Owensboro teen to travel U.S. with national musical

October 10, 2019 | 3:14 am

Updated October 9, 2019 | 9:03 pm

Matthew Cates, a teenager from Owensboro, is set to begin traveling with the 2019 National Tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a world-renowned musical that began traveling the states after the film was released in 1954.

Matthew Cates, a teenager from Owensboro, was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime earlier this year. Cates is set to begin traveling with the 2019 National Tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a world-renowned musical that began traveling the states after the film was released in 1954.

“I’m going to get to work with several veteran actors and see the country,” he said. “The lighting is phenomenal and I can’t wait to play a role in it.”

Cates, who is 19, will assume the role of front light technician where he will be tasked with operating the hanging lights at the front of the house that light the stage. Additionally, he is responsible for operating three spotlights, one of which he will be in control of while the other two are controlled by local stagehands that will follow his lead.

“We are traveling to several cities and my co-workers will vary from city to city,” he said. “It’s imperative that I’m well-rehearsed and knowledgeable about every aspect of the performance so I can help to guide those around me.”

Matthew developed an interest in stage-production in 2015 when he often accompanied his brother Zachary to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe rehearsals at the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro. Zachary was tasked with playing one of the major roles in the production when he was diagnosed with a life-threatening infection.

As Zachary’s infection progressed, Matthew took it upon himself to begin spending more time with his brother, hence the reasoning he took an interest in stage-operations. Zachary’s health has since improved drastically, and Matthew is grateful for every experience the two shared together.

“Every time I think about it, I tear up,” he said. “This all started when my little brother was on life support and I really wanted to value my time with him.”

Despite all the struggles, the two show no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

“The dream is that one day, he will finish school and be on Broadway, and I’ll be right there shining the lights on him,” Matthew said.

While working at the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, Matthew assisted in the construction of the new stage, acquired many skills, and formed several relationships that molded him into the professional he is today.

His efforts at TWO propelled him into a position at the River Park Center where he worked with several production companies, most notably Worklight Productions, who produces several national tours. He also serves as the Operations Technician for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.

Other feats for Matthew include working at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2018 and 2019, and performing at Carnegie Hall with the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Destinations on his upcoming tour include Lincoln, Nebraska, DesMoines, Iowa, Durham, North Carolina, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The tour climaxes when it reaches the Cadillac Palace in Chicago, Illinois, and the Wang Theater in Boston, Massachusets – two locations that Matthew can’t wait to experience.

Moving forward Matthew is hopeful that he can find work on a full production tour that runs for 40 weeks and visits a new city every night.

His message to others was simple.

“Your dreams are more important than anything. Dream big and never give up,” he said. “I fell in love with this, once you find your passion, stick with it.”

October 10, 2019 | 3:14 am

Share this Article

Other articles you may like