We sat down with actor, singer, and world-traveler Morgan Harden, this week’s Campus Celebrity!
Morgan Harden
Age: 20
Year: 2017
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Majors: English and Spanish, with an emphasis in Creative Writing
Activities: Ransom Notes, Spanish AT, theater things, and Kenyon Review Associates
Spirit Animal: Galapagos Penguin
You were recently the female lead in bare: a pop opera. What was it like working on the show?
It was a really great experience, kind of emotionally challenging. If you saw the show, it deals with a lot of issues of religion, sexuality, body image, and identity. It was emotional, but all the music was really fun and Christine Prevas is a great director. We bonded a lot as a cast so it was lot of fun being together.
What was your favorite scene/song and why?
My favorite sad moments were probably “See Me” “Warning.” My favorite not-sad part was “God Don’t Make No Trash.”
What was it like to get into character?
It was a little difficult for me just because Ivy seems to be a mean person, at least to her roommate, and I don’t like confrontation in my life. It’s hard for me to be mean to people. Also I’m not pregnant, so that was a stretch.
Moving on to other things you’re involved in: Can you tell us anything about what the Ransom Notes are up to this semester?
Mostly we’re preparing ICCA set so we will be prepared for competition. There is choreography and mash-ups. We’re planning an open rehearsal so everyone can see our set before we go compete. I don’t know when that will be, but it’s going to happen.
If you could pick one Kenyon professor and one celebrity to become part of the Ransom Notes, who would it be?
Oh, oh gosh. Do they have to be able to sing?
No.
Ok. Ben Viccellio and Grumpy Cat.
Ok, now for some fun questions: What’s your favorite late night snack?
Cheez-Its. They’re classic. I’m a vegetarian so about 1/3 of my diet is cheese, and even though it’s not real cheese, it feels real.
What’s your go-to outfit?
Cardigan, tshirt, jeans, and boots.
I know you love to travel. Where is one place that you really want to go that you haven’t visited yet?
I really want to climb up to Machu Picchu.
Where is your favorite place you’ve already been?
I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with my twin brother and my dad after my senior year of high school, and it was just awesome. Everyone should do it if they can.
If you could play any role in a theater production, what would it be?
I’ve always wanted to be Willard in Footloose.
If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Of Mice and Men. I just love that book.