All The Drama
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Behind the scenes of Red Mountain Theatre Company:
Meet the Cast of RMTC's 13: Daniel C. Jackson (Brett)
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the REGIONAL PREMIERE of Jason Robert Brown's 13 (April 1-11, 2010) Meet the Cast: Daniel C. Jackson (Brett) How did you get into theatre? Why does theatre appeal to you? When I was 13 I went and saw Les Miserables. I remember it being the show that really changed me. I wanted to touch...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the REGIONAL PREMIERE of Jason Robert Brown's 13 (April 1-11, 2010)
Meet the Cast: Daniel C. Jackson (Brett)
How
did you get into theatre? Why does theatre appeal to you?When I was 13 I went and saw Les Miserables. I remember it being the show that really changed me. I wanted to touch people the way that it touched me. It will always be my favorite show because it IS the reason theatre is appealing to me.
How does it feel to be part of the 13 cast?
Rollercoaster! We all love to jump around!
Coming
from a high school perspective, what do you think the show is about?
I think the show is about realizing the pressures of growing up and
the hardships and exciting moments that change and shape us.
How
are you like/different from the character you play in the show?
I spent time with a lot of “Bretts” in middle school. I think in some
ways we all represent our characters and in some ways, not at all. Brett is a
fun role.
What’s
your favorite song/part in the show and why? How would you describe the music
in 13?
“If That’s What It Is” is my favorite song. Jason Robert Brown is
great at writing groovy songs. The music in this show is typical Jason Robert
Brown which is always in a class of its own. There is a very good reason he is
my favorite composer. This show is exactly the thing I would expect his music
to be. Fun, exhilarating, emotional, charming and, above all, hard to sing!
How is
13 different from other musicals
you’ve seen or been in?
I’ve never had the honor of doing a Jason Robert Brown show. I’ve also
never worked with most of this cast or with this theatre company. I’ve
never had a younger choreographer, or been the oldest cast member in the show.
13
April 1-11, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Saturday-Sunday, 2:00 PM
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
Special Concert Event with Jason Robert Brown: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Click here for details
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 9 March 2010 | 1:17 pm
Coming Soon ... Meet the Cast of RMTC's 13
Rehearsals begin tonight for the regional premiere of Jason Robert Brown's new musical 13 at Red Mountain Theatre Company (April 1-11, 2010). Stay tuned for details about the talented cast and special events surrounding the production, including: JASON ROBERT BROWN IN CONCERT - 1 NIGHT ONLY! Thursday, April 8, 2010 In honor of our regional premiere of 13, Red...
Rehearsals begin tonight for the regional premiere of Jason Robert Brown's new musical 13 at Red Mountain Theatre Company (April 1-11, 2010). Stay tuned for details about the talented cast and special events surrounding the production, including:JASON ROBERT BROWN IN CONCERT - 1 NIGHT ONLY!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
In honor of our regional premiere of 13, Red Mountain Theatre
Company, along with Jon and Sheryl Kimerling, invite you to an
exclusive evening featuring the full performance of 13, followed
by a special concert by Jason Robert Brown. Your $100 ticket will also
include delicious dinner and access to an open bar, beginning at 6:00
PM.
For tickets, please contact the RMTC Sales Manager at 205-324-2424.
Posted on 2 March 2010 | 11:47 am
Last Chance to see RMTC's Barnstormer!
Check out video clips from BARNSTORMER Last Chance to see the show! Sunday, February 7 (2:00 PM) RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203) TICKETS: 205-324-2424 www.redmountaintheatre.org
Check out video clips from BARNSTORMER
Last Chance to see the show!
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 5 February 2010 | 10:27 am
Meet the Cast of Barnstormer: James Green
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Cast: James Green How has this experience compared with previous experiences you’ve had on stage? This experience has been magical, frustrating, wonderful, challenging ... simply put, it ranges from one extreme to the other. As a day-to-day real world working husband, father, professional, community and civically-involved person,...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Cast: James Green
This experience has been magical, frustrating, wonderful, challenging ... simply put, it ranges from one extreme to the other. As a day-to-day real world working husband, father, professional, community and civically-involved person, this story has caused me to stop to reflect on my own personal life, accomplishments and contributions. The central character (Bessie Coleman) was a real person who faced much adversity in realizing her dream. Working with the caliber of talent with this director (Jerry Dixon), musical director (Brian Usifer), writers (Doug Cohen and Cheryl Davis) and all of the production staff directly provided an inside view of the creative process that many actors don't ever experience. I am very proud to be able to say that I am a member of this amazing cast for this show.
Being able to directly interaction with the writer’s during the creative process has enhanced my ability to read and understand a script's purpose. To be able to tell a good story in print and then have someone else read it on stage and effectively transfer your intended message is a lot harder than I ever thought it could be. Effective communication is more than just words on a page. It is conveying a mental image to the receiver enabling the sender and receiver to get on the same page. Not everyone readily possesses this skill.
The answer to this question changes daily and sometimes hourly. However, in an attempt to answer the question, I would have to say the scene where they shoot the movie because the scene is so funny and the writing is impeccable.
I am thrilled to be sharing the story of determination with the audience. Determination to follow your dream and never let anyone tell you "no." It's something that I live by in my own personal life and I believe that a lot of people will leave with this new-found idea of what it's like to pursue every aspect of happiness. People should come see this show because of its history. All these characters are real people and the story is based on real situations. I believe that is what touches you the most - that this is a story of a real woman who made her dreams into a reality!
January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
EXTENDED DATES!
Thursday, February 4 (7:30 PM)
Sunday, February 7 (2:00 & 7:30 PM)
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 30 January 2010 | 10:00 am
Meet the Cast of RMTC's Barnstormer: DaWoyne Alexander
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Cast: DaWoyne Alexander How has this experience compared with previous experiences you’ve had on stage? I have to say this has been one of the toughest experiences/projects that I have worked on in my theatre career. A new work is always hard to put together. Everything is...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Cast:
DaWoyne Alexander
The most challenging part about performing a new work like this are all the changes. One day a song will be there and the next it's gone. Or one day you're not singing in a song and all of a sudden you have three verses. The same with the scenes. As this is rather challenging, I also see this as the exciting part. No one has ever really created these characters on stage and to be the first is quite rewarding
I am thrilled to be sharing the story of determination with the audience. Determination to follow your dream and never let anyone tell you "No." Its something that I live by in my own personal life and I believe that a lot of people will leave with this new found idea of what it's like to pursue every aspect of happiness. People should come see this show because of its history. All these characters are real people and the story is based on real situations. I believe that is what touches you the most - that this is a story of a real woman who made her dreams into a reality!
BARNSTORMER
January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
EXTENDED DATES!
Thursday, February 4 (7:30 PM)
Sunday, February 7 (2:00 & 7:30 PM)
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 29 January 2010 | 10:00 am
Meet the Cast of RMTC's Barnstormer: Clyde Voce
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Cast: Clyde Voce (New York City)How has this experience compared with previous experiences you’ve had on stage? I have never worked with actors who live in the same city. They are amazingly talented and extremely welcoming! What’s the most challenging/exciting part about performing in a new work...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Cast: Clyde Voce (New York City)
The most exciting part of Barnstormer is being involved in the creative process. Being able to help shape a new character and get feedback directly from the writers is rare and exciting.
BARNSTORMER
January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
EXTENDED DATES!
Thursday, February 4 (7:30 PM)
Sunday, February 7 (2:00 & 7:30 PM)
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 28 January 2010 | 10:00 am
Meet the Creative Staff of RMTC's Barnstormer: Cheryl Davis
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Show's Writer: Cheryl Davis What’s the most challenging/exciting part about producing a new work like Barnstormer? The way the show can change from place to place, performer to performer. Part of the magic of live theatre means that a show is never the same, so it makes it challenging...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Show's Writer: Cheryl Davis
This will be the most fully realized presentation we've had thus far. The fact that we've had more rehearsal time with this cast than any other cast means we've had more opportunity to explore and hone the show. We're really looking forward to how lights and costumes affect (and hopefully clarify) the storytelling.
While the character of Young Arthur has been in the show for awhile, having the opportunity to work with a talented child actor (Alex Jones) for a longer rehearsal period has enabled us to really explore the character.
I have many. “Just to Watch A Colored Gal” is one of my favorite songs, because it shows the impact one person can have on other people's lives and dreams. I also love the humor of the movie-making scene and the subversive nature of the song "Takin' It in My Stride." Most recently, seeing the beautiful way our director (Jerry Dixon) has staged the ends of Act I and the end of the show, I find myself looking forward to seeing them in front of an audience.
The story of this wonderful, inspiring woman which is known by too few people.
January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
EXTENDED DATES!
Thursday, February 4 (7:30 PM)
Sunday, February 7 (2:00 & 7:30 PM)
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 27 January 2010 | 10:00 am
Barnstormer Performances Extended!
The Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
EXTENDED DATES!
Thursday, February 4 (7:30 PM)
Saturday, February 7 (2:00 & 7:30 PM)
RMTC Cabaret Theatre
301 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 26 January 2010 | 5:43 pm
Meet the Cast of RMTC's Barnstormer: Michael Jean Dozier
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Cast: Michael Jean Dozier** How has this experience compared with previous experiences you’ve had on stage? With cast members? With directors/music directors? (For those out-of-towners – is Birmingham what you expected?) Birmingham is not what I expected at all. The people are genuinely nice and the arts...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Cast: Michael Jean Dozier**
Every show is a different experience, all the factors are influenced by the cast and creative team. So far (and I'm still early in the process), I couldn't be happier working with the local professionals who approach the process for the love of putting on a show. There is something amazingly freeing with working with actors who come to rehearsal because they love doing this versus working with actors who come to rehearsal because it's their job. I'm learning so much, and every day I'm reminded why I wanted to do this in the first place. Sometimes you forget.
One of the reasons I wanted to do this project was because of (director) Jerry Dixon. When I was in eighth grade, my middle school acting teacher let me borrow the Once on This Island cast recording, and told me to listen to the CD and pay attention to the role of Daniel. I listened to "Some Girls" over and over again ... I wanted to sing like the guy on the CD; I really wanted to play that role. To make a long story short, the guy on the CD was Jerry Dixon. It's very funny, 11 years later, I'm working with that same person I listened to over and over again.
The most challenging and, at the same time, the most exciting thing about working on a new work, is that it has never been done before. I'm originating the role of John, he's in my hands. This is my first experience working on something that I am the first to play. As an artist it's like looking at a blank canvas while holding a palate of different colors ... and each stroke I put onto the canvas forms my next move, what the next color should be.
I'm most looking forward to sharing a powerful new work - a production that I will be one of the first to put my stamp on. Everyone should come see this show, just so you can say "I saw it first!" I think about the very first audiences that had the privilege of seeing Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, or Rodgers and Hammerstein's The
**The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the
BARNSTORMER - January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 24 January 2010 | 10:00 am
Meet the Creative Staff of RMTC's Barnstormer: Brian Usifer
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Show's Musical Director: Brian Usifer What’s the most challenging/exciting part about producing a new work like Barnstormer? I work mostly on new works, but each new show brings its own challenges in terms of what needs to be done to get it to the level of your...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Show's Musical Director: Brian Usifer
Although orchestrations were written for some of the music for demo purposes, this is the first time it will be performed fully orchestrated with a band. There are also new vocal arrangements in places, and we have tried to streamline incidental music and underscoring.
This changes regularly, but I have always thought that "Me and My Boys" is a wonderfully written and sophisticated song that really takes us back in time to the 20's in
New York audiences are used to new works, but in most places around the country the typical audience is used to seeing West Side Story, RENT, My Fair Lady, etc. I'm excited for the audiences in
BARNSTORMER - January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 23 January 2010 | 10:00 am
Meet the Creative Staff of RMTC's Barnstormer: Jerry Dixon
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Show's Director: Jerry Dixon What’s the most challenging/exciting part about producing a new work like Barnstormer? Working on a new show is like giving the audience a surprise party. They come in not knowing what to expect and the next thing they know they're transported to some...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Show's Director: Jerry Dixon
This is actually the first that the show has had production value like sets, costumes, lighting and sound design. Barnstormer is a work in development. So (by nature), it's different almost day to day. That RMTC took on the task of furthering its development, and the community supporting that, says a lot about this theatre and the people of
Going to the Southern Museum of Flight with Scenic/Light Designer
I have a favorite part of the process. When I was an actor, there was always some scene or song that I would fall in love with. Now, as a director, I get to witness the moment that each and every cast member (or production staff for that matter), fall for their favorite.
Bessie Coleman. Teaching people to dream, I belive, is underrated. This woman not only survived in a very difficult time in our nation's history, she also excelled. That is the power, and gift, of having a dream. And her dream just happened to turn into legacy. And aren't we all lucky for that? Two words ... Google Tuskegee!
BARNSTORMER - January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 22 January 2010 | 10:00 am
Meet the Cast of RMTC's Barnstormer: Cameron White
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Cast: Cameron White How has this experience compared with previous experiences you’ve had on stage? With cast members? With directors/music directors? This experience preparing an original theatre piece is very different and thoroughly interesting. My cast members are wonderful - some of them I have worked with before...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Cast: Cameron White
The most challenging part about performing in an original show is getting use to the changes that may arise daily or even minute to minute. The exciting part about being in a show that has never been performed before is that you are the first to ever complete it and everyone who attempts to do this show will base their work off of yours.
I am most looking forward to bringing a piece of Black History to life that has already been documented but not brought to the forefront. I want to help remind audiences of any color, gender, age and religion that you can do whatever your heart desires, just make a step and try. It may not be easy but it will be worth it in the end. I believe everyone should come see this show just to be encouraged, uplifted and learn from Bessie Coleman's mistakes and triumphs. Once you have achieved success, this story reminds you to stay humble and remember those who helped you along the way -- we all need each other in one way or another.
BARNSTORMER - January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 22 January 2010 | 7:00 am
Meet the Creative Staff of RMTC's Barnstormer: Doug Cohen
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER Meet the Show's Composer: Doug Cohen What’s the most challenging/exciting part about producing a new work like Barnstormer? I arrived at the beginning of the third week of rehearsal. You have to be able to find viable solutions while respecting the fact the actors are nearly off-book and will be teching the...
Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the
Alabama Premiere of BARNSTORMER
Meet the Show's Composer: Doug Cohen
Prior to this rehearsal process, Jerry Dixon, our director, and Cheryl Davis and I have been working extremely hard to implement rewrites and utilize all that we've learned from past readings and workshops.
This is the first time we'll have a full production of our show and experience sets, lights, costumes and Brian Usifer's talented orchestrations. It's thrilling to see our dream realized, something Bessie must have felt when she took her first flight.
The whole process of telling the story through Bessie's adult nephew, Arthur, is entirely new. The opening number involving the men is newly created, as is Bessie's solo late in Act Two, "Setting Free." Her relationship with Young Arthur has also been significantly developed, and Johnny's thwarted dreams are also explored in greater detail.
Driving
I haven't seen a complete run-thru yet (my first rehearsal was last night) so this is hard to answer. But I already know that I love watching Bessie's rapport with Young Arthur, as well as her brother, Johnny. And any time I get to experience the whole cast onstage is thrilling (as in the song "Just To Watch A Colored Gal" and the end of Act One). It's a very talented group of actors, and they made me feel very welcome ... as has the entire staff at RMTC, especially Keith, our generous host.
Bessie Coleman is someone who deserves to be better known. She accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time, and I hope audiences find her story moving, engrossing and inspiring.
BARNSTORMER - January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 21 January 2010 | 11:04 am
Playbill Interview with Barnstormer Director: Jerry Dixon
Red Mountain Theatre Company's cast of Barnstormer is already hard at work rehearsing for the show's debut on Thursday, January 28. We'll showcase members of the cast on our blog in the next few weeks leading up to opening, but in the meantime you can hear from the show's director, Jerry Dixon, in his interview with Playbill below: ...
Red Mountain Theatre Company's cast of Barnstormer is already hard at work rehearsing for the show's debut on Thursday, January 28. We'll showcase members of the cast on our blog in the next few weeks leading up to opening, but in the meantime you can hear from the show's director, Jerry Dixon, in his interview with Playbill below:
Jerry Dixon Pilots Barnstormer in Alabama
Amelia Earhart may have crashed and burned in assorted films and theatrical endeavors during 2009, but her precursor — the first African-American aviatrix, Bessie Coleman — continues on course and will set down Jan. 28-31 at the Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, AL. It will be the first production accorded Barnstormer, a musical, since its initial staged reading at the Lark Theatre Company in Manhattan.
Douglas J. Cohen (No Way to Treat a Lady, The Opposite of Sex) did the music, and Cheryl L. Davis (The Color of Justice) wrote the book and lyrics. At the controls for the crucial is lift-off is Broadway actor-turning-director Jerry Dixon.
“The show is about legacy,” says Dixon, “about a heroine who achieves her dreams and then realizes that’s not enough — that she has to leave something behind. The legacy of Bessie Coleman is that she began an air school specifically for black flyers.”
Shronda Major, one of eight Birmingham natives in the ten-member cast, has the central role. “She’s green, green, green — and fantastic!” exclaimed Dixon, “[and] came highly recommended by Keith Cromwell, artistic director at the Red Mountain. When you do regional shows, you realize they have a feeling for the talent around.”
The two New York imports — Michael Jean Dozier and Clyde Voce —respectively play Coleman’s brother and nephew. The latter became one of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Next for Dixon: he’ll direct Michael John LaChiusa’s musicalization of Federico Garcia Lorca’s 1936 tragedy, The House of Bernarda Alba, at NYU. “I start rehearsals in March, and performances will begin the end of April,” he relays.
— Harry Haun
Barnstormer - January 28-31, 2010
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM & Sunday, 2:00 PM
RMTC Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203)
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 12 January 2010 | 1:39 pm
See what they're saying about RMTC's Merry Memories
Visit Red Mountain Theatre Company's YouTube page to see what audiences are saying about the holiday production Merry Memories.
MERRY MEMORIES
Final weekend of performances!
December 17-20, 2009
Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 PM
Sunday, 2:00 PM
TICKETS: 205-324-2424
www.redmountaintheatre.org
Posted on 16 December 2009 | 12:45 pm