Author: Carl Peoples

From Broadway to Birmingham: How To Bring World-Class Live Theater Home

June 7, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Carl Peoples strives to keep our Birmingham audiences connected to the best of Broadway and Off-Broadway.
• As Executive Artistic Director of Central Alabama Theater, Carl studies top productions to shape live theater in Birmingham, AL.
• At CAT, Carl champions thought-provoking, story-driven community theater across the Magic City and North Jefferson County.
• Birmingham theatergoers can enjoy affordable, world-class, inspired performances close to home.

Great live theater in Birmingham, AL, starts with great inspiration. For me, that inspiration often comes from the brightest stages in New York City. I recently spent a week immersed in Broadway and Off-Broadway. I returned to the Magic City with fresh ideas and renewed passion. The trip reminded me of what makes Central Alabama Theater special. I get to bring world-class theatrical thinking home to our Birmingham audiences.

Why Broadway Trips Matter for Birmingham Community Theater

Staying current is a core part of leading a community theater. I study what is hot on Broadway and Off-Broadway for a reason. The best ideas travel. Productions, performances, and direction all spark new creative choices. Those choices, in turn, shape the plays and musicals you see at CAT. This is how community theater in Birmingham, Alabama, stays vibrant and relevant. My recent trip began with a proud personal milestone. My goddaughter, Lily, graduated from Parsons School of Design. Her degree in Design and Technology marked the heart of the visit. I could not be prouder of the young lady she has become. After the celebration, a week of meetings and shows followed.

A Powerhouse Play: GIANT at the Music Box Theater

I opened my theatrical week with the play GIANT, starring John Lithgow. The production runs at the Music Box Theater. It is playwright Mark Rosenblatt’s first play. I found the writing extraordinary. I rank Lithgow’s performance among my top three of all time. The play earned four TONY Award nominations for good reason. Time is short, though. GIANT is scheduled to close on June 28th. Stories like this one fuel the ambitious programming I bring to Central Alabama Theater. Strong writing always comes first.

A Freaky Good Time: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Next came THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the Studio 54 Theater. Luke Evans starred as Frank-N-Furter. I grew up with the film and have seen it over 60 times. This was my first live stage version. The experience was a fun and electrifying ride. Rachel Dratch shone as the Narrator. Andrew Durand played Brad with an energy I loved. The show even nodded to DEAD OUTLAW, which made me smile. For a freaky good time, this production is a must-see. That sense of joy is exactly what live performances in Birmingham, AL should deliver.

Theatre as a Conversation Starter: DEATH OF A SALESMAN

I then returned to drama with Arthur Miller’s DEATH OF A SALESMAN. The cast features Nathan Lane, Laurie Metcalf, Christopher Abbott, and Ben Ahlers. It plays at the Winter Garden Theater. I admit I doubted the casting of Nathan Lane as Willy Loman. I was wrong. Many called it Lane’s career-crowning performance. I agree completely. Lane became Willy Loman before my eyes. The other three leads delivered incredible work, too. For me, director Joe Mantello was the true star. His attention to every nuance was spot on. This is what I believe theatre should be. It should be thought-provoking and a conversation starter. The show closes August 9th, 2026, so plan ahead. That same philosophy drives the plays I produce at CAT in Birmingham.

Spectacle and Story: THE GREAT GATSBY

The big, robust musical THE GREAT GATSBY came next. This show has been open for a while now. I knew several people in the cast and crew. I wanted to see it and show my support. The production was a true spectacle. Beautiful sets and costumes filled the stage. The choreography impressed me as well. A real car was even driven onstage several times. For me, the story always matters most. As I like to say, if it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage. I lost the thread of feeling once or twice. Even so, a great backstage tour made it a memorable night. This story-first standard guides every musical I bring to Central Alabama Theater.

Bold Reimagining: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL

I then experienced CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL. This bold reimagining reworks Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS. It is set within vibrant Harlem ballroom culture. The show leans into vogue-heavy celebration and party energy. I admit I am a bit of a purist. The disjointed storyline was hard for me to follow. I also know I am not the target market for this one. Still, the production delivered serious fun. The dancing was electrifying and full of life. The costumes were breathtaking to behold. It was a true feel-good show. Reimaginings like this remind me of the creative possibilities of community theater.

Heart and Humor Off Broadway: SPELLING BEE

My final show was Off-Broadway at New World Stages. The 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE took the stage. It starred Jon Cryer of Two and a Half Men. Jasmine Amy Rogers of Boop! joined the cast. I love this musical dearly. It feels current and relatable without being heavy-handed. I laughed, I cried, and I sang along. The run has been extended through September 6th. You can still go and sing along too. Intimate, joyful shows like this echo the spirit of CAT Cabaret.

Bringing the Magic City Its Own Live Theater

My trip ended with productive meetings and time with close friends. More than that, it left me inspired. I returned to Birmingham ready to start more conversations. I want to keep producing thought-provoking theater right here. That mission defines performing arts in Birmingham at CAT. You do not have to travel to New York for meaningful live theater. At Central Alabama Theater, our team works to bring that spirit to the Magic City. We serve audiences across Birmingham and North Jefferson County. We offer accessible, story-driven community theater you can call your own. Here’s to hoping we’ll see you at the theater.

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