About Cue to Cue: A Podcast Highlighting Eastern North Carolina Theater
Ever wonder what happens behind the curtain of community theater in Eastern North Carolina? This podcast features actors, directors, tech crews, teachers, and the art that inspires them to keep theater alive in Nash and Wilson Counties.
Chicago Teen Edition with Livvy Matthews
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 (https://wilsonarts.com/afycurrent/?_gl=1*lr8mbv*_gcl_au*MTY1MTExMjMwNC4xNzkwNTU0Mzgz*_ga*Njk0MTcwODIwLjE3OTA1NTQzODM.*_ga_723QMSSGYK*czE3OTA1NTQzODMkbzEkZzAkdDE3OTA1NTQzODMkajYwJGwwJGgw)
19 Sept 2026
"EnVy," A David Winstead Original
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 s2p2ince@gmail.com
Learn more about The Singers Studio at https://www.thesingersstudionc.com/
10 Jun 2026
Khatari Lane: NextUp Theatre Company, DPAC Rising Star Awards, and Godspell
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 (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/ (https://imperialcentre.org/theatre/upcoming/)
NextUp Theatre Company
https://www.facebook.com/p/NextUp-Theatre-Company-61566918926322/ (https://www.facebook.com/p/NextUp-Theatre-Company-61566918926322/)
11 May 2026
Bridges of Madison County with Seth Greene
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 (https://www.playhouseofwilson.com/productions)
Tickets: https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/?_gl=1*oja8sb*_ga*NjM0MjQ4ODkuMTc3NDIzNzc0Mg..*_ga_723QMSSGYK*czE3Nzg1MDcwNDckbzExJGcwJHQxNzc4NTA3MDQ3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA (https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/?_gl=1*oja8sb*_ga*NjM0MjQ4ODkuMTc3NDIzNzc0Mg..*_ga_723QMSSGYK*czE3Nzg1MDcwNDckbzExJGcwJHQxNzc4NTA3MDQ3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA)..
1 May 2026
Sweeney Todd with Director David Winstead
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/ (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
16 Apr 2026
Shrek the Musical with Jillian Hale (Fiona) and Matthew McKellar (Shrek)
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 (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
10 Apr 2026
Director Seth Penwell and Tar Heel Tales
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 (https://wilsonartsnc.square.site/product/act-for-youth-presents-tarheel-tales-advance-/52QRSEG5MCVOJY5TBEKZ6UOQ?cs=true&cst=custom)
Get Involved! https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/ (https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/)
30 Mar 2026
Six The Musical with Hailey Matthews
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 (https://wilsonartsnc.square.site/show-tickets)
ACT! for Youth: https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/ (https://wilsonarts.com/actforyouth/)
Singers Studio: https://www.thesingersstudionc.com/ (https://www.thesingersstudionc.com/)
Wilson Arts & Edna Boykin Cultural Center: https://wilsonarts.com/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
23 Mar 2026
Ada Dunton & The Addams Family
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)
Main Topics:
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
In this episode:
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
Resources & Links:
www.rmacademy.com (http://www.rmacademy.com)
https://wilsonarts.com/camps/ (https://wilsonarts.com/camps/)
https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/ (https://wilsonarts.com/tickets/)
https://ncwu.edu/dunn-center-performing-arts/ (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.
23 Mar 2026
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Welcome to Cue to Cue—a podcast celebrating the people and passion behind community theater in Eastern North Carolina.
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