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A Magical Musical Journey with Morris Engle: “I Love a Piano III”
All week long, excitement built for pianist and storyteller Morris Engle’s return to the Dane G. Hansen Museum with his much-anticipated program, I Love a Piano III—and Morris did not disappoint! Opening with Irving Berlin’s lively classic “I Love a Piano,” Morris immediately set the tone for an evening that was equal parts performance, education, and pure joy.
From the very first notes, Morris took the audience on a magical musical journey through beloved songs that found fame both under the bright lights of Broadway and on the silver screen. Along the way, he shared fascinating insights into how music deepens storytelling—how the right song can reveal a character’s heart, advance a plot, or capture an audience’s imagination.
One of the evening’s highlights was Morris’s discussion of the “I Want” song—a hallmark of musical theatre in which a character expresses their deepest dreams and desires, setting the stage for their journey. He explained how songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” from My Fair Lady serve not only as expressions of hope but also as prophecies of transformation, showing the audience what the character longs to become. Through the example of Eliza Doolittle, Morris illustrated how a simple melody can carry both vulnerability and ambition, making audiences root for her long before her dream comes true.
Morris also explored the role of the love song—those timeless melodies that capture the yearning, joy, and heartache of human connection. From Broadway romances to Hollywood ballads, he demonstrated how love songs often serve as emotional anchors, reminding us that behind every grand story is a personal one.
Throughout the evening, Morris shared stories of Irving Berlin and the golden age of Tin Pan Alley, the legendary block of music publishers on West 28th Street in New York City. It was there that Berlin and his contemporaries crafted the songs that shaped American popular music and laid the foundation for Broadway as we know it today. Morris painted a vivid picture of those bustling offices, where the sound of pianos filled the air as songwriters worked tirelessly to create the next hit tune—songs that would one day find their way into musicals and onto the big screen.
The program also ventured into the world of Disney on Broadway, as Morris explained how, in the 1990s, Disney helped revitalize the Broadway district. Before bringing its beloved animated classics like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King to the stage, the company worked with the city to help clean up the area around Times Square, transforming it into a family-friendly destination once again. He shared that, of all Disney’s many songs, only three have ever won the Academy Award for Best Original Song—including the beautiful “Beauty and the Beast,” which Morris performed with heartfelt expression and technical brilliance.
The evening concluded with another wonderful set of Irving Berlin favorites, as Morris led the audience in singing “God Bless America” followed by the beloved “White Christmas.” The Museum was filled with warm voices, smiles, and the unmistakable joy of shared music. The program ended to enthusiastic applause and heartfelt appreciation from everyone present. When the Museum invited Morris to return next fall for I Love a Piano IV, the crowd wholeheartedly agreed, expressing their delight with another round of applause. It was a fitting close to an evening that reminded us all of the power of music—not just to entertain, but to educate, connect, and inspire.
Stay up to date with Museum news and events by following the Hansen Museum on Facebook. The Museum is located at 110 W. Main Street in Logan, Kansas. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00; Saturday, 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00; Sunday and holidays, 1:00 to 5:00. The Museum is fully handicap accessible, and thanks to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, admission is always free. For more information, call 785-689-4846. We hope to see you at the Museum soon.
