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".

In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with Birmingham theatrical "royalty", Kristen Campbell, to discuss her deeply emotional and critically acclaimed role as Heidi in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Dear Evan Hansen.

Kristen brings immense vulnerability to the conversation, opening up about how her own life experiences, navigating a blended family, divorce, and mental health challenges, make Heidi one of the most personal and relatable roles of her career. Beyond her current performance, Kristen and Roy dive deep into the importance of live theatre in a modern, screen-obsessed culture, highlighting the theatre as one of the last remaining spaces where people can put down their devices, disconnect from the noise, and truly commune with raw humanity.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• The Power of Listening: Why taking the time to "listen first" is essential in a society dominated by social media, where everyone is desperately trying to be heard.
• Reflecting on a Storied Career: Kristen plays a nostalgic game of "Name That Tune," sharing memories from her iconic roles at RMT, including Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins, Bright Star, Waitress, and teaching herself to play the piano for Once.
• Touring with Parade: An unforgettable story about booking the first national tour of Parade at 17, working with theatre legends Hal Prince and Jason Robert Brown, and the hilarious way she used to sneak her cell phone onto the stage inside a parasol so her mom could listen to the show.
• Fun and Games: A fast-paced 60-second speed round where Kristen and Roy flip the script on each other to reveal their favorite things.

Tune in for a deeply moving, funny, and inspiring conversation about the responsibility of storytelling, pushing through stage fright, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

In Episode 3 of Behind The Curtain, host Roy Lightner sits down with Monet, director of The Wiz at Red Mountain Theatre.

Monet reflects on her journey from choir student to multifaceted director, writer, and creative consultant. The conversation dives into her perspective on storytelling, the importance of protecting creative energy, and why staying connected to your “why” is crucial in a demanding industry. She also shares her vision for this production of The Wiz—an Afro-futuristic interpretation inspired by the style and culture of the 1990s and early 2000s, celebrating Black music, fashion, dance, and artistry. Through thoughtful design collaboration and a deep respect for the show’s legacy, Monet discusses how this production honors the past while bringing a fresh, contemporary voice to the story.

In Episode 4 of Behind The Curtain, host Roy Lightner sits down with Kaléa Leverette, who stars as Dorothy in The Wiz at Red Mountain Theatre.

Kaléa shares her remarkable journey from military kid and pre-med biology major to Broadway performer, including her debut as a swing in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and touring with Hairspray. She reflects on stepping into the iconic role of Dorothy, exploring a more mature coming-of-age interpretation, and the physical and emotional marathon of carrying the show from start to finish. From family inspiration to honoring legacy while finding her own voice in Oz, Kaléa offers an honest and heartfelt look at what it takes to follow the yellow brick road.

In the premiere episode of Behind The Curtain, host Roy Lightner sits down with Anthony Smith, music director of The Wiz at Red Mountain Theatre.

Anthony shares his journey from classical collaborative piano and opera to musical theatre, the artists who shaped his path, and what continues to draw him back to The Wiz. The conversation explores the art of electronic music design, click tracks, conducting from the piano, and the delicate balance of serving story through sound. Anthony also offers candid insight into the challenges of the show’s book, his Broadway aspirations, and advice for young artists entering a highly commercial industry. Plus — a rapid-fire round and musical theatre trivia to close the show! We hope you enjoy!

Behind The Curtain is a behind-the-scenes look at professional regional theatre from Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama.

Join conversations with directors, performers, technical designers, and arts leaders as we explore the craft, collaboration, and creative challenges that shape every production. Whether you're an arts patron, theatre student, or creative professional, this podcast offers insight into how live performance is made.