The first time I saw Mike Morris, he was performing the title role in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Firehouse in Newburyport, Mass., in 2001. I've watched many an actor tackle the role, but none quite the powerhouse as Morris, with his vibrant energy and tearing angst. It was as though the music was coming right through him, which, given his background, isn't surprising.

He was drawn to music soon after he took his first steps, taking piano lessons at 5. He expanded to trumpet during his high school years, and finall he picked up a guitar in his 20s. "So I had some good training early on, though I don't consider myself a very disciplined musician," he explains. "I'm more of a make-it-up-as-you-go guy."

On that note, he worked this year with Anthony Ejarque to create an original score for the original production, "The Mystery of the Murder at the Hillbilly Ho'down" at The Governor's Inn, written by Todd Fernald. I asked him about his process.

What inspired you to work on this project with Anthony?

We're actually Siamese twins, separated at birth. I started playing up at Slim's, Anthony's place in Rochester, and we talked a little about it there. I've been a part of that little incestuous dinner theater circle on and off over the years, as well. Anthony's always got a million ideas in his head, and he's certainly working towards bringing good things to Rochester. He said to me just the other day that there's a lot going on north of the bridge. I think it's his mission to make that happen, and make sure people know about it. I just happened to fall into his master plan for world domination.

What kinds of people do you think will enjoy the show?

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy it. I guess it's safe to say it's adult humor, but it's not traditional music theater. We've got very funny characters, a great bluegrass band and actors who know how to interact with the audience.

What was the experience of writing it been like?

I've never really written a full show of tunes before, so it was something new and different. I'm pretty neurotic about my songs, but once they're out there, it's too late. They don't belong to me anymore. I only hope the singers like them, and the folks who buy the tickets like them even more. It's all very light-hearted and humorous. I've got a rock musical of my own that I've been messing with, maybe this will inspire me to finish it.

What can we look for you artistically in the near future?

I've just released my first solo recording, "What Have I Done?", and have only recently gone to playing music full time. I'm a bar musician, where I try and squeeze my own stuff in between 40 cover songs. I'd like to think I can find my place in that solo singer-songwriter circuit eventually. It's one gig at a time. I also think that the Seacoast arts community is an incredibly diverse and talented one. I'd like to be more a part of that. And if you can squeeze my Web site in somewhere, it's mikemorris.us.