Nolan Montgomery Brings New Musical Works to Santa Barbara

The actor and musician premieres his original compositions with a new ensemble at Center Stage Theater on February 27.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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After debuting a cabaret of standards last spring, Santa Barbara-based actor and musician Nolan Montgomery is returning to the stage with a new show featuring seven original pieces he has written. Montgomery has collaborated with recent UCSB alumna Bridget Boland to orchestrate the new works and assemble a small orchestra of hand-picked musicians from Boland's network of up-and-coming UCSB instrumentalists to perform alongside him.

Why it matters

Montgomery's new show, titled "The Way Forward," represents his evolution as an artist, moving from interpreting classic songs to showcasing his own original compositions. The performance will also provide a platform for talented young musicians from the UCSB community to make their Santa Barbara debut, highlighting the vibrant local music scene.

The details

For "The Way Forward," Montgomery has worked closely with Boland to orchestrate his original songs and assemble a small ensemble, including pianist Sriram Ramamurthy and other musicians from Boland's Devereaux String Quartet. Montgomery wanted the show to feel more like a concert than a cabaret, with the instrumentalists being featured prominently rather than serving as mere "furniture on the stage."

  • Last spring, Montgomery debuted a cabaret-style show of standards and Broadway favorites called "The Way Back."
  • Montgomery's new show, "The Way Forward," will premiere at Center Stage Theater on February 27, 2026.

The players

Nolan Montgomery

A Santa Barbara-based actor and musician who is premiering his original musical compositions in a new show.

Bridget Boland

A recent UCSB alumna who has orchestrated Montgomery's new works and assembled a small orchestra of musicians from her network to perform with him.

Sriram Ramamurthy

The pianist who will accompany Montgomery and the ensemble in the new show.

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What they’re saying

“It exceeded all expectations”

— Nolan Montgomery (independent.com)

“I told her I wanted this new show to feel more like a concert than a cabaret — I want to focus on the sonic aspect.”

— Nolan Montgomery (independent.com)

“I want the musicians to be featured, not just furniture on the stage. I want this artistic collaboration to feel satisfying for everyone.”

— Nolan Montgomery (independent.com)

“It's gratifying to take this leap of faith. We're creating something that I'm really proud of.”

— Nolan Montgomery (independent.com)

What’s next

Montgomery's new show, "The Way Forward," will premiere at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

Nolan Montgomery's transition from interpreting classic songs to showcasing his own original compositions, combined with his collaboration with talented young musicians from the UCSB community, represents an exciting evolution in the local arts scene and an opportunity for Santa Barbara audiences to experience fresh, innovative musical works.