Sacramento's Storytellers: How Three Playwrights Craft Unique Worlds Through Dialogue

Local playwright Jerry Montoya is experiencing a remarkable season at B Street Theatre, showcasing two of his works simultaneously, prompting the theater to dub this time as “The Spring of Jerry Montoya.” Serving as B Street’s executive producer, Montoya has contributed at least 17 plays to the organization over 23 years, with recent additions being “The First Adventures of The Hardy Boys” and “Nosotros La Gente (We The People).” The latter reflects Montoya’s Mexican American heritage, tracing his family’s narratives during World War II. Montoya, originally from Los Angeles, switched his focus from accounting to the arts, motivated by his professor’s influence. Starting at Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre, he later joined B Street in 2002. Montoya’s process emphasizes meaningful moments, research, and character-driven dialogue, all while valuing collaborative input. This season, he has been busy not only with performances but also directing another play, revealing a continuous evolution in his creative journey.