July Spotlight: Morgan Jennings & Maurice Silas
This summer, audiences will meet a cast full of unforgettable characters, brought to life by an incredible group of dedicated volunteers. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Morgan Jennings and Maurice Silas, who portray Ariel Moore and Ren McCormack in FOOTLOOSE. Both recently appeared in INTO THE WOODS, and they’re excited to return to the QCT stage for another unforgettable production. Before the curtain rises, take a few minutes to get to know the people behind the characters in this special Q&A.
What drew you to audition for FOOTLOOSE, and what has been the most rewarding part of bringing your character to life?
Morgan – Besides the iconic music of this show, I think I was drawn to audition because I knew it would be one big party. It definitely is that, but I think one of the most rewarding parts of bringing Ariel to life is realizing that she’s not just a stubborn, rebellious teenager who wants to dance in her red boots. She’s a complex young woman who yearns for connection and has the desire to be understood by the people around her, and who doesn’t resonate with that at least a little bit?
Maurice – I truly enjoyed the story and the way it captures the meaning of community. I think the most rewarding part of portraying this character has been the amount of freedom and true heart that this character gives to everyone he encounters.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite moment or number in FOOTLOOSE?
Morgan – I might be slightly biased, but my favorite number to perform has to be “Holdin’ Out for a Hero”. The energy of singing and dancing with the other girls on stage is genuinely infectious. However, my favorite number to watch from the wings is “Mama Says“. Just wait. It’s incredible.
Maruice – I think that my favorite part of the show is the beginning of Act 2. Just because it’s so much fun! You’ll see!
What’s been the biggest challenge in preparing for this role, whether it’s the singing, dancing, acting, or something else entirely?
Morgan – The biggest challenge for me has been trying to sing while doing the amazing choreography of Sjon Jones. Those hip-hop calisthenics are no joke, especially in the summer heat!
Maurice – The most challenging part of preparing for this role has been memorizing lines. There are a lot of lines in this show that start very similarly, and trying to remember which line comes next is pretty challenging.
You’ve both been part of QCT productions. What keeps bringing you back to the stage?
Morgan – I keep coming back to the stage because of what happens off stage. In each production I’ve been a part of, the cast becomes like family, the theatre becomes like home, and the show becomes a part of you. It is hard not to enter the stage door and get butterflies from the excitement that comes with rehearsals and performances. QCT offers me the chance to leave whatever happened that day at the door and come inside to play with some of my best friends.
Maurice – The amount of fun you get to have with friends you make within this theatre. The community this theatre brings is so full of life that you can’t leave this place and always want to come back.
If you could swap roles with anyone else in FOOTLOOSE for one performance, who would you choose and why?
Morgan – I would swap with Conall Wolfmeyer to play Willard in a heartbeat. Willard gets to be the voice of the town for Ren in a lot of ways, but in a sweet and goofy way. Willard is so relatable, and I think it would be a really fun role to be in!
Maurice – If there was ever a gender swap show, I would love to play Rusty. She gets to have so much fun, and she is such an interesting character. Also, I love the song “Let’s Hear It for the Boy”, and it would be so much fun to sing.
What’s one thing audiences might be surprised to learn about putting together a show?
Morgan – We’ve only been rehearsing since the end of May! That fact still surprises me, to be honest! I am also always in awe when the crew and whole production team are present, and you realize how many dedicated people it takes to put on a show. They’re the best!
Maurice – I think that audiences would be surprised to learn that shows aren’t put together in order when first starting out. Most of the time, we learn and block scenes out of order, so we don’t fully know when they happen until weeks after we originally learn them.
Outside of theatre, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Morgan – I have granny hobbies. Crochet, reading, bird watching, etc. As a true extrovert, I LOVE my time being around people, but I also appreciate the cozy time I get to sit quietly and appreciate my hobbies.
Maurice – I think that people would be surprised to learn that I am actually a homebody. I don’t really go out, and I really like to just stay home and chill.
Why should audiences make sure they don’t miss FOOTLOOSE this summer?
Morgan – Not only is this show a great chance to hear your favorite 80s classics and see some amazing local talent, but it is an invitation to think about what you value and hold dear. Get pumped up by Ren’s incredible dancing, then reach out to someone you’ve been missing a connection with. Join the party at the Burger Blast, then reflect on how you are moving through everyday life. As we’ve all been saying, “they are going to dance at the end!” But it’s about what happens in those very human, minute details in-between that make this show a must-see.
Maurice – People should come see FOOTLOOSE this summer because it is a very high-energy show with so many fun, funny moments that anyone can enjoy.