Stageworks is proud to be called "home" for many professionals in the musical theatre and film industries. But we are especially delighted to see our students, who grew up with our theatre, return as leaders and designers. This summer, we have the privilege of having a former student direct on our main stage!
Memory Lane Leads to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Do you remember any of these shows we produced?
Peter Pan (Berry Center, 2013)
Into the Woods
The Wizard of Oz (Berry Center)
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Peter and the Starcatcher
Mamma Mia!
If you recall the shining young lady who played Peter, Little Red, Dorothy, Belle, Molly, or Sophie, then you are familiar with Morgan Montgomery.
"It was love at first sight."
Morgan first joined Stageworks Acting Academy 14 years ago (back when we were known as Houston Family Arts Center) and made her acting debut as the Troll in Hansel and Gretel. She appeared in that show with Claire Townsend, who would become a lifelong friend. Reflecting on her early days, Morgan remembers, “It was love at first sight.”
Charlie Brown: Youthful Energy Meets Adult Sensibility
Graduating as a homeschooler in Cypress, Morgan was accepted into the prestigious Musical Theatre program at
Texas State University, led by industry icon Kaitlin Hopkins. At Texas State, she studied various aspects of musical theatre, learning from many luminaries and graduating in 2022. One of her favorite classes was directing. After assistant directing Gypsy and The 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Stageworks this year , Morgan rallied to direct You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which opens on July 19, 2024, on the Garza Mainstage at Stageworks.
Her unique vision for the show secured her the directing spot. Morgan explains, “The child characters that make up the Peanuts Gang resonate deeply with adults because they reflect our own experiences, emotions, and struggles. Their simplicity exposes the human condition and captures the essence of how we perceive ourselves and our world.”
Morgan is guiding the cast to avoid imitating children. She encourages them to “bring your authentic self to the table. We're not concealing the fact that these characters are portrayed by adults; instead, we seek a balance between youthful energy and adult sensibility. Your unique interpretation of these iconic characters is what matters most to us.”
Did you Know Charlie Brown Loves Broadway?
The most exciting aspect of this Stageworks production is her “love letter to Broadway” concept. When asked for details, Morgan explained, “I want it to feel like the Peanuts gang spent a week in New York studying with the greatest musical theatre stars and now they want to put on their own musical. We open with a reverent nod to A Chorus Line. I think you’ll giggle. Most importantly, I want people to leave the show feeling warm and fuzzy, the same way I feel every time I listen to the song ‘Happiness.’”
The rehearsals we have seen promise a show that is fast-paced, energetic, hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming—something with which all ages will connect.
Grab your tickets and come see a Stageworks student return to put her mark on You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The show opens on July 18, 2024, and tickets are available on our website.
