Today’s guest column is Keith Cromwell.
Of course Birmingham is The Magic City, because I’ve seen dreams come true here with my own eyes.
I took the helm of Red Mountain Theatre (RMT) as Executive Director in 2003 and I’ve been overwhelmed with the potential for Birmingham and its youth.
Some of my New York friends may have been skeptical when I decided to move to Birmingham, but I have been awestruck by the enthusiasm, support, and appreciation that I find every day here. This city truly believes in the arts.
The proof of that is found in the reality of Red Mountain Theatre opening a 60,000 square foot Arts Campus just after a worldwide pandemic made us worry about the future of performances. It is now a hub of creativity that has changed the lives of local artists and young performers.
And let’s not forget the countless reports proving the arts are a multi-million dollar economic driver for our region.
But like so many other gems in our community, most of us may not fully appreciate the national significance, impact, and rarity of something like that happening here.
My thoughts today, though, are less about economic impact or a first-class facility, and more about the artists who find a training ground in Birmingham.
These folks discover a place to fit in. They apply themselves to the rigor of the work and learn what we refer to as craft. They uncover a path to success in this business called “show.”
There are so many success stories that I don’t want to leave anyone out, and there’s simply not enough room in this article to mention them all. But I am proud to say RMT played a part in the journey for four talented professionals currently working in the industry.
I have had the incredible privilege to witness so many astonishing moments as artists, utilizing the foundation they built here in Birmingham, to make their dreams come true.
Brandon McCall
One example is Brandon McCall, who I first met when he was working for the Mayor’s Division of Youth Services. Brandon leapt from Birmingham to star as Simba in the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King.
Jordan Fisher
Another example is Jordan Fisher, who found RMT at an arts residency when he was in middle school. From that introduction, he has gone on to do so many amazing things. I struggle to choose a career highlight, although I will mention starring in the Broadway productions of Hamilton, Dear Evan Hanson, and the revival of Sweeney Todd, and now Hadestown; as well as tons of TV and film.
Audrey Cardwell
I was “in the room where it happened” with a young Audrey Cardwell, who went onto play Marion, opposite Hugh Jackman in the Broadway revival of The Music Man.
Abigail Barlow
Then there’s Abigail Barlow, launching a solo artist career, winning a Grammy, and most recently, writing the music (with Emily Bear) for Disney’s Moana 2
All these and countless others have been trained, nurtured, and supported by a “magical” array of teachers, coaches, and industry connections right here in our city. They have honed their craft, built a professional theatrical resume, and then ascended to the next level of their artistic journey.
It’s magic, plus hard work, with opportunity and networking thrown in. But it’s starting right here with the support Birmingham puts into the arts that makes the magic happen.
Keith Cromwell, Executive Director of the Red Mountain Theatre, opened the Red Mountain Theatre in 2003, a decades-long dream and cultural asset in the Parkside District. He has put RMT on the national artistic map with, among other things, its participation on Broadway as part of the producing team of multiple Tony-nominated and winning musicals including The Bridges of Madison County, Once On This Island, Moulin Rouge, New York, New York, and Back to the Future.
David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).
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Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@amsher.com
The RMT is a gem. I have been to many of there cutting edge performances over the years!
What a blessing to have Keith Cromwell amongst us! First class indeed.
When I am asked by those not fortunate enough to live here, what is so special about Birmingham, my answer always includes live theater–RMT!
Thanks to Keith for his creative genius!
I am so proud to know and love this special theater and the man❣️❤️⭐️
Excellent contribution to continuing magic! Thank you.
Keith:
You need to correct “comin” in the article title. We do not drop our “g’s in Birmingham.
I beg your pardon, Pat. I’m proud to tell people I grew up in Birmin’ham. Maybe the city’s collective enunciation has improved since the 1960’s.
I thought you were going to shout out Tony Hale, alumnus of Samford, who’s biggest roles were in Arrested Developement, Veeps, and Toy Story 4.