UT Theatre Alum Starring in The Cher Show Musical
Actress and singer Morgan Scott (’04) is on her second national tour starring in The Cher Show, taking her to scores of cities across the US. When she was graduating from high school, she knew her first stop would be the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
“UT provides a phenomenal theater education and experience,” said Scott, whose sister preceded her in the program.
“I was so fortunate to be a part of a variety of shows during my time at UT,” she recalled. “I was afforded opportunities to explore all types and genres of theater: musicals, farces,
Brechtian inspired—anything was possible there.”
As an undergraduate Scott played the Baker’s Wife in a production of Into the Woods at the Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT), directed by Distinguished Lecturer Terry Silver-Alford from the UT Department of Theatre. She also performed in On the Razzle at the Lab Theatre, directed by Carol Mayo Jenkins, who became a mentor to Scott and retired from UT as an artist in residence in 2023.
Working with Professional Actors
“Having a professional LORT D theater on campus is something that may be easily overlooked if you aren’t already aware of what that provides,” Scott said, referring to CBT. UT is one of only 13 US universities that have a professional theater associated with the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest theater association in the country.
“You are working with and/or being taught by professionals in this career,” she noted. “David Keith, John Cullum, Carol Mayo Jenkins—to name a few who represent successes in film, Broadway, and TV —were part of a daily experience during my time at UT, and that was very special. To learn from, watch those who have been through it, and many of whom are still auditioning and/or working actors in the field, provided an invaluable learning experience.”
Scott credits knowing her value and worth as an actor to Tony Cedeño, whom she worked alongside in productions of Little Shop of Horrors at the Bijou Theatre and The Heidi Chronicles at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
“Carol Mayo Jenkins’ lesson in trusting if you’ve done the work, it’s there, lives with me on a daily basis,” Scott said.
The Essence of Cher
The Cher Show is a Tony Award-winning musical that features nearly three dozen hit songs and costumes designed by Bob Mackie, but Scott notes it isn’t a tribute show.
She and two other actresses represent Cher at different points in her decades-long career, sharing the stage at times. Ella Perez is Babe, at the beginning of her career, Catherine Ariale as Lady represents the pop star success, and Scott as Star is a cultural icon.
“It’s about essence rather than impersonation,” Scott explained.
“When approaching this larger-than-life legend, I wanted to find what I could relate to on the most human level,” she said. “I may not know what it’s like to be a worldwide celebrity, but I do know what fear feels like, and self-doubt, and love. All of these are themes explored in the story of her life.”
“I believe sincerity is one of the most important goals in performance, and even more so when you are playing a real person,” Scott said.
In addition to being the most challenging role for Scott so far, the musical is her first national tour. “That first year taught me how to perform an eight-show week while on the road,” she said. “The mental and physical endurance it required, and how to keep a show fresh through 57 cities and 180 performances. It taught me what I’m capable of.”
Shortly after Scott moved to New York City, she took a break from performing for about a decade. “Some can graduate knowing exactly who they are, what type and what roles they are perfect for, which is amazing. That simply wasn’t my journey,” she said. “I needed more time for self-discovery.”
“While I have enjoyed the sporadic TV/commercial appearance or short film role, my heart belongs to theater, both plays and musicals alike, “Scott said. “It is still a goal of mine to return to the CBT mainstage as an alumna.”
By Amy Beth Miller