sponsorship of "The Journey" directly supports youth arts programming, operations and capital improvements at Daniels Spectrum, a community cultural hub in the heart of Regent Park.
 
In this year's version, which showcased songs from previous productions, Jackie Richardson started things of with, “My Piece of the City.” This was followed by Gavin Hope, Alana Bridgwater and Jackie Richardson with “Looking Back.” Next up was “Grannies on a Mission.” Gavin Hope and Jackie Richardson came back again with “Dancing on the Avenue.” And then the soulful “Don't Go Out Tonight.”  Performing “Quilt of Love,” was Charlotte Siegel and Regent Park’s own Massima. The evening was wrapped with everyone joining in on “Under One Roof”.