Keith Cromwell, whose nearly 23-year tenure at Red Mountain Theatre Company saw the theater move to a new multimillion-dollar complex downtown, is retiring Aug. 31.
“I have poured so much of my life into this organization, and it was critical to me that it sustain beyond me. So, we moved with great intention a few years ago to walk a path of succession planning for RMT that is culminating in this announcement,” Cromwell said in a news release from the theater. “I couldn’t be prouder or more optimistic for RMT’s future.”
Cromwell, executive director of RMT from 2003-2024, became director of institutional advancement last year. At that time, Jennifer Jaquess was named executive director and Roy Lightner as artistic director.
“Change is never easy, but Keith’s vision set us up well for the next evolution of RMT’s journey,” Jaquess said in the announcement. “His legacy is deep and strong, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the shoulders we’re now standing on.”
During Cromwell’s tenure, RMT was 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,” according to the news release.
In addition, Cromwell saw a number of his young performers make the move to Broadway, national tours and more. That extensive list includes Jordan Fisher, Brandon McCall, Audrey Cardwell, DeMarius Copes, Racquel Williams, Kate Wesler, Anna Grace Barlow, Abigail Barlow, Ross Thompson, Lexie Dorsett Sharp, Malcolm McRae, Zanie Love Shaia, Anakin Jace White and Thad Wilson.
In 2021, Cromwell oversaw RMT’s move to its 60,000-square-foot arts campus in Birmingham’s Parkside District.
The theater also announced it will name its main stage in honor of Cromwell, who plans to stay in Birmingham.
“I’m not done yet,” he said. “I’m going to put more magic in the Magic City. I love Birmingham.”
