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 sha...
May 23, 2025•21 min
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/ - - - ...
Apr 04, 2025•25 min
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 07, 2025•27 min
Backstage with AJ is going festive! “Truce: A Christmas Wish from the Great War,” director Angie Higgins, and sound designer George Psarras, join AJ Jaffari in conversation about this lovely, holiday production. They discuss the humanity of the show, the music that moves the story along, and how this version is different from the original that was produced in 2014. Plus, will AJ see more plays?! Listen to find out! Truce: A Christmas Wish from the Great War November 29- December 22, 2024 cltc.or...
Dec 18, 2024•26 min
'Lizzie Borden took an axe And gave her mother forty whacks.....' The tale of Lizzie Borden and what happened in Fall River, Massachusetts is one that continues to haunt American history and cultural lore. In this adaptation of the story, be prepared to get inside Lizzie's head and experience what may have lead up to that fateful event. Lizzie by Kit Wilder read by Lisa Mallette - - - - - - - - - Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarr...
Oct 31, 2024•41 min
AJ Jaffair is back, backstage! This time he's joined by director Mark Anderson Phillips as they discuss "An Inspector Calls." The conversation starts with talk about the cultural significance of the sinking of the Titanic and how that connects to the play, then leads into more specifics about why this script, and why now. They go over the stark, icy set, and even contemplate where the characters in the show would be after the curtain falls. An Inspector Calls Sep 26 – Oct 20, 2024 cltc.org/event...
Oct 15, 2024•30 min
It’s a Rocky Horror/Kinky Boots crossover episode! Last summer, Bart Perry and Matt Locke won our hearts as Lola and Charlie in the musical Kinky Boots . Now the two are back together in Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show as the seductive Dr.Frank-N-Furter and the enigmatic Riff Raff. The two join AJ Jaffari as they reminisce over Kinky Boots and discuss how they first learned about Rocky Horror . Plus, what's it like acting on stage when the audience gets to call back at you?! A great conv...
Jul 23, 2024•18 min
AJ Jaffari takes us to opening night of "Clyde's" at City Lights! Join for conversation with cast members and other City Lights artists and friends about the power of this show and it's story. Clyde's May 16 – Jun 9, 2024 cltc.org/clyde's Written by Lynn Nottage Directed by Aldo Billingsea Supported by Producers Sandra Moll & Rick Holden Season supported by Season Producers Nancy B. Coleman & Paul M. Resch - - - - - - - - - Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editi...
Jun 03, 2024•38 min
We're back with another episode of Backstage with AJ! Join AJ Jaffari as he interviews cast members from our current show, "King Liz." You can learn about Davied Morales' first role on stage, Caitlin Papp's opinion on playing a villanous character, and more! "King Liz" runs through April 21, so there's still time to see this vibrant, drama about life as a sports agent- and the chaos and humor that comes with that. King Liz March 21 – April 21, 2024 cltc.org/king-liz Written by Fernanda Coppel Di...
Apr 11, 2024•18 min
AJ Jaffari takes us into rehearsal for the Northern California premiere of Nora: A Doll's House . Join us as AJ talks with the cast about the unique timeline within the show, the multiple characters, and more. We hope you enjoy this sneak peak before the show opens in a few weeks! Nora: A Doll’s House January 18 – February 18, 2024 cltc.org/nora Written by Stef Smith, after Henrik Ibsen Directed by Angie Higgins Supported by Producers Christy Martin & Cindy Melter, and by Producers who wish ...
Jan 10, 2024•28 min
We’re backstage with AJ Jaffari after opening night of Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot; Or Holmes for the Holidays. We talk to the audience members about the show, some of the actors let us in on their favorite moments, and we even hear from Producer Clint Moore, who’s beautiful green car is in our production photos! Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot; Or Holmes for the Holidays Runs Nov 16 – Dec 17, 2023 cltc.org/games-afoot Written by Ken Ludwig Directed by Mark Anderson Phillips Supported by Produce...
Dec 13, 2023•16 min
Spooky Lights 2023 - - - - - - - - - Our annual Halloween episode, this year filled with all true spooky tales and haunted stories. Hosted by Steve Cortopassi. “Nutcracker,” written and read by Derek McCaw “A Cold Show” written by Adam L. Brinklow and read by AJ Jaffari “Ghost Stories” written by Jen Groening and read by Anne Younan “Our Ghost” written by Nikki Huth and read by Rebecca Wallace - - - - - - - - - Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design ...
Oct 31, 2023•26 min
Lights Up! 2023! Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company. Please leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice. You can email us at filament@cltc.org 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 . Second Hand Gods by Peggy Powell Directing for this episode by Caitlin Papp. Music, editing and sound design by G...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 9 min
City Lights first worked with Music Director Katie Coleman in 2017’s rock musical “LIZZIE.” Since then Katie has gone on to work on many exciting projects. She most recently completed a national tour as Music Director of the smash hit musical “Six.” And before that she worked on the worldwide sensation that is “Hamilton," while it was in San Francisco. She recently caught up with City Lights actor and sound designer George Psarras where they chatted about everything from tour life to pit life, a...
Jun 14, 2023•53 min
Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. - - - - - - - - - Our annual Halloween episode filled with spooky tales and haunted stories. Narration by Steve Cortopassi. - - - - - - - - - “Creepypasta” written and performed by Allie Costa “They’re in There” by John Busser Voice acting provided by Caitlin Papp and Samantha Resch “Tell-Tale” by Peter Dakutis Voice acting provided by Filip Hofman “Just Plants” by Evan Baughfman Voice acting ...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 17 min
Lights Up! 2022: Episode 2 Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company.Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras, featuring guitars by Paul Psarras.Directing for this episode by Melinda Marks. Amelia, Still was written and performed by Allie Costa It’s Time to Come Out Now by Guy R. NewshamVoice acting provided by: Arcadia Conrad as Robbie Kyle Smith as Sam Viewer Discretion Advised by Alethea Shirilan-HowlettVoice acting provided by: Nita Duarte Lambert as Mom Skyler Riordan as...
Aug 31, 2022•55 min
Lights Up! 2022 Episode 1 Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company.Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras, featuring guitars by Paul Psarras.Directing for this episode by Sarah Younan. Jenny’s In Hell by Courtney BaileyVoice acting provided by: Catie Sheley as Automated Voice Mary Lou Torre as Petitioner Pippy by Russell WeeksVoice acting for provided by: Carol Amalia as Amy Mary Lou Torre as Dr. Jay Play House by Sage MartinVoice acting provided by: Mary Lou Torre as Mari...
Aug 30, 2022•51 min
Ever wonder how long it takes to make a Pixar movie? 1 year? 3 years? Try 7. Pixar senior creative Dan Scanlon drew from a very personal story when writing the 2020 Academy Award-nominated Pixar film Onward , starring Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, who play two brothers trying to reconnect with their father who has long since passed, through the world of magic. But Pratt and Holland didn’t always voice brothers Barley and Ian. Through a process called “scratch,” Ian was originally voiced by writer...
Aug 16, 2022•51 min
Spooky Lights: Episode 2 - Halloween/Samhain Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. “Stones” was written and read by Rebecca Wallace “Don’t Throw the Doll Baby Out with the Bloodbath Water” was written by Allison Fradkin and read by Erin Southard “Singed” was written by Sophie Mallette and read by Lisa Mallette “The Watchers” was written by Lauren Doyle and read by Anne Younan --------------------- Filament is sponsored in part by ...
Jul 21, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Spooky Lights - Chapter 1 Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. “Paranoid” was written by Sophie Mallette, read by Lisa Mallette “Deadbolt” was written by Kirstyn Petras, read by Sarah Younan “Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch” was written by Jackie Hall, read by Mary Lou Torre “Symphony” was written by Robert Martin Chase, read by Ivette Deltoro ------------------------------- Filament is sponsored in part by San Jose Water Company...
Oct 29, 2021•48 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Created in 2013 by Julia Halprin Jackson, Melinda Marks and Nicole Hughes, Play on Words is a literary arts series that unites emerging and established artists. More than 60 writers have seen their words spotlighted on stage: playwrights, poets, fiction writers, memoirists and more. This 1st episode of Filament's 3rd season features writer Melissa Flores Anderson interviewed by Rebecca Wallace on May 13th, 2021 for the City Lights online program, The Next Stage. Sound editing by George Psarras P...
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 1
A ctor, director, and playwright Doug Brook was interviewed by Rebecca Wallace on May 6th, 2021 for the City Lights weekly online program, The Next Stage. Sound editing by George Psarras Filament is sponsored in part by San Jose Water Company - - - - - - - - - - Doug Brook has played Tevye, F.D.R. and J.P. Morgan; written plays that have premiered on both coasts; and directed everything from intimate dramas to iconic musicals. And he’s the king of puns (check out his Twitter feed ). Born and rai...
May 18, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 9
This is the final week of our 2021 New Play Festival - Lights Up! Every Tuesday this month we've brought you two brand new plays and we hope you've enjoyed listening to them. If you haven't listened to all of them head on back to Episode 5. Drop us an email and let us know what you thought! filament@cltc.org. Gram Scams and Until Tomorrow Directed by Melinda Marks Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras Gram Scams by Cary Pepper Voic...
Apr 27, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Welcome to the third week of our 2021 New Play Festival - Lights Up! Every Tuesday in the month of April we will bring you two brand new plays. Drop us a note at filament@cltc.org and let us know what you thought of these plays! Backseat Driver and Widow in Flight Directing for this episode by Melinda Marks Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras Backseat Driver by Scott Mullen Voice acting for Backseat Driver provided by: Oluchi Nwo...
Apr 20, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 7
This is the second week of our 2021 New Play Festival - Lights Up! Every Tuesday in the month of April we will bring you two brand new plays. Bar Belle and Take This Job and Shove It Directed by Roneet Aliza Rahamim Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras Bar Belle by Janis Holm Voice acting for Bar Belle provided by: Leigh Rondon-Davis as Ro Chiarra Sorci as Bree (Casey) Arcadia Conrad as Madge Take This Job and Shove It by Ron Rose...
Apr 13, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 6
This week marks the beginning of our 2021 New Play Festival - Lights Up! A new episode will be released every Tuesday in April featuring two brand new plays. The Clown & On Her Wavelength Directed by Melinda Marks Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company The Clown by Miranda Caravalho Voice acting for The Clown provided by: Leigh Rondon-Davis as Mave Kieran Beccia as Socks On Her Wavelength by John Levine Voice acting for On Her W...
Apr 06, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Bonus Episode! Michael Mitnick and Houdini's Bathtub What do Michael Mitnick and Houdini's bathtub have to do with each other? Find out in this short but hilarious bonus story that came up while taping our previous episode: A Conversation with Playwright, Screenwriter, and Songwriter Michael Mitnick . Sound design and editing by George Psarras To donate, please visit cltc.org/donate or text 833-920-3003 Comments, feedback or questions? Email us at filament@cltc.org To learn more about Filament, ...
Apr 01, 2021•10 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Playwright, Screenwriter & Songwriter Michael Mitnick In conversation with George Psarras on March 11th, 2021 for the City Lights weekly online program, The Next Stage. Sound editing by George Psarras - - - - - - - - - - The Giver with Meryl Streep. The new musical Scotland, PA , which the New York Times called “a kick-ass party.” The City Lights world premiere Spacebar: A Broadway Play by Kyle Sugarman . These are just a few of the highlights on writer Michael Mitnick ’s resume. A playwrigh...
Mar 30, 2021•56 min•Season 2Ep. 3
James Monroe Iglehart: Bay Area to Broadway Interviewed by Rebecca Wallace on March 4th, 2021 for the City Lights weekly online program, The Next Stage. Sound editing by George Psarras - - - - - - - - - - James Monroe Iglehart is one of everyone’s favorite Bay Area-to-Broadway stories. We’ve cheered him on for years at TheatreWorks, Foothill Music Theatre and other local stages. Today, this musical-theater powerhouse has fans all over the world. James won the Tony in 2014 for his ebullient portr...
Mar 23, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Much Ado About Nothing Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. This episode’s version was adapted by Max Tachis, and directed by Caitlin Papp. Music, editing and sound design by George Psarras. Voice acting was provided by: Melissa Jones as Beatrice (& others) Maria Marquis as Benedick (& others) Jeffrey Bracco as Don Antonio (& others) Max Tachis as Don John/Don Pedro Ronee...
Feb 09, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 1
