Imagine a performance that bridges the timeless art of cabaret with the dynamic energy of today’s contemporary musical theatre. Pianist Michael Ferreri, alongside vocalists John Carden and Tony Oakley, have been captivating audiences worldwide since their debut at the Shandelee Music Festival in 2018. This trio has brought their distinctive sound to global stages, including London and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Specialising in today’s contemporary musical theatre, their performances highlight the evolving language of storytelling through song, seamlessly blending traditional artistry with modern sensibilities. They deliver not just music but an experience—one that celebrates innovation in theatre while honouring the deep emotional resonance that defines the genre.
This remarkable trio bring a world-class showcase of contemporary musical theatre to 1901 Arts Club, creating an unforgettable evening for audiences who value the cutting edge of live performance.
Specialising in today’s contemporary musical theatre, their performances highlight the evolving language of storytelling through song, seamlessly blending traditional artistry with modern sensibilities. They deliver not just music but an experience—one that celebrates innovation in theatre while honouring the deep emotional resonance that defines the genre.
This remarkable trio bring a world-class showcase of contemporary musical theatre to 1901 Arts Club, creating an unforgettable evening for audiences who value the cutting edge of live performance.
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Michael Ferreri
Michael Ferreri has graced stages across the globe, captivating audiences with his singular artistry as a musical director and performer. From the elegant cabaret venues of London—Pizza on the Park and the Jermyn Street Theatre—to acclaimed productions like The Happy End at the Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia and Simply Barbra at London’s Leicester Square Theatre, Ferreri’s work is both versatile and inspired.
His career highlights include directing A Slice O’Minnelli at the Apollo Theatre and collaborating on productions like Spirits in My Closet and Four Artists in Search Of…, both of which premiered at The Pheasantry in London. Ferreri’s resume reflects not only depth but breadth, with appearances in Davos at the World Economic Forum, the Prague and Dublin Fringe Festivals, and an impressive roster of renowned venues across the United States, from Feinstein’s in NYC to Atlantic City’s Resorts.
He is not only a sought-after collaborator but also a recording artist in his own right, with his debut album, Sweet Dreams, showcasing the breadth of his musical talents. Ferreri’s passion for performance and dedication to the craft continue to make him a vital presence in the world of musical theatre.
His career highlights include directing A Slice O’Minnelli at the Apollo Theatre and collaborating on productions like Spirits in My Closet and Four Artists in Search Of…, both of which premiered at The Pheasantry in London. Ferreri’s resume reflects not only depth but breadth, with appearances in Davos at the World Economic Forum, the Prague and Dublin Fringe Festivals, and an impressive roster of renowned venues across the United States, from Feinstein’s in NYC to Atlantic City’s Resorts.
He is not only a sought-after collaborator but also a recording artist in his own right, with his debut album, Sweet Dreams, showcasing the breadth of his musical talents. Ferreri’s passion for performance and dedication to the craft continue to make him a vital presence in the world of musical theatre.
John Carden
John Carden’s story is one of breaking barriers and redefining boundaries. As the youngest countertenor ever contracted by the Metropolitan Opera, his ascent in the world of classical and musical theatre was nothing short of historic. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Carden achieved a milestone by becoming the first countertenor to win the Southeast Regional division of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. That victory led to a ground-breaking debut in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, where he performed alongside opera legend Kathleen Battle.
Carden’s career has spanned the world, from his Carnegie Hall debut in Messiah to starring in the Netherlands’ premiere of Klaus Huber’s avant-garde La Terre des Hommes. Along the way, his work has drawn rave reviews, with critics lauding his extraordinary range and stage presence. His passion for new works led to collaborations with contemporary composers and an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, culminating in his award-winning musical, Woody: A New Fairytale.
Today, as an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Mississippi, Carden channels his global experience into inspiring the next generation of performers. Whether in a classroom or on stage, his dedication to artistry and education remains unparalleled.
Carden’s career has spanned the world, from his Carnegie Hall debut in Messiah to starring in the Netherlands’ premiere of Klaus Huber’s avant-garde La Terre des Hommes. Along the way, his work has drawn rave reviews, with critics lauding his extraordinary range and stage presence. His passion for new works led to collaborations with contemporary composers and an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, culminating in his award-winning musical, Woody: A New Fairytale.
Today, as an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Mississippi, Carden channels his global experience into inspiring the next generation of performers. Whether in a classroom or on stage, his dedication to artistry and education remains unparalleled.
Tony Oakley
Tony Oakley has made his mark on the global stage, blending classical rigor with Broadway showmanship and jazz flair. A native of Durham, North Carolina, Oakley’s career spans more than 27 years in New York City, where his performances ranged from headlining at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club to private events in Brussels and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Oakley’s theatrical credits include TOMMY, The Musical, the U.S. tour of George Faison’s KING! A Musical Testimony featuring lyrics by Maya Angelou, and originating the role of the Priest in the U.K. production of Scandalous, The Musical. His versatility has also led to memorable collaborations with legends like Natalie Cole and Nancy Wilson, as well as performances at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and President Clinton’s second inaugural celebration.
An alumnus of the UNC School of the Arts, where he studied classical voice, Oakley also toured as a soloist with the school’s jazz orchestra, demonstrating his ability to transcend genres. Whether performing at sea on Cunard and Seabourn cruise lines or gracing the world’s most iconic stages, Oakley’s career is a testament to the power of versatility and passion in the arts.
Oakley’s theatrical credits include TOMMY, The Musical, the U.S. tour of George Faison’s KING! A Musical Testimony featuring lyrics by Maya Angelou, and originating the role of the Priest in the U.K. production of Scandalous, The Musical. His versatility has also led to memorable collaborations with legends like Natalie Cole and Nancy Wilson, as well as performances at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and President Clinton’s second inaugural celebration.
An alumnus of the UNC School of the Arts, where he studied classical voice, Oakley also toured as a soloist with the school’s jazz orchestra, demonstrating his ability to transcend genres. Whether performing at sea on Cunard and Seabourn cruise lines or gracing the world’s most iconic stages, Oakley’s career is a testament to the power of versatility and passion in the arts.