STAGE TUBE: Michael Hughes and Brent Thiessen in Rehearsal for Soulpepper's A COUPLE OF SWELLS

2013 New York City Bistro Award winner, Michael Hughes and vocalist Brent Thiessen are teaming up for A COUPLE OF SWELLS to be presented as part of The Soulpepper Cabaret Series this Saturday, August 16th, 2014 at 8:30pm. Scroll down for footage of them in rehearsal!

A COUPLE OF SWELLS is a throwback to the era of 1950s and 60s television variety hours, hosted by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Dean Martin and Julie Andrews. Featuring music by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Kander and Ebb, Sondheim, and more.

Michael Hughes is the creator and star of the internationally acclaimed, Canadian Comedy Award nominated, Mickey & Judy. For his work on Mickey & Judy, Michael received nominations for BroadwayWorld New York and BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards. A sought after cabaret and concert performer, Michael was featured on the David Foster & Friends concert tour alongside Sarah McLachlan, Earth Wind & Fire, and Chicago. His award-winning, self-titled album is available for purchase on iTunes. www.mickehughes.com

A graduate of Sheridan College's musical theatre program, Brent Thiessen has just returned home to Toronto after spending the past several years as a featured singer and vocal captain aboard Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Favourite credits include Forever Plaid, Einstein's Gift, Into the Woods and The Music Man. Brent was involved in the development of the musicals The Spirit of River City in New York City, which has gone on to be produced at regional theatres in the US, and Come Fly With Me: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, which has been seen in several theatres across Ontario. www.brentthiessen.com

Accompanist Mark Selby is often found at the piano as a musical director, composer, performance coach, and accompanist for cabarets, concerts, auditions, and workshops throughout Toronto. Most recently, Mark accompanied Mickey & Judy for it's sold-out run at Theatre Sheridan, and in New York City. He is also a theatre director whose favourite credits include staging the Canadian premiere of the musical High Fidelity and the remount of the controversial show, Jerry Springer the Opera, for Hart House Theatre. Mark is also a TV and online producer and writer. www.about.me/markselby.

The Soulpepper Cabaret Series, a weekly series of intimate cabarets, features established artists, fresh and exciting talent, as well as eclectic groupings of artists from Toronto's diverse musical community.

A COUPLE OF SWELLS will take place on Saturday, August 16th at 8:30pm at The Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery Historic District Toronto, ON M5A 3C4. Tickets: $15 for students, $20 for Adults; Available online at www.youngcentre.ca or by phone at 416.866.8666.