“The Journey” - A New Musical about Regent Park’s History
By Lucas on Dec 05, 2013
Entire cast of The Journey consisting of actors, singers, and musicians
“The Journey: A Living History of the Regent Park Revitalization” is an original theatrical production written by the President of The Daniels Corporation Mitchell Cohen and members of the Regent Park community.
Sterling Jarvis - Dora award-winning singer/actor
The show recently opened at Daniels Spectrum to a sold out audience, one which we were lucky enough to be a part of. The Journey is delivered through a series of vignettes consisting of spoken word poetry, song, and dance. The story doesn’t shy from Regent Park’s troublesome past, in fact it faces it right on, touching on the anger, frustration, fear, and sadness that permeated the community. Through these confrontations, happiness and hope always emerged victorious, setting the Regent Park revitalization in a new light.
Britta B. - 2013 Toronto International Poetry Slam Champion
The production was carried by narrators Steve Harmony, Trevlyn Kay, and Britta B.; all residents of Regent Park. As young blooming artists, they represented Regent Park’s true identity and bright future.
Canada’s own jazz veteran Jackie Richardson was the heavy hitter of the night, belting out sorrowful ballads and upbeat numbers, one of our favourites being “Grannies on a Mission,” a song about the group of grandmothers who petitioned and campaigned to get the first neighbourhood community centre built.
Award-winning jazz and blues vocalist Jackie Richardson
This is probably the first time a developer has ever written a theatrical production about a community in which they are building. The Journey is fun and inspirational, and demonstrates Daniels’ powerful commitment to revitalizing Regent Park.
The Journey wouldn’t be possible without sponsors Royal Bank of Canada, Artscape, and The Daniels Corporation, and especially the members of the Regent Park community!
Jackie Richardson and Sterling Jarvis with the Youth Dancers and Chorus from the local community
To support the arts at Daniels Spectrum, donate now or purchase the original soundtrack to The Journey by clicking here!
