Cue to Cue: A Podcast Highlighting Eastern North Carolina Theater

Matthew McKellar talks with Livvy Matthews about her theater background and her role as Roxy Hart in the Wilson Arts Act for Youth's Fall 2026 production of Chicago Teen Edition. The conversation covers her growth from childhood community theater to leading roles, the collaborative rehearsal process, and the specific moments in Chicago that feel most rewarding on stage. In this episode:

• Livvy Matthews shares how she got started in theater at age eight with Act for Youth and has now performed in 27 shows.
• She reflects on early milestones like Beauty and the Beast as her first show and Matilda as her first named role with a mic.
• She discusses playing Little Red in Into the Woods as a favorite past experience because of the friendships and the role’s significance.
• Livvy explains what makes Chicago Teen Edition special, especially how quickly the cast came together and how committed everyone was in rehearsal.
• She talks about the challenge of taking on a lead role and balancing that with the ensemble-heavy demands of Chicago.
• She and Matthew discuss how performing alongside her sister Haley Matthews, who plays Velma Kelly, makes the production more comfortable and fun.
• Livvy breaks down the story of Chicago as a dark comedy about crime, publicity, and the way fame can be manufactured.
• She describes one of her biggest acting challenges as differentiating characters and using notes from directors to create distinct choices.
• She shares her pre-show routine, from hair and makeup to costume and wig, and how tech week helps her fully embody the character.
• She highlights favorite moments in the show, especially “All That Jazz” and the courtroom scene, where the blocking and cues feel especially intentional.

CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION performances

• Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 3. 2026 at 7:00 PM
• Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Ticket information for Act for Youth's current season: https://wilsonarts.com/afycurrent/?_gl=1*lr8mbv*_gcl_au*MTY1MTExMjMwNC4xNzkwNTU0Mzgz*_ga*Njk0MTcwODIwLjE3OTA1NTQzODM.*_ga_723QMSSGYK*czE3OTA1NTQzODMkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTA1NTQzODMkajYwJGwwJGgw

In this episode, Matthew talks with David Winstead, President of S2P2, Inc., about his upcoming production, "Envy," a non-traditional text written by David that acts as a poetic meditation and exploration of love.

David and Matthew discuss the creation and development of the show, sharing insights into the writing process, the influence of personal experiences, and the impact of the theater environment. He also delves into the technical aspects of the show, including set design and the immersive experience for the audience.

Takeaways

• Personal experiences and emotions can be a powerful source of inspiration for creative works.
• The immersive and intimate nature of theater can deeply impact the audience, allowing them to connect with the emotions and themes of the performance.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Creation of 'Envy'
• 02:09 Influence of Personal Experiences
• 03:06 Impact of Theater School Environment
• 17:07 Set Design and Immersive Experience

Check out Envy at The Singers Studio (134 Tarboro St., Wilson, NC) as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2026 at 7pm

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 at 7pm

Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7pm

Sunday, Sept 20, 2026 at 3pm

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets ($10) available at the door via cash, cashapp, or Venmo. Reserve by emailing [email protected]

Learn more about The Singers Studio at https://www.thesingersstudionc.com/

In this episode, Matthew talks with David Winstead, President of S2P2, Inc., about his upcoming production, "Envy," a non-traditional text written by David that acts as a poetic meditation and exploration of love.

David and Matthew discuss the creation and development of the show, sharing insights into the writing process, the influence of personal experiences, and the impact of the theater environment. He also delves into the technical aspects of the show, including set design and the immersive experience for the audience.

Takeaways

• Personal experiences and emotions can be a powerful source of inspiration for creative works.
• The immersive and intimate nature of theater can deeply impact the audience, allowing them to connect with the emotions and themes of the performance.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Creation of 'Envy'
• 02:09 Influence of Personal Experiences
• 03:06 Impact of Theater School Environment
• 17:07 Set Design and Immersive Experience

Check out Envy at The Singers Studio (134 Tarboro St., Wilson, NC) as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2026 at 7pm

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 at 7pm

Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7pm

Sunday, Sept 20, 2026 at 3pm

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets ($10) available at the door via cash, cashapp, or Venmo. Reserve by emailing [email protected]

Learn more about The Singers Studio at https://www.thesingersstudionc.com/

Local theatre performer, director, and producer Khatari Lane discusses how he got into theatre, his production company, NextUp Theatre and its summer camp for Shrek, Jr., his experience with the DPAC Rising Stars Awards, and music directing the Imperial Centre's upcoming summer production of Godspell.

Takeaways

• The importance of theater for preteens
• The role of volunteers in musical theater
• Be intentional when on stage

DPAC Rising Star Awards https://www.dpacnc.com/community/dpac-rising-star-awards

Godspell

Imperial Centre, Rocky Mount

July 17-19, July 24-26 2026

https://imperialcentre.org/theatre/upcoming/

NextUp Theatre Company

https://www.facebook.com/p/NextUp-Theatre-Company-61566918926322/

Matt and Seth discuss Playhouse of Wilson's upcoming production of The Bridges of Madison County, The Musical. Seth discusses his philosophy regarding taking artistic liberties in performances.

Takeaways

• Love for theater
• Taking artistic liberties

Bridges of Madison County, The Musical

Edna Boykin Cultural Center

Wilson, North Carolina

Friday, May 29 and Saturday May 30 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 PM

Playhouse of Wilson: https://www.playhouseofwilson.com/productions

Tickets: https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/?_gl=1*oja8sb*_ga*NjM0MjQ4ODkuMTc3NDIzNzc0Mg..*_ga_723QMSSGYK*czE3Nzg1MDcwNDckbzExJGcwJHQxNzc4NTA3MDQ3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..

On today's episode, Matthew interviews David Winstead, the President of S2P2, Inc., and they discuss S2P2's upcoming production of Sweeney Todd. The conversation covers the introduction to S2P2 and Sweeney Todd, directing style and collaboration, the importance of table work rehearsals, mental and physical preparation for acting, and an overview of Sweeney Todd as a dark comedy with themes of revenge and madness.

Takeaways

• Collaborative directing style
• Significance of table work rehearsals

Sweeney Todd

https://wilsonarts.com/event/s2p2-inc-presents-sweeney-todd-2/

Edna Boykin Center

Wilson, North Carolina

May 1 & 2 at 7:00pm

May 3 at 3:00

Matt (Shrek) and Jillian Hale (Fiona) discuss their roles in Nash Central High School's upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. Jillian also shares her journey in theater, from early experiences to favorite roles and the challenges of performing. She provides insights into the adaptation of Shrek to Broadway, the rehearsal process, and the message of acceptance in the show. Jillian also offers advice for aspiring performers and invites the audience to attend Shrek the Musical this week:

April 16-18 at 7:00pm

Imperial Centre

Rocky Mount, NC

Tickets: https://www.ncpschools.net/aboutus/news/news-details/~board/ncps-updates/post/nash-central-high-school-presents-shrek-the-musical-at-the-imperial-centre

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Shrek the Musical
• 05:23 Passion for Dance and Theater
• 10:30 Rehearsal Process at Mass Central
• 17:03 Audience Takeaways from the Show
• 22:21 Advice for Aspiring Performers

Director Seth Penwell discusses ACT! for Youth's production of Tar Heel Tales. He also discusses directing, balancing drama and comedy in theater, teaching and directing youth in theater, directing SpongeBob, theater challenges and uncertainties, and advice for young actors.

Tar Heel Tales-

Edna Boykin Cultural Center

Wilson, North Carolina

Friday, April 10 at 7pm

Saturday, April 11 at 2pm

Sunday, April 12 at 3pm

Tickets: https://wilsonartsnc.square.site/product/act-for-youth-presents-tarheel-tales-advance-/52QRSEG5MCVOJY5TBEKZ6UOQ?cs=true&cst=custom

Get Involved! https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/

Hailey Matthews discusses ACT! for Youth's upcoming production of Six The Musical (Teen Edition). Six is a pop concert-like musical about Henry VIII's six wives. Learn about Hailey's theater journey and how Six inspires confidence and empowerment in girls and women.

Don't miss the show!

April 11 & 12 at 7PM

April 18 at 6PM and 9PM

Edna Boykin Cultural Center

Wilson, North Carolina

Tickets: https://wilsonartsnc.square.site/show-tickets

ACT! for Youth: https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/

Singers Studio: https://www.thesingersstudionc.com/

Wilson Arts & Edna Boykin Cultural Center: https://wilsonarts.com/edna-boykin-cultural-center/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:08 Behind the Scenes of Six the Musical

04:10 Community Theater's Impact on Kids

04:59 Overview of Six the Musical

06:25 The Concert Experience of Six

07:28 Vocal and Character Development

10:02 Costume Design and Modern Aesthetic

11:51 Working with Music Director Seth Green

15:18 Playing Catherine of Aragon

16:05 Sisterly Bond and Growing in Theater

18:05 Teen Edition of Six and Content Adjustments

19:39 Recommendations and Empowerment Themes

21:39 The Significance of Women's Empowerment

21:54 Performance Schedule and Excitement for the Show

24:47 Final Words and Personal Growth in Theater

Meet Ada Dutton, a sophomore at Rocky Mount Academy, who will be portraying Wednesday Addams in RMA's upcoming production of The Addams Family. Ada shares her journey from acting to building strong friendships. This episode explores the dedication required for theater, the challenges and rewards of portraying complex characters like Wednesday Addams, and why supporting local productions matters.

The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy

March 25 & 26

7:00 PM

The Dunn Center

Tickets only available at the door. ($5 students, $10 adults)

• The personal growth and friendships cultivated through months of rehearsal
• Insights into the production process of "The Addams Family" at RMA
• How theater enhances confidence and teamwork in young performers
• The importance of supporting community arts programs
• Rehearsal schedules, backstage roles, and actress preparation tips

• Ada discusses her role as Wednesday Addams and her experience with this iconic character
• The cast’s rehearsal routines, including weekly schedules and tech week details
• Dramatic challenges of balancing dual personalities within characters
• The lasting friendships formed through long-term theater projects
• Audience takeaway: embracing imperfections and the joy of live performance

• www.rmacademy.com
• https://wilsonarts.com/camps/
• https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/
• https://ncwu.edu/dunn-center-performing-arts/

Thank you for listening to Cue to Cue! Embrace the arts, support local talent, and never underestimate the community you can build through theater.