From Soundboard to Spotlight: Matthew Combs' Unexpected Journey

At the time, I was running the sound board for a different show. I got to the theatre one Saturday morning and found everyone in the lobby. Biz, the production manager, asked me if I’d be down to audition for another show, to which I said, “Absolutely! What show?” She replied, “The Legend of Georgia McBride. Go have a blast!”

I had read the play back in 2017 and I really enjoyed what I read, so I thought I knew what I was in for in the audition. I didn’t expect to have to lip sync to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”, a song which I’ve heard a million times but still don’t know the lyrics to. I fumbled through it, read some scenes, and that was it! Troy wanted me to come back to the Vintage the next day for callbacks. I told him that I was actually scheduled to attend callbacks for another show that same day, but would try to make both work.

Later that night, I went to see “Napoleon” at the movies. Since my phone was on airplane mode during the movie, I didn’t get any notifications until after it was done. Several missed calls, texts, emails, and voicemails later, and I had discovered that Troy was offering me the role of Casey! I immediately canceled my other callback and accepted the role. It was an absolute whirlwind of a weekend, but I believe that the universe works in mysterious ways. This will be my Vintage Theatre debut and I’m so thrilled to be able to experience this process with such an awesome cast and creative team. I can also say that while I still don’t know the lyrics to “Born This Way”, I am confident in my ability to fake it until I make it.

I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to share the stage with these fantastic people, and so very excited to perform this important piece!

-Matthew Combs