Playhouse powerhouse

Andrea Canny has performed on stage at theaters around the world — from Asia, through Europe and across the United States — and this weekend the spotlight finds her at the Winter Park Playhouse Theatre.

Canny, who has performed along with Celine Dion, Betty White, Leah Salonga and Jerry Orbach in her 25-year career, will showcase her vocal, visual-arts and storytelling talents as part of the Spotlight Cabaret Series this weekend with her presentation of "My Favs!"

"Cabaret is a format that's very intimate," Canny said. "It includes songs, as well as stories and a lot of fun."

Canny, a long-time Orlando resident, said that this weekend's performance will give theaudience an opportunity to learn about her, and for her to learn about the audience.

"They never quite know what's going to come out of my mouth as far as the stories go," she said with a laugh.

Each night she will perform her all-time favorite and most requested songs from throughout her career, while sharing anecdotes from her life on and off stage with the audience.

"Everybody feels like they're part of it — it's not just me singing at people," she said. "It's me sharing experiences and throwing them into them."

Canny, who now works as a casting director for the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios, will also showcase her talent as a visual artist. Her photography will be displayed, and available for purchase, in the theater's lobby.

Canny, along with her accompanying pianist Kyle Mattingly, hope to give attendees a night of cabaret they will never forget.

"It's always a fun, unique experience every time," Canny said. "They may like it so much the first night that they may want to bring friends back the next day. The songs may be the same, but the show will always be different. I guarantee that big time!"

Curtain Call

Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series, features "My Faves!"

Friday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. and

Saturday, July 10, at both 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Visit www.winterparkplayhouse.org, or

call 407-645-0145 for reservation information.

Tickets are $15 and include a free drink at the bar.