Musical Theater Draft

Welcome to Spooky Lights 2026! This year's spooky-season tradition is guided through the shadows by Carol Diaz-Arrastía, and features haunting performances from Maria Marquis, Matt Davis, and Steve Cortopassi. Together, they'll conjure witches, vampires, mysterious midnight visitors, and one very opinionated raven. Whether you're listening on a moonlit walk or curled up at home with a pumpkin-spiced beverage, we invite you to step beyond the ghost light and into an evening of chills, thrills, and theatrical mischief. Just remember: if you hear a tapping at your chamber door... maybe don't answer it.

Welcome to Filament's first-ever Musical Theater Draft! Inspired by Fantasy Football, host AJ Jaffari gathers a panel of musical theater fanatics to draft their ultimate lineup of shows. Joining the fun are AJ "The Podcast Veteran," Rebecca Wallace "The Sondheim Superfan," David John Chávez "The Classic Connoisseur," and Carol Diaz-Arrastía "The Millenial." Each drafter builds a dream roster across six categories: Revival, Musical Based on a Movie, Sondheim Show, Dance Show, Tony Award Winner for Best Musical, and Wild Card. Along the way, they debate favorites, defend controversial picks, share personal theater memories, and reveal a few hot takes. Expect passionate arguments, fun choices, and plenty of theatrical chaos as each player tries to assemble the strongest lineup. Which roster deserves the championship trophy?! Listen in, then head to our Instagram to vote for your favorite team.

Join us as AJ Jaffari sits down with scenic designer Ron Gasparinetti and director Kimberly Ridgeway to explore the wild, whimsical world of "Ride the Cyclone." They dig into the real theme‑park inspirations behind the scenic design, the presence of Karnak as a set piece, and the way color and light guide the audience through the show's emotional twists. Ron and Kimberly share insights from their creative process and discuss favorite moments from this unforgettable ride.  "Ride the Cyclone" Runs July 16-August 30,  2026 Book, music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell Directed by Kimberly Ridgeway Music direction by Samuel Cisneros Vocal direction by Juanita Harris Choreography by Jennifer Cuevas Supported by Producers Christy Martin & Cindy Melter, and Producer Charlie McCollum   Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. ——— You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.

"Tapawingo," starring Jon Heder ("Napoleon Dynamite" and "Blades of Glory"), is about an oddball who becomes the bodyguard for a misfit teenager and finds himself in the crosshairs of the town's family of bullies. The quirky indie comedy is out now on VOD! Available for purchase or rental on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home and others.  In this podcast, actors Jon Heder, Jay Pichardo, Paul Psarras, and City Lights' own George Psarras, reminisce about their summer in Virginia making the film, including audition stories, on set tales, and day off shenanigans.  Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. ——— You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.

Backstage with AJ is crossing the river into family, laughter, and love. Step backstage with AJ at "Over the River and Through the Woods" as we sit down with longtime friends and castmates Karen DeHart and Deb Anderson. From carpool rides to rehearsal laughter, these two share how their characters are similar in some ways, but express love in very different ways. Plus, we celebrate Karen's 100th show! Together, they imagine what a day spent with their characters might look like and remind us that this play about family has created a family of its own behind the scenes. "Over The River And Through The Woods" Runs Nov 20 – Dec 21, 2025 Written by Joe DiPietro Directed by Jeffrey Bracco Supported by Producer Toggle Hagan ——— Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. ——— You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.

Backstage with AJ is sinking its teeth into Halloween. AJ Jaffari sits down with director Caitlin Papp and actor Nick Mandracchia to talk all things Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, the fang-tastic farce that recently ran at City Lights Theater Company. From gothic grandeur to 2025 punchlines, they explore how the show balances eerie atmosphere with laugh-out-loud absurdity, and what moment onstage makes Nick break character. They reflect on cast chemistry, old friendships, new bonds, and the joy of building a Dracula family. And just when you think the episode couldn't get any more undead… the Count himself makes an appearance! Whether you're a theater buff, a Halloween enthusiast, or just curious how Dracula ended up with a hype man and sexy background music, this episode is a bloody good time.   "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors" Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen Directed by Caitlin Lawrence Papp Supported by Producers Marv & Bonnie Bamburg and Producer Dan Hill ——— Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. ——— You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.

Backstage with AJ is turning up the volume and the poetry. AJ Jaffari chats with director Jeffrey Bracco about Head Over Heels, the gloriously genre-bending musical now onstage at City Lights Theater Company. From Elizabethan verse to 1980s bops, Jeffrey shares what drew him to this wild mashup of styles and how he brought it to life with bold colors, modern flair, and a whole lot of heart. They dive into the art of directing musicals vs. plays, collaborating with set designer Ron Gasparinetti, and the joy of telling an old story in a fresh, fabulous way. Whether you're a theater lover, a would-be director, or just curious how Go-Go's music meets poetic prose, this episode hits all the right notes. "Head Over Heels"  Runs July 17- August 24, 2025 https://cltc.org/event/heels/ ---------- Songs by:The Go-Go's Based on:"The Arcadia" by Sir Philip Sidney Conceived and original book by:Jeff Whitty Adapted by:James Magruder Directed by:Jeffrey Bracco Vocal direction by:Tina Paulson Choreography by:Jennifer Cuevas Supported by:Producers Richard & Peggy James, Producers Nan Ho & Gary Miner, and Producers Christy Martin & Cindy Melter   ------------------- Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. – – – – – – – – – You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.

Backstage with AJ is serving up something sweet. AJ Jaffari sits down with real-life couple Luisa Sermol and Tom Gough, who play fictional spouses Della and Tim in "The Cake." It's their first time acting together, and they're dishing on everything from the joys and challenges of sharing the stage to how their own marriage compares to their onstage counterparts. They reflect on the play's delicate balance of humor and heart—exploring big human questions with wit and compassion. Plus, they share what it's like working under the direction of City Lights' own Lisa Mallette (spoiler: she's amazing). And yes, they definitely talk favorite cakes.  Whether you're into behind-the-scenes banter or thoughtful takes on love, identity, and understanding others, this convo's got layers. "The Cake"Runs May 15- June 8, 2025 https://cltc.org/event/the-cake/ – – – – – – – – – Written by: Bekah Brunstetter Directed by: Lisa Mallette Supported by: Executive Producer Sandra Moll and Producers Jonathan Karpf & Kathleen Zaretsky – – – – – – – – – Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. – – – – – – – – – You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.

Backstage with AJ is heading to Monkswell Manor! Mary Melnick (Casewell) and Christian Pizzirani (Christopher Wren) join AJ Jaffari to spill the tea on "The Mousetrap"—from channeling Agatha Christie's signature suspense to finding the sweet spot between humor and mystery. They talk layered characters, physical comedy, and the fun of discovering moments in rehearsal. It's a killer convo you won't want to miss!  "The Mousetrap" Runs March 13- April 13, 2025 https://cltc.org/event/mousetrap/ - - - - - - - - - Written by: Agatha Christie Directed by: Doll Piccotto Supported by: Producer Clint Moore, Producer Charlie McCollum and Producer Dan Hill - - - - - - - - - Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. - - - - - - - - - You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.

Backstage with AJ is diving into the world of Warcraft! Actors Anna Kosiarek (Evie) and Miranda Liu (Kitty) join AJ Jaffari to chat about "In Love and Warcraft"—a raunchy, fun, and totally unique show. They share what it's like to build cast community, the high-energy rush of tech week, and the pure joy of seeing the props and costumes come to life. Seriously, that sword? Epic. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, rehearsal insights, and a whole lot of fun! "In Love and Warcraft" Runs Jan 16 – Feb 9, 2025 https://cltc.org/event/mousetrap/ - - - - - - - - - Written by: Madhuri Shekar Directed by: Kimberly Ridgeway Supported by: Producers Nancy B. Coleman & Paul M. Resch and Producers Anita Kapadia & Feroze Taraporevala - - - - - - - - - Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. - - - - - - - - - You can email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments. Learn more about the podcast, City Lights in general, and listen to our back catalog of episodes on our website at cltc.org/filament. Your support makes this all possible. Literally. Please consider making a donation at cltc.org/donate Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice.