Kenny Moten is an award-winning vocalist, creative director, and writer who has performed and directed across the country

Some of his credits include International Special Event awards for “Best Theatrical Production” for his work on the 2017 and 2018 Beaux Arts Ball for National Jewish Health.  His directing credits include: "Caroline", or "Change" (Aurora Fox), "Murder of the Orient Express" (Candlelight Dinner Playhouse),  "42nd Street" (Midtown Arts Center), "Take to the Highway" (Lone Tree Arts Center), and "Motones" & "Jerseys" (National Tour). He is also the Co-Creator and Co-Writer of "The Bright Lights of Denver", a podcast experience produced by Denver Center for the Performing Arts available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  When he is not producing or creating innovative new works, he is collaborating with the dynamic collective he started a few years ago: Narrative Creative Consulting.

Meet Kenny!

I began my career in the world of musical theater but my true passion lies in working behind the scenes. After years of performing onstage, I served as the Artistic Director of Midtown Arts Center in Fort Collins, CO for their inaugural season. I then began creating for Snooze A.M. Eatery, developing the design, creation, and implementation of their first training program. Melding both professional worlds, I became the Creative Director of Imprint Group, one of the country's premier corporate entertainment and event planning companies before starting my own creative firm in 2016. I believe that creative storytelling unites the human experience. Whether on stage, at a restaurant, or in an event venue, experiences are defined by the details that shape the story and create a lasting impression. I love to work on storytelling with a wide spectrum of organizations and am regarded as a force in the creative community.

What is your history/experience with OpenStage?

I've been coming to OpenStage productions since I first visited friends at CSU in the late 1990's. When I moved to the area, I kept my eye on their upcoming shows and have continued to support their efforts over the years. Most of my work takes me out of Fort Collins, so when Sydney asked me to direct in their 50th season I jumped at the chance to work in the community that I call home.

At OpenStage, what does community and family mean to you?

Community and family are the cornerstones of the work that OpenStage has produced over the years and without them you don't have great collaborative art. OpenStage is working to give every voice a seat at the table and that starts by welcoming new faces and minds into the community of artists who create these productions.

What continues to make "Cabaret" such a relevant piece of material today?

"Cabaret" illustrates the dangers of what can happen when a society ignores the immense political changes happening all around them. The piece serves as both a re-telling of one of history's darkest moments and a warning of how easily something like this could happen again.

Where do you hope your work fits amongst 50 seasons worth of storytelling?

I hope that this production continues to enrich and inspire the community just as OpenStage productions have for the 49 seasons that came before this.

What makes you excited about working on "Cabaret"?

I'm excited to tell this story with these wonderful artists! It's easy to be negative about our city's growth, however, it is exciting to see how that growth has expanded the talent both onstage and behind the scenes!

In one word how would you describe your production?

Compelling.

Come see the cast in "Cabaret," opening night is October 29!

Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten and
stories by Christopher Isherwood
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Directed by Kenny Moten
Vocal Direction by Kate Rothstein
Music Direction by Matthew Rothstein
Choreographed by Angie Simmons

October 29–November 26, 2022
Playing at the Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre

This dynamic and much-loved Tony Award-winning musical continues to seduce audiences with the tantalizing Kit Kat Klub, where the iconic Emcee assures us that “life is beautiful…even the orchestra is beautiful.” As 1930s Germany slowly surrenders to the atrocities of the Third Reich, dreams unravel and lives are demolished. Cabaret is a dark, visceral, and tumultuous ride that finds us "at the end of the world… dancing… while being fast asleep.”

CONTENT WARNING: Adult themes and situations. Questions about content? Contact OpenStage at 970.484.5237.

Season tickets are on sale now! Individual show tickets go on sale on September 30th.