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.

 

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 Victoria Yeager is one of the featured and amazingly talented cast members in the production. A Senior at Spain Park High School, she has been involved with the
 
Conservatory for the past 8 years and it all started with a Christmas gift. “My Dad’s gift to me was Broadway Bootcamp with Red Mountain Theatre Company. At first, I didn’t want to go at all, but after the first day it became this amazing experience,” explained Yeager. Victoria was no stranger to performance having danced since she was two-years-old, but her time with RMTC allowed her to incorporate that art form into new avenues of performance. “Jordan Fisher (RMTC alum and Dancing with the Stars winner) was one of my facilitators and he really encouraged me to audition for the Conservatory,” stated Yeager.
 
For Yeager, the tradition of the Holiday Spectacular has been an escape from what’s going on in the world. There are moments of laughter and moments of reflection that can be shared by all. Even at times, there have been some teachable moments for this bright performer, “My first Holiday Spectacular I was one of many angels in a number. We thought because we had wings that we needed to flap our arms like birds…that was probably not the best choice,” Yeager laughingly described. Not only is she a performer in the production, but she is also serving as a choreographer for one of the numbers as well in her last year as a Conservatory member.
 

Out of all of the lessons she has learned over the years working with RMTC, it is the lessons of leadership and collaboration she will cherish most of all. With the closing of one chapter comes the opening for another and Yeager is currently auditioning for several theatre programs around the country. “I’m really looking forward to the process of learning on a university level and seeing how I will turn out as an artist,” she eagerly described. You do not want to miss one second of witnessing this future star of the stage.
 
Holiday Spectacular 2018
November 30-December 16
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.

 

Red Mountain Theatre Company opens the doors of its Cabaret Theatre for a night of fun, friendship and creativity with Broadway Night at the Cabaret. This year’s event will star the dynamic and award-winning composer/lyricist team of Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler. They will be busting out tunes from some of their works (June B. Jones, Dear Edwina, Ever After) with the RMTC Conservatory and the cast of RMTC’s upcoming Discovery Theatre production Junie B. Jones The Musical JR.. Abigail Williamson, a Senior at Hewitt-Trussville High School, will be one of the Conservatory members to participate in this unforgettable event. We had the opportunity to speak with this eloquent and phenomenal talent and hear her story:
 

What ignited your passion for the arts? How long have you been involved with Red Mountain Theatre Company?

I started doing theatre in 5th Grade and later a friend suggested I sign up for Recruit Bootcamp with RMTC. From there, I would continue my relationship with the company by auditioning for and being accepted into the Conservatory.

 

Is there a particular performance or production that you are most proud of?

I did Godspell in middle school and last year. It’s a nice example of communal activity and effort, it’s very heartfelt. It has great sense of family in it.

 
Any lessons you have learned over your time at RMTC?

I used to take things super personal if didn’t get something I wanted like a solo. I’ve learned over time and through growth that I have to trust the process and sometimes I am not always going to get what I want. I can’t control everything (laughing). Four years ago, I could not sing in front of people. I was the most nervous, awkward, and shy person. I could not maintain eye contact and could not talk to other kids. Over the years, I have grown confidence and that is the greatest gift that RMTC has given to me.

 

What is most exciting about being a part of Broadway Night at the Cabaret?

It’s an amazing experience to work with professionals and hear their stories and journeys. Even better, this year we are working with a composer/lyricist team and performing their songs. We get the opportunity to truly understand as a performer what is wanted out of the work by the person that created it.

 
It’s your Senior Year of High School, what are your plans?

I plan on attending college to receive a degree in Engineering (aiming towards Electrical Engineering). Through my experiences on the electrics crews this summer for Beauty and the Beast and Mamma Mia!, I have opened my eyes to the possibility of earning my Master’s degree in Lighting Design

 

What make RMTC stand out in Birmingham?

Recently, RMTC has made strides connecting with the community. The Human Rights New Works Festival is a great example on how the organization has been able to draw all kinds of people. Overall, when you come to an RMTC performance there isn’t a division between the audience and the performer, it really feels like a community.

 

Broadway Night at the Cabaret
September 28 & 29 at 7:30 pm
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
Click here for tickets and information.