In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the brilliant Sara Brians, the director and choreographer bringing Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life.

Tune in as Sara shares her incredible journey from Northern California to New York City. She discusses starting dance at age four and booking her first professional job as a Radio City Rockette at just 18 years old. Listeners will be amazed to hear how she rapidly booked her first Broadway show in the revival of 42nd Street, stepping on stage as a swing covering 26 different tracks after only four days of rehearsal!

Listen as they dive into Sara's transition from performing to creative leadership. She opens up about her experiences as a resident choreographer for massive Broadway hits like Billy Elliot and Matilda, detailing the rigorous process of teaching the legendary, high-stakes "alphabet gate" choreography in Matilda. Sara also shares her deeply collaborative philosophy as a director, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space where artists aren't afraid to take risks and fail.

Beyond her past projects, Sara reveals her imaginative vision for The Little Mermaid, using reflective fabrics, projections, and massive puppet sea anemones to transport audiences underwater. She also discusses her profound connection to Ariel's search for identity and her future aspirations to create site-specific and immersive theater in non-traditional spaces.

In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the incredibly talented Matthew Piper, who stars as Prince Eric in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Tune in as Matthew shares his unique journey to the stage, starting from his childhood growing up on a farm in a small Alabama town where his family wasn't familiar with the theater world. He hilariously recounts his very first audition in the fifth grade—where he snagged a role by singing the "Cup Song" from Pitch Perfect without the actual cup—and explains how the strong sense of belonging and community kept him hooked on the arts. Listeners will also hear the full-circle story of how a welcoming college audition led by Roy himself convinced Matthew to officially pursue a musical theater degree at UAB.

Listen as they dive into Matthew's blossoming career, transitioning straight from a nine-month stint performing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to stepping into the shoes of an iconic Disney prince. He reveals the fun fact that he actually first played the role of Prince Eric in the eighth grade, making this a true homecoming moment. Matthew opens up about redefining success on his own terms, navigating life chapter by chapter, and his pursuit of finding ultimate freedom and a "flow state" during his performances. He also shares how looking up to grounded, talented artists like his Frozen co-star Sarah Fernandez has shaped his own professional trajectory.

Beyond his current success, Matthew speaks about his simple but profound dream: to experience as much of life as possible and remain happy in whatever path he chooses to take. He reveals a beautiful personal practice on stage, sharing how he uses his moments of true artistic freedom to sing a silent "thank you" to the family, friends, and mentors who have supported his journey.

Whether you're a local theater supporter, a young artist figuring out your path, or just someone who loves a heartwarming story of finding your people, this joyful and grounded episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the phenomenal Liz McCartney, who brings her stellar reputation to the role of Ursula in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Tune in as Liz shares her incredible journey to the Broadway stage. She talks about growing up in a musical family where she even produced the "McCartney family Christmas album", attending the Boston Conservatory, and getting her Actors Equity card right before her senior year. She reminisces about moving to New York in 1990, using the off-Broadway show Nunsense as her reliable "waitressing job" between regional gigs, before rapidly booking the Les Misérables tour and heading to Broadway with The Phantom of the Opera.

Listen as they dive into the realities of a lifelong career in the theater industry. Liz opens up about navigating industry changes, from the grueling shift to at-home self-tape auditions to the evolving reasons casting directors give for rejection as an actor ages. She also discusses her full-circle connection to her current show, revealing that she was actually in the very first full workshop of The Little Mermaid. With a resume bursting with iconic shows, Liz gets real about the rigorous reality of an eight-show week, emphasizing that true professionals give 100% of themselves every single day, rather than relying on theater "magic".

Beyond her own performances, Liz discusses her deep love for teaching and the profound emotional impact of helping young students feel truly "seen". She shares hilariously candid stories about dedicated fans and stalkers, her experience making the legendary Stephen Sondheim laugh, and why her definitive answer for her favorite movie is Die Hard. Ultimately, Liz reveals that despite her massive list of Broadway credits, she hopes her castmates remember her most as a genuine collaborator who works with them rather than just a diva plopped into the center of the stage.

Whether you're a seasoned performer, a dedicated theatergoer, or just someone who loves a refreshingly honest look at a life in the arts, this hilarious and insightful episode is a must-listen!