Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast
Erie, PA's local theatre podcast, Spotlight 814 is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the local theatre community in and around Erie. Through a weekly podcast and blog, we will promote, review, and enjoy the magic that is continuously produced on our local stages.
Episodes
Ryan, Zach, and resident former Mormon James Wallace sit down with Jarius Miquel Cliett, who plays Mafala Hatimbi in the 15th anniversary tour of The Book of Mormon.
Jarius talks about growing up in Atlanta, almost pursuing mechanical engineering, finding his way into vocal performance, and how community helped carry him into a professional theatre career. He also shares what it has been like returning to The Book of...
This week on Spotlight 814, Ryan talked with Brenna Thummler about her brand new original play, Stall, going into it's closing weekend at Meadville Community Theatre.
Brenna is already known for her work as the author and illustrator of the Sheets trilogy and Gumshoegraphic novels, but Stall shows another side of her storytelling. It is funny, painful, strange, deeply human, and set entirely in a college dorm bathroo...
Kyle Yampiro is Professor Plum in CLUE Live on Stage!
On this episode of Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast, Ryan Dawley and James Wallace sit down with Kyle Yampiro, who plays Professor Plum in the national tour of CLUE Live on Stage!, coming to the Warner Theatre in Erie on May 27 and 28.
Kyle talks about making his national tour debut, the wild joy of stepping into that iconic Plum suit, ...
We're back!
Ryan sat down with Noah Silverman, who’s playing Charlie Price on the national tour of Kinky Boots. We got into what the show is really about. It's not just boots and drag queens. It's daddy issues. Insecurity. Leadership. Two people from different worlds building something together
We talked tour life, the grind, and the thrill of seeing the country while doing what you love. He also sha...
🎭 What happens when a Pulitzer Prize–winning drama about love, loss, and hope takes over one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful small-town stages?
On this week’s Spotlight 814, I sit down with Evan O’Polka and Elizabeth Williams from Rabbit Hole at the Barrow Civic Theatre’s intimate Off-Barrow space in Franklin. We talk about grief, humor, and why this story will stay with you long...
This week on Spotlight 814, it’s the ultimate double feature: radioactive drama and feline fever. I like to call it "Radium CATS"
We’re talking with the minds behind Radium Girls at PACA (Zachery Hoffman) and CATS at the Erie Playhouse (Richard Davis).
One is a gripping true story about justice, corporate greed, and glowing bones. The other has cat makeup, high kicks, and a cast that&rsquo...
🎭 NEW EPISODE: Behind the Scenes of The Da Vinci Code at the Erie Playhouse + a Preview of Spotlight 814's Original Works Weekend at PACA! 🎤
Actor Kyle Filbeck joins us to talk about playing the intense and mysterious Silas, transforming for the role, and what it’s like performing in this chilling adaptation of The Da Vinci Code.
Plus, Brenna Thummler shares the scoop on five brand-new local plays ...
🎭✨ NEW EPISODE ALERT: Shakespeare Summer Nights - A Midsummer Night's Dream! ✨🎭
This week on Spotlight 814, we welcome director Karalyn Headley to talk about A Midsummer Night’s Dream, part of Gannon University’s Shakespeare Summer Nights series at LEAF (Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park)!
🌿 Hear all about:
✅ Gender-fluid casting choices that challenge tradition
✅ How Ob...
What happens when Seneca High School theatre kids grow up and gain access to alcohol, memories of the good old days, and a bar stage? Tethered Immersive Theatrical Experience REWIND happens!
This week on Spotlight 814, I’m joined by Kristen Smith and Adele Desmone of Penny and Pearl Productions to talk all things REWIND! A 90s-themed immersive pop-up at Room 33, complete with live music by Shani Bills, ...
🎙️ NEW EPISODE! 🎙️
This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast, I’m joined by the phenomenal Kerry D’Jovanni, ensemble member and Berry Gordy himself in the national tour of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, coming to the Warner Theatre May 23 & 24!
We talk about:
✨ Touring the country with a show full of soul
🎤 What it means to ...
🚢 Hot flashes, high seas, and heartfelt hilarity! 🚢
On this week’s episode of Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast, I sit down with Teri Adams, who plays Iowa Housewife in the touring production of Menopause the Musical 2, coming to the Warner Theatre in Erie on Tuesday, May 13 with Broadway in Erie!
We talk:
🎭 Life on the road and thirty years in the biz<...
This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast:
🕺 We’re joined by Zach Hoffman and Howard Lang, stars of PACA’s powerful production of Boys in the Band, a raw, revolutionary pre-Stonewall play that helped reshape queer representation on stage. 🏳️🌈
🎙️ Tune in as we unpack:
– Bringing this 1968 queer story to life with authenticity and care
– How a re...
🎙️ This week on Spotlight 814: A TRIPLE THREAT of comedy, chaos, and corn 🌽
We’re taking you behind the scenes of three wildly different, and wildly entertaining shows currently lighting up stages across the region:
🕺 The Producers at the Academy Theatre in Meadville, PA
🛡️ Spamalot at Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin, PA
🌽 Shucked the Musical at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, OH
🎭 Hotsy...
🎙✨ New Episode Alert! Spotlight 814 is BACK and better than ever! ✨🎙
This week, host Ryan Dawley sits down with the hilarious Tony Lewandowski from Murder Among Friends at Station Dinner Theatre and the sensational Camellia Tatara from Bat Boy: The Musical at PACA – and trust us, it's a must-listen for theater lovers, comedy fans, and anyone who’s ever wanted to cry their troubles away (or laugh t...
This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast:
👻 Calling all Addams Family fans! 👻
Get ready for an electrifying episode of Spotlight 814! ⚡️ We sit down with Chris Carsten, the incredible actor playing Uncle Fester in The Addams Family Musical, coming to the Warner Theatre on March 17-18! 🎭
Chris spills behind-the-scenes secrets about playing Fester, the power of embracing your weirdness, and even shares...
This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast...
Our new co-host, Kyle Filbeck sits down with the 'Star' of The Cher Show, Morgan Scott!
We discuss:
🌟 The Role of Star – How Morgan portrays one of three versions of Cher and what makes this storytelling format so unique.
🎤 Cher’s Vulnerability & Strength – Finding the human side of an icon beyond the costumes, hair, and music.
🎭...
This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast (and Erie Reader's Best Podcast of 2024!)
I’m joined by Betsy Petoriak (PACA Board Secretary) & Sarah Little (Director of Footlights Youth Theatre) as we dive into what makes this event special, why you should grab tickets ASAP, and how PACA is working to make the theater more accessible for everyone.
What’s in This Episode?
🎭 PACA’s Valent...
🎭 This Week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast! 🎭
Hold onto your pieholes, because this episode is packed! Ryan takes the stage at CAM Erie with none other than Kyle Filbeck, aka Dr. Pomatter in the Erie Playhouse’s upcoming production of Waitress! 🥧 Opening night is this Friday, and trust us, you won’t want to miss this sweet slice of musical magic.
Kyle and Ryan spill the beans...
On this special episode of Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast:
Ryan is joined by one of the stars of Pretty Woman on Tour, Lauren Esser (Ensemble/ Kit understudy), as they prepare to make a stop right here in Erie on January 8-9 at the Warner Theatre!
We talk about the show, tour life, the audition process, and she has some solid advice for any actors looking to make a career in the theatre!&n...
This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast:
Ryan is joined at CAM Erie by Adele Crotty, star of PACA's production of Who's Holiday, which just finished a successful limited engagement!
Adele talks about the show, and about what happened to Cindy Lou Who 40 years later. It's funny. It's sad. It's dark.
Apologies for the shaky audio. There was a lot going on at CAM on Saturday, and i...
Popular Podcasts
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.