Red Mountain Theatre Company is flying into the new year with an Alabama premiere based on the life of Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot. The musical, staged for the first time here in Birmingham as a full production, shows off the talents of one of our state’s best known, year-round professional musical theatre organizations.

“Barnstormer” opens Jan. 28 at RMTC’s Cabaret Theatre (301 19th Street North) in downtown Birmingham. RMTC is partnering with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Southern Museum of Flight and Better Basics to present an outreach version of the musical to school children throughout Jefferson County and surrounding areas. 

“Before there was Amelia Earhart, there was Bessie Coleman, who fought her way from the cotton fields to aviation school and into the sky,” said Kristin Staskowski, RMTC’s Managing Director. “Her amazing – and true – story brings a powerful message about believing in yourself, even when the world fights to keep you down.”

The school program is a natural extension for RMTC, a nonprofit organization that has been involved in educational programs and workshops for youth throughout its history. Founded in 1979 to provide summer productions as part of the UAB Town and Gown Theatre, RMTC won many fans during its years as Summerfest Musical Theatre and sent many talented alumni to roles on Broadway, in major motion pictures and on television, including Tony-nominee Rebecca Luker, Fannie Flagg, Jim Nabors and Tab Hunter.

Learning and performing in 2010
Coming up at RMTC in 2010 is the regional premiere “13,” a musical by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, along with “The Sound of Music,” the classic family favorite by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

“We officially became Red Mountain Theatre Company in 2007, but our mission has not changed,” Staskowski said. “We are committed to offering professional quality productions, along with programs for youth, outreach and education for our local and national arts communities.”

For example, a special “talk-back” session following the Jan. 29 show will give audience members a chance to ask questions and hear directly from cast members. 

For young. aspiring actors, RMTC has a place as well, especially if you are between the ages of 5 and 18. Each summer, more than 350 students get the chance to participate in numerous youth musical theatre workshops that give them a taste of all aspects of musical theatre. Acting, dancing and singing are all part of the training provided with the help and instruction of nationally recognized performers and instructors.

Participants also can audition to participate in RMTC’s year-round programs which can provide a launching pad for local shows and opportunities worldwide. The Youth Programs include the Performing Ensemble for performers ages 13-18, Spotlights for ages 11-15 and Previews for ages 9-12. A new group called the Sprouts allows boys and girls ages 6-9 to rehearse in January and perform during the Youth Programs Showcase in February.

Click here for more information about Red Mountain Theatre Company or call 205-324-2424.