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!