Red Mountain Theatre Company is wrapping up its 2018-19 season with the fresh and creative musical Matilda The Musical at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater on the campus of the Alabama School of Fine Arts. RMTC welcomes back a lovely presence on the stage, Bonny Baker, for the third summer in a row playing the heartwarming friend and teacher of Matilda, Miss Honey.
 
Whether it’s Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof or Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Baker looks forward to the new and exciting challenge of undertaking a role. “This is a fresh and new experience for me. In the past, I have played very headstrong female characters, but with Miss Honey it’s a completely new angle. She is still very strong, but not in a forward way. Her strength lies in her quiet, kindness, and love for children,” Baker states.
 
The musical based off of the children’s book by famed author Roald Dahl, is a cute and charming tale with a powerful message that resonates throughout our community today. “It allows for us to understand that anybody has the ability to change the world. You just have to make a decision to overcome whatever obstacles you face and keep marching towards the greater good,” Baker points out.
 
In an age of popular, larger-than-life superheroes, it is refreshing to know the hero of our story in Matilda is not a powerful, towering adult that makes an impact, but an intelligent little girl with psychokinetic powers. Matilda faces the daily trials and tribulations of her unloving parents and an unbearable school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, but overcomes them all with wit, charm, love, and friendship. This speaks volumes for Baker as she inserts, “The story gives children the chance to be the rockstar, the superhero. The children are the ones that save the day. How inspiring is that for any child? It allows the child to understand they can change the world now and not feel like they have to grow up to make a dent in society.”
 
Whether you are 2 or 92, Matilda is a story that will empower you to face the challenges of today’s world with a warm heart and a friendly smile. Matilda reminds us we are not alone in the struggle.
 
Matilda The Musical
July 12-August 4
Dorothy Jemison Day Theater
Click here for tickets and information.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company will culminate its 2018-19 season with the charming Matilda The Musical at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater on the campus of the Alabama School of Fine Arts. RMTC recently celebrated their 40th anniversary and it has been a joy to bring back faces from the past and bring forward new faces to the RMTC stage. RMTC welcomes an alum who grew up in the days of the Summerfest (former title of Red Mountain Theatre Company) workshops, the extremely talented Elise Mayfield. Mayfield will be shimmying all over the stage as Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda The Musical.
 
Mayfield is not only a veteran of the Birmingham stage having performed for numerous theatre companies, but she also pounded the pavement as an actor in Chicago. During her time there, she furthered her chops by studying improv and sketch comedy for the famed Improv Olympic and Second City. She is finally making her RMTC return and continuing her story with the organization, “The last production I performed in was Footloose (one of Executive Director Keith Cromwell’s first productions) and I remember closing the show, my parents picking me up at the stage, and they drove straight to my dorm room at Ole Miss where I started college the next day,” reminisces Mayfield.
 
She is counting the days to grace her presence on the stage as this has been a production she has been anticipating for quite some time. “It’s one of my favorite books and I still love the movie that came out in the 90s. I had the pleasure of witnessing this musical on Broadway and it reminded me how much I love the story. The music is incredible, the characters are fascinating, and the staging is engaging. What more could you want,” exclaims Mayfield.
 
As fun as it to play the character of Mrs. Wormwood, it is the heart of the story that she hopes resonates with the audience. “Matilda is about the small triumphing over the big. It’s not just little as in physically little like the small children in the story, but also emotionally as the character of Miss Honey triumphs after being made small time after time by Miss Trunchbull. It’s a story about the underdog,” explains Mayfield. “I hope the community is inspired by our amazing cast of kids, and remember that even the little can overcome incredible obstacles.”
 

Matilda The Musical
July 12-August 4
Dorothy Jemison Day Theater
Click here for tickets and information.

For immediate release:

Media Contacts: Drew Francis

Red Mountain Theatre Company

205-324-2424

Marketing@redmountaintheatre.org

2^nd Act

Red Mountain Theatre Company to Develop Arts Campus in Parkside

BIRMINGHAM, AL – APRIL 29, 2019 – Red Mountain Theatre Company is proud to announce the start of its Second Act. Beginning in 1979 as Summerfest Musical Theatre, Red Mountain Theatre Company (RMTC) will now take the stage for its most transformational performance yet – the creation of an arts campus in the Parkside District of Birmingham, Alabama.

 

The Tony Award-winning theatre company has been searching over a number of years for just the right location to house all of its operations under one roof. “It has been a dream for us to consolidate our programming in order to better serve our community,” said Executive Director Keith Cromwell. “We envision an arts campus where artists can create, students can develop life – and theatre – skills, and where for profit and nonprofit can drive economic growth together.

 

The new Arts Campus will be located at 1600 3^rd Ave. South between 16^th & 17^th Streets South next to Regions Field in the heart of Birmingham. “RMTC is right at the heart of our city, and this space will allow us to be more efficient and more effective in our mission of enriching, educating, and engaging our community,” said RMTC Board President and community leader Kathryn Harbert. Architectural design is well underway for the Arts campus to include state-of-the art rehearsal and classroom spaces, a next generation 400-seat theatre, and administrative and shop offices.

 

LIVE Design Group, longtime friends of the theatre, will serve as architects. Known for their innovative work in managing the development of houses of worship and large space management, LIVE Design has already caught the vision of creating spaces for artists to thrive. Brasfield & Gorrie is the general contractor, having supported RMTC for many years in a variety of capacities. Harbert Realty Services brings all these pieces together to keep the project moving forward. Construction is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2021.

Red Mountain Theatre Company is an organization that inspires audiences through powerful theatre experiences led by professionals who deliver engaging performances produced and presented with artistic integrity.

 

In addition to theatre productions, RMTC offers educational programs that build positive life skills for young people and provide growth opportunities for theatre professionals. The Birmingham- based nonprofit organization has been inspiring audiences, changing lives and creating conversations through theatre experiences since 1979.

About LIVE Design Group

LIVE Design Group, founded in 1987, is an Architectural and Interior Design firm specializing in worship, theatre, and academic facilities for growing organizations that desire a building that reflects them – not their architect.  With a responsibility to their clients’ vision and making everyone a contributor, the firm designs projects LIVE with their clients’ providing “real time” input.  This innovative concept allows the client to see their design in virtual reality, maximizes resources, expedites the process and lets financial stewardship drive decisions.  The firm is changing the role of the architect, not just the process.

 

About Harbert Realty Services, LLC

Founded in 1983, Harbert Realty Services, LLC (HRS), is a privately held commercial real estate organization with a clear mission: Create value for our clients and investor partners. HRS is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama and retains a team of more than 60 real estate professionals that are experts in the office, retail, medical and multi-family sectors. HRS has built its footprint throughout the southeastern United States with offices in Atlanta, Orlando and Jacksonville Florida. HRS is focused on delivering best-in-class real estate expertise in Brokerage, Leasing, Project/Construction Management, Property/Asset Management, Tenant Representation, Development and Investment Services. Separately, HRS owns ROCK Apartment Advisors (the multifamily investment sales leader in the mid-South) and Harbert Lease Solutions (a global lease administration and real estate accounting service provider).  As a majority owned subsidiary of Harbert Management Corporation www.harbert.net, HRS’ mix of experience, resources and reach provides our clients a comprehensive array of professional real estate services. Value Creation Begins, Here. Learn more about HRS at www.harbertrealty.com.

 

About Brasfield & Gorrie

Founded in 1964, Brasfield & Gorrie is one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, providing general contracting, design-build, and construction management services for a wide variety of markets. We are skilled in construction best practices, including virtual design and construction, integrated project delivery, and lean construction, but we are best known for our preconstruction and self-perform expertise and exceptional client service. Brasfield & Gorrie has 12 offices and approximately 3,000 employees. Our 2018 revenues were $3.3 billion. Engineering News-Record ranks Brasfield & Gorrie 27th among the nation’s “Top 400 Contractors” for 2018.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company presents a funny, bittersweet, hopeful, new American play with Two Henrys by Kenneth Jones (playwright of last season’s Alabama Story), March 15-17 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre. In the dead of winter, Henry flies from New York to Florida to offer condolences at the funeral of a father figure he never knew. But as the booze flows at the wake, are the surviving widow and her grown daughter ready to raise a glass to the unexpected guest? Set in 2012, somewhere between the dusk of the worst days of the AIDS crisis and the dawn of marriage equality, Two Henrys explores secrets and shame, guilt and grief, perceptions and prejudices — and the urge to find family.
 
Actor Stephen Magina undertakes the role of Henry. A relatively new face to the RMTC scene, he made his debut with the company last year in the reading of Everything That’s Beautiful at RMTC’s inaugural Human Rights New Works Festival. “Last year’s reading and overall experience was so moving from start to finish. I did not have to think twice about being involved with RMTC again,” states Mangina.
 
When it came to the play, Mangina has discovered a universal connection among our community and the story. “What jumped out to me about the play was how it illustrated how many faces we all must, or choose, to wear. I think we all can relate to the different roles we play within our family and how pressures to maintain those roles can eat away at you,” Mangina explains.
 
On a more personal level, Mangina has found a connection to the character Henry that has fueled his emotional and creative process when working with the role. Mangina reflects, “Henry experienced profound loss without closure and, in some ways, struggles to move forward. Having someone torn away from us without the opportunity to say goodbye is something that many of us can relate to. I have dealt with that personally, and it stays with you. With me, it is not paralyzing, but when it rears its head, the feeling burns, hurts, angers, and saddens. Seeking a way to move forward from that is something that I think Henry would desperately desire.”
 
RMTC is excited about this talented actor’s process and we look forward to the unveiling of his tremendous performance. Two Henrys will certainly be an event the city of Birmingham will never forget. We invite you to join us for pains and joys of truth, hurt, understanding, and togetherness.
 
Two Henrys
March 15-17
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company proudly presents Memphis at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre, February 1-17. RMTC welcomes back New York-based actor Jim Newman, a Center Point native, as he undertakes the character of Huey Calhoun (based on Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips). He is returning to the RMTC stage having last been seen in 2011’s Bubba’s Revenge. This Broadway performer’s (Tommy, Sunset Boulevard) connection with the organization goes back to his time at Birmingham Southern College. “I was on a joint scholarship from conductor Tom Gibbs and director James Hatcher, so I worked for Town and Gown/Summerfest Theatre (later to be named Red Mountain Theatre Company),” detailed Newman.
 
When it comes to Memphis, Newman believes that the music elevates the show beyond its contemporaries. Newman explains, “Being able to write songs that land on your ear with such likable immediacy is such a gift. Most shows have one or even two songs that you will hum. Almost every song in this show is hummable.” More importantly, the subject matter of Memphis easily relates to today’s struggles in society. “Our political/social climate is such that everyone who is different from us seems to be a threat. Coexisting with social differences, social media has given everyone a platform to express hatred. As a society, we seem to be going backwards instead of forwards. It’s disheartening and discouraging. The production and its story hold the mirror of our painful past to our faces as a cautionary tale.”
 
His character of Huey Calhoun goes through his own struggles and triumphs. In the end, it is exciting for Newman to play a character who does the right thing even in the face of adversity. “I love playing Huey because his social filter seems to be blocked by hope and faith. He tries to make the right choices even if it costs him everything. He has no clue how to be political or play the system. He only knows to follow his instincts. Everyone writes him off as stupid, out-of-touch, or crazy, but in reality, he is just an honest man born too soon,” notes Newman. Newman promises a great night of laughter, great music, and dancing, but most of all he invites people to engage in good positive messages and vibes.
 

Memphis
February 1-17
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.

 

It’s not a secret we’re living in tumultuous times. Our nation, our state, and even our community is faced with the challenges of differing opinions, ideals, and beliefs. For one actor, Russell Alexander II, he hopes Red Mountain Theatre Company’s upcoming event brings together a gathering of people to put aside their personal differences and engage in a story of love, inspiration, hope, and understanding. RMTC presents Memphis at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre, February 1-17.
 
Memphis weaves the tale of white radio DJ wanting to change the world and a black club singer looking for her big break during 1950s Memphis. They will face many uphill climbs, but the power of love and music will bring them together.
 
Alexander has had history with RMTC, performing as the Scarecrow in 2015’s The Wiz. For him, RMTC is a fun and comfortable environment that exudes a great energy and spirit among cast members. It’s this energy that invigorates him not only as an actor and storyteller, but also as person. It’s the need to tell a story that reflects the times of today and resonates with any community. “Birmingham has so much history, so many events that have conspired, and many struggles we have overcome…and some we are still struggling with today,” states Alexander. “The musical is coming out at the right time and the climate is really intense right now. People are really unsure of the trajectory of a lot of happenings all over.”
 
The Selma, Alabama native and UAB graduate does not sidestep the issue of his own personal struggles and his incredible optimism and determination to overcome them. “To be young and black in America, we can look at our lives and say, ‘I’m done, I’m tired, and I’ve had enough’”, reflects Alexander. “As an artist, as a person, and specifically as a person of color there are times I can really sulk on the negative and there are times it has affected my own voice. It hampers my ability to speak up or not speak up at all. My own insecurities get in my way of truly understanding my value and what I have to offer to those around me. The beautiful thing about my character Gator is that he has so much inside of him and we get the opportunity to see that stifled energy erupt from him. It’s the joy of life, that light, that love, that joyous child-like sense of Gator that inspires and drives me. I work to try and find that genuine joy and happiness and carry it all the time.”
 
In Memphis, music is a driving force to bring unity out of misunderstandings and division. The great Oscar Wilde stated in his essay The Decay of Lying, “Life imitates Art, more than Art imitates Life,” and nothing could be truer than the production of Memphis. For Alexander, theatre and music can open a line of understanding and communication among those that experience it. Alexander concludes, “Everybody in the cast is treating the show wish so much respect. I believe we are going to knock people off their feet not just from a show quality standpoint, but from the subject matter. It’s interesting to see how these characters deal with trying to fit throughout the story and not understand how they don’t fit. By the end, they are standing in harmony because they get it. I hope our community can witness these people and these situations. They can see how we relate to each other on stage despite our differences and it inspires them to do the same.”
 
Memphis
February 1-17
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company is offering an extravaganza for the whole family, Holiday Spectacular 2018 running November 30–December 16 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre. It’s an unbelievable event of all your holiday favorites performed by Birmingham’s best local artists and the RMTC Conservatory.
 
RMTC Conservatory student and Homewood High School Sophomore Reilly Durkin has been involved with RMTC for the past nine years, participating in the annual Broadway Bootcamp during the summer. With encouragement from Executive Director Keith, Reilly would audition and be cast as Flounder in the 2016 RMTC production of Little Mermaid. “The experience completely changed my view on what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” Durkin stated. “I was only 12, but I was treated like a professional. I knew my passion was for the stage and I wanted to take it to the next level. I auditioned and earned a position in the Conservatory last year, and I have had an absolutely wonderful time!”
 
When it comes to Holiday Spectacular, Durkin reflects on his first time as an audience member, “I remember the finale vividly. Amy Johnson was one of the featured performers and she starts singing O Holy Night and my mouth just drops because it’s so beautiful. It made such an impression on me and then I got the opportunity to perform last year. It amazed me watching young people in the audience and witnessing their reaction that was similar to the one I experienced. It became full circle for me.”
 
When looking back on his time at RMTC, he is very grateful for the opportunities and lessons he has learned. Whether it was performing on stage in last year’s RMTC production of 13 the Musical or at the famed Feinstein’s/54 Below in New York City, Durkin understands that those moments don’t happen without hard work and preparation. “I get to train and perform with my favorite people in the world. Who doesn’t love that? I can only look forward to the future,” Durkin express excitedly.
 
Reilly Durkin and RMTC offer you an invitation to attend a night of holiday magic and joy.
 
Holiday Spectacular 2018
November 30-December 16
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company is offering an extravaganza for the whole family, Holiday Spectacular 2018 running November 30–December 16 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre. It’s an unbelievable event of all your holiday favorites performed by Birmingham’s best local artists and the RMTC Conservatory.
 
Long-time RMTC Alum and one of the featured performers, Neal Hunter Hyde, has been involved in with the organization for 25 years. He began his time with RMTC participating in a workshop and later as a cast member in a production of Mame with actress Lee Meriwether (Catwoman in the 1966 film version of Batman). “A friend had been in the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat the year prior and invited me. It inspired me to join a workshop, then audition for Mame and later join the performing ensemble in the fall,” Hyde noted.
 
Throughout the years, Hyde has noticed several changes over the years from the organization being renamed Red Mountain Theatre Company (originally Summerfest) to the company growth under current Executive Director Keith Cromwell. Through all of the transitions, Hyde points out there are qualities that remain the same, “It has remained a place where young, creative people find their niche and hone their talent. They have the opportunity to work and befriend other young people that have common interests.”
 

 
Growing up in the now-branded RMTC Conservatory, he is constantly moved by the progress of RMTC and the Conservatory. “It has been cool to have worked in Birmingham, regionally, and in New York City. I always come back and I am amazed to see how Birmingham and RMTC have grown. I am very impressed by the quality of training for the students, the students’ professionalism, and their ability to take direction. Keith and his team have done incredible work taking the company to the next level. I am very grateful for all of the opportunities they have given me over the years,” Hyde sentimentally expressed.
 
Holiday Spectacular 2018 has become a seasonal tradition for friends and families in Birmingham over the years. Hyde stated, “What keeps people coming back is that they know they’re going to have a good time. They’re seeing old favorites, but also witnessing new material. It’s a little variety for everybody.” We hope you can make it part of your holiday tradition and join us at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre.
 
Holiday Spectacular 2018
November 30-December 16
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company is offering an extravaganza for the whole family, Holiday Spectacular 2018 running November 30–December 16 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre. It’s an unbelievable event of all your holiday favorites performed by Birmingham’s best local artists and the RMTC Conservatory.
 
RMTC Conservatory student and Vestavia Hills High School Senior Rachel Bates is no stranger to this annual event having been involved with RMTC for 8 years. “My friends were attending camps with RMTC and they encouraged to sign up for Broadway Bootcamp. At orientation, they introduced the RMTC Conservatory and I knew then that I wanted to be a part of it,” Bates stated. The journey for her was not an easy one as she did not make the Conservatory on her first two attempts, but through determination and hard work, she would eventually join it. Bates followed up with, “I jumped into it feet first and never looked back. I realized there was so much music to learn and the first major event was the Holiday Spectacular.”
 
Holiday Spectacular is a special event for many people and has a lot of history with Rachel. “When I was young in the Conservatory, I wanted to be in the Rockettes number. I wanted to do it, I want to wear the red sparkly outfit and most of all I wanted to do the kicks,” Bates laughingly explained. “When you’re on stage you’re at times focusing on how hard you’re working and you forget how special this is for so many people in the audience. That’s the greatest takeaway from all of this.”
 

As graduation approaches in May, Rachel reflects on the many lessons she has learned over the years with RMTC, “Time management has to be number one especially when you’re involved with this production. This time of year, you are working on your exams and school work, but at the same time, you must have balance with what you do on stage. Ultimately, you have to make sure you’re having fun.” When asked about her long-time loyalty with RMTC, Bates directly noted, “There may be other opportunities in the area to perform, but everybody here is serious about their craft. I enjoy and embrace that it always hasn’t come easy for me. I’ve learned the valuable lesson of how to deal with tough situations.”
 
Rachel’s next step is to attend college with a major in Biology. She hopes to become a Geneticist, but the arts will always be with her. Bates closed with, “I still want to be involved in the arts in one capacity or another. The amazing experiences and wonderful people I have encountered will make a huge impact one way or another in my future pursuits in life.”
 
Holiday Spectacular 2018
November 30-December 16
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company is offering an extravaganza for the whole family, Holiday Spectacular 2018 running November 30–December 16 at the RMTC Cabaret Theatre. It’s an unbelievable event of all your holiday favorites performed by Birmingham’s best local artists and the RMTC Conservatory.
 
RMTC Conservatory student and MBHS Junior Tess Patton has been involved with Red Mountain Theatre Company since she was seven-years-old. “I had just moved from Montgomery and Mom wanted me to be engaged in an activity. Broadway Bootcamp was my first involvement with RMTC and I had the most fun in those two weeks,” Patton explained.
 
If there was one word to describe this young talent it would be perseverance having auditioned and not making it her first time for the RMTC Conservatory. She remained positive, took voice lessons, and the next year would earn her spot with the phenomenal group. She was working her way up the ranks of the Conservatory ladder and had the opportunity to perform in her first professional show in 7th Grade in the production of Band Geeks. “The experience really pushed me and matured me as a performer. I was working with adult actors and I really strived to be on their level,” stated Patton.
 

She would hit another roadblock the following year with voice struggles, but once again her ambition would not allow her to take a major hit. Attending a vocal therapist, she would restructure how she would perform overall. Her journey continued this past summer as she attended a program at UCLA for musical theatre. “Going into it I thought it would be a fun opportunity, but over time I realized that musical theatre would be something I would want to pursue as a career. I really enjoyed that community feel of a university environment.”
 
As it is customary for Conservatory students to perform in the Holiday Spectacular, Tess looks forward to the month of November and performances in December. It has become a holiday tradition for her no different than decorating a tree, wrapping presents, or looking at the lights around town. Patton gleefully inserted, “It is consistent and people really look forward to the event as a means of escape during the stressful times of the holiday season. It leaves us with a sense of peace and joy that we all need in our lives.”
 
What is the one moment she looks forward to every year? Well, there is always the crowd-pleasing tribute to the Rockettes, but the finale will always have a special place in her heart. What’s the finale? Come on down to the RMTC Cabaret and witness it for yourself.
 
Holiday Spectacular 2018
November 30-December 16
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.