Omaha theatre students to perform original musical at famous festival in Scotland

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Taking a vision from the classroom to the stage.

“That was originally a seventh-grade drama assignment from Ms. Morgan,” said Sammy Dodd, Brownell Talbot student.

Jennifer Morgan is Brownell Talbot’s director of theatre. Three years ago, she saw Sammy Dodd’s talent for script writing and Addy Haynes’ love for music.

“I coupled them together because I have this habit of dreaming big dreams. And I always say the only limits you have are those of your vision,” Morgan said.

She gave them the push to create their own original musical. It’s twist on the story of “Sleeping Beauty,” called “The Sleeping Beau.”

Morgan felt the students could take the play to one of the biggest theatre festivals in the world.

“I said, ‘Someday you’re going to perform this at “The Fringe.”’”

Ms. Morgan wasn’t wrong. In a matter of days, the students will travel “across the pond” to put on their show at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

“Even though we were told this about to years ago, I feel like we’re so grateful to be able to be here and to have an amazing cast and to do this,” said Addy Haynes.

Haynes and Dodd told 6 News they wouldn’t be able to do it if it weren’t for their mentor, Ms. Morgan.

“She gives hope and she gives energy to us. Our energy together and her support is what’s let us kept going,” Dodd said.

Mentorship is at the heart of Ms. Morgan’s work. She believes it’s the key to see more students achieve what only seems to be impossible.

“Find your person, your adult who believes in you and can guide you to what you need to do to reach your dream and your goal — and it can happen. It can happen.”

“The Sleeping Beau” will be performed at Westside Middle School on July 24 at 7 p.m. Their first performance at the Fringe Festival is Aug. 2.

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