At EncoreNOW, we take pride in showcasing some of the most talented artists in the St. Louis
Metro area and beyond. One such standout is Montana Takacs, an actress whose dedication to
her craft and collaborative spirit are inspiring. In her recent performance, highlighted at the St.
Louis Fringe Festival, Montana delivered a captivating portrayal of Mary Pinchot Meyer, an
intellectual equal and close confidante of John F. Kennedy in the play That Woman – The
Monologue Show.

Montana’s journey began in Billings, Montana, where she gained the nickname that has now
become her stage name. Her passion for acting brought her to Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville (SIUE), where she honed her skills in an experimental theater program that
encouraged devising—building stories from scratch or adapting existing ones. This innovative
process has helped Montana shape her career, providing her with the tools to approach each
role with creativity and a fresh perspective.

In That Woman, Montana’s performance as Mary Pinchot Meyer stands out, not just for her
emotional depth but for the way she fully immerses herself in her characters. Through
meticulous research and an intense understanding of the script, she skillfully balances the
outward composure of a WASP socialite with the inner turmoil of a woman navigating political
intrigue and tragedy. Her portrayal highlights the complexity of Meyer, JFK’s confidante and
lover, offering audiences a look into their intellectual connection as well as the hidden
challenges women like her faced.

For Montana, collaboration is key. During her podcast discussion, she emphasized the
importance of working closely with writers and directors to find the emotional beats and ‘eureka
moments’ that can elevate a performance. Her work with Molly Breen, the co-creator and
director of That Woman, allowed for these moments of powerful connection, both with the text
and the audience.

You can now experience Montana’s unforgettable performance in That Woman exclusively on
EncoreNOW. As we continue to celebrate original work and local talent, Montana Takacs is the
perfect example of how fresh perspectives and dedication can create performances that leave a
lasting impression. Stay tuned as we bring you more from this talented actor and many others in
our growing library.