In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with his lifelong friend and Broadway veteran, Meggie Cansler Ness. Meggie is currently starring as Cynthia Murphy in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Dear Evan Hansen.

The two old friends catch up on Meggie's incredible journey from growing up in Kansas City to performing on Broadway, and everywhere in between. They dive deep into the emotional weight of Dear Evan Hansen, discussing how the show tackles difficult topics like suicide, family psychology, and the universal need for people to be seen, heard, and found. Meggie shares her unique perspective on portraying a grieving mother, the struggles of a family picking up the pieces, and the importance of finding truth and hope in heavy theatrical material.

Also in this episode:

• The infectious energy of working alongside talented UAB college students in this co-production.
• Why great art isn't defined by location—whether you're in New York, California, or Birmingham, Alabama.
• The beautiful science behind the "collective heartbeat" of a live theater audience experiencing a show together.
• A hilarious "Name That Tune" segment (featuring a mix-up between Lady Gaga and George Gershwin) and a rapid-fire 60-second speed round where we learn Meggie's preferences on everything from coffee to rom-coms.

Tune in for an inspiring, heartfelt, and funny conversation about the power of theater, staying curious in life, and the importance of reaching out to connect with the people around you.

Welcome to Behind the Curtain at RMT! In this episode, host Roy Lightner sits down with Jake Boyd, who currently stars as Larry Murphy in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Dear Evan Hansen.

Jake opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of playing a grieving parent, the challenge of stepping out of the play's heavy headspace, and how his own life experiences helped him relate to his character's complex journey. He also shares a refreshingly candid perspective on the entertainment industry, explaining his decision to trade the grueling Broadway schedule of New York City for a more fulfilling work-life balance in Tuscaloosa. Jake and Roy discuss the realization that "the machine doesn't care about you," the importance of protecting your time, and finding deep artistic satisfaction and community impact in professional regional theater.

Plus, the episode takes a fun turn as we put Jake in the hot seat! Get to know his quirks in a 60-second rapid-fire questionnaire, including his very strong feelings about slow drivers in the passing lane. Finally, Jake plays a round of "Name That Tune," leading to hilarious backstage memories, from his stint as a completely lost dance captain in the off-Broadway revival of Carrie to the crazy story of making his unexpected Broadway debut with almost zero rehearsal in Rock of Ages.

Tune in for an honest, insightful, and entertaining conversation about art, life, and defining success on your own terms!

Tune in to this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT with your host, Red Mountain Theatre Artistic Director Roy Lightner.

In this episode, Roy sits down with Darion Dewhirst, who is stepping into his dream role as the title character in Dear Evan Hansen. Marking his final college performance, Darion discusses the unique dynamic of starring in a UAB and Red Mountain Theatre co-production, and the intense stamina required for a massive role where he is off stage for a total of only 60 to 90 seconds.

Darion dives deep into the emotional weight of playing Evan, sharing his challenges with leaving the character's intense physical tension and anxiety at the theater. He also opens up about the powerful personal parallels between his own life and the musical, reflecting on his adoption at age 13, his relationship with his chosen family, and how his personal history helps him connect with Evan's journey.

Listeners will get an inside look at Darion's rigorous path from training 16 hours a day in New Orleans to finding his vocal confidence in Birmingham. Theatre nerds will especially love the deep dive into the Estill vocal technique, where Darion explains how he manipulates his cricoid cartilage and uses body anchoring to capture Evan's youthful, anxious, and high-belting voice.

Plus, stick around for some lighter moments as Darion and Roy face off in a rapid-fire 60-second speed round and a hilarious, unexpectedly difficult game of "Name That Tune".