Send us a text 🎭 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 premiering at PACA this weekend, including one ghostly comedy she wrote herself! ...
Jun 19, 2025•35 min
Send us a text 🎭✨ 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 Oberon and Puck are just like… your cat? 🐈 ✅ The beauty (and chaos) of Shakespeare in the Park ✅ The inc...
Jun 12, 2025•41 min
Send us a text 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, surprise drama, and a costume contest (yes, JNCOs are encouraged). Plus, we get...
May 28, 2025•37 min
Send us a text 🎙️ 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 honor Black excellence on stage 🕺 Channeling Berry Gordy energy 🎶 First Motown memories and favorite karaoke...
May 19, 2025•14 min
Send us a text 🚢 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 🧳 How her character goes from grieving widow to cruise-ship chaos 💃 Why this sequel has even more heart (and 70s–...
May 10, 2025•17 min
Send us a text 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 real-life cast bond powers one of PACA’s strongest ensembles – The layered history behind Mart Crowley’s script – Plus: ...
May 06, 2025•1 hr
Send us a text 🎙️ 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-totsy Nazis, knights in tights, and the most surprisingly aMAIZEing musical we've seen ...
Apr 30, 2025•51 min
Send us a text 🎙✨ 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 them off instead 😂). 🍽️ Get the inside scoop on Erie’s most thrilling dinner theat...
Apr 02, 2025•35 min
Send us a text 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 his most outrageous on-stage mishaps (tornado twirls includ...
Mar 13, 2025•27 min
Send us a text 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. 🎭 Tribute vs. Impression – The delicate balance of honoring Cher’s essence while keeping...
Feb 19, 2025•33 min
Send us a text 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 Valentine’s Fundraiser – A must-attend theater event in Erie, PA that supports PACA’s e...
Feb 12, 2025•16 min
Send us a text 🎭 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 the Waitress rehearsal process, the show’s jaw-dropping music by Sara Bareilles, ...
Jan 21, 2025•49 min
Send us a text 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! Special thanks to Ali at Broadway in Erie for setting up this interview, and to L...
Jan 05, 2025•11 min
Send us a text 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 it really impacted the audio in the podcast studio. Ryan Reads Reddit, where one reddito...
Dec 24, 2024•28 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan is joined at CAM Erie by Yelena Carvin and Jim Nash, stars of Barrow-Civic Theatre's production of Dracula, which runs this weekend only in Franklin! We talk all things Dracula and Barrow-Civic, including their newly-announced season! Ryan Reads Reddit, where one redditor has an incredible realization about Sweeney Todd. We take our Werner Books Coffee Break, where Ryan enjoys a French Toast Cold Brew from the cafe! Sp...
Oct 29, 2024•26 min
Send us a text On this special episode of Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan is joined by two of the stars of Dear Evan Hansen on Tour, Gabriel Nunag (Jared Kleinman) and Michael Fabisch (Evan Hansen), as they prepare to make a stop right here in Erie on October 15 and 16 at the Warner Theatre! We talk about the show, tour life, the audition process, and they give some solid advice for any actors looking to make a career out of their artistry! Special thanks to Ali at Broadway in ...
Oct 11, 2024•25 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan is joined at CAM Studio by the stars of The Woman in Black at PACA, Ken Brundage and Daniel Stripp! Ken and Dan discuss the process, learning the lines, and working with such a small team on the intimate show, directed by JD Mizikowski, assistant directed by Char Newport, and a big shout-out to Dave Schroeder, the technical director at PACA. Ryan Reads Reddit returns, where we determine who the ass**** is when an actor...
Oct 08, 2024•20 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan is joined at CAM Studio by the stars of Pippin at PACA, SaNae Stephens (Leading Player) and Aaron Holman (Pippin)! We discuss the rehearsal process, a successful opening night, and the incredible cast and crew of the show! We learned that Pippin originated at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon, and about SaNae's full-circle moment, after performing on stage with Patina Miller long before she idolized her in the very role she...
Sep 04, 2024•37 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan is joined by Adele Crotty and Tony Lewandowski of Penny and Pearl Productions at CAM Erie to discuss their new original murder mystery onboard the Victorian Princess. We also discuss the return of Tethered, and our favorite new segment, Ryan reads Reddit stories! We take our Werner Books Coffee Break. Huge thanks to our friends at Werner Books for continuing to sponsor and support the show! We love you! What's On 814, ...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Stars of the current production of Newsies at the Erie Playhouse, Anthony Nunez and Dylan Vergotz, join Ryan at CAM Erie! Listen for FREE on www.spotlight814/podcast or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you get your pods! We discuss how Anthony and Dylan got their starts in the theatre world, Dylan’s choreography woes, his incredibly supportive mother, their favorite parts of the show, and shoutouts to the cast, crew...
Jul 31, 2024•51 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Jersey Boys stars Corrina Del Greco (Mary Delgado) and Nathan Irwin (Tommy DeVito) join Ryan (Joe Pesci) at CAM Erie to discuss the highly anticipated Academy Theatre production, running through August 4! It's Tommy Time! It took us 31 whole minutes to have to use the "bleep" button. I'm really proud of us. Listen for FREE on www.spotlight814/podcast or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you get your pods! We take our...
Jul 16, 2024•40 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Guys and Dolls stars, Leah Johnson and Rachel Freenock, join Ryan at CAM Erie to discuss the highly anticipated Erie Playhouse production, running through June 30! Listen for FREE on www.spotlight814/podcast or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you get your pods! Find out what 25-year-old film critic, Stephen Sondheim, thought of Frank Sinatra's performance in the 1955 film. Broadway in Erie announced their exciting ...
Jun 18, 2024•33 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... We are joined at CAM Erie by the star of Marsha Norman's 'Getting Out,' Ashley Meyer! We do a deep-dive into the show, currently running at PACA until June 16! It's a heavy, and important story that you don't want to miss! Ryan and Brenna GUSH over Dramashop's production of Alice by Heart, which runs until June 30. They also gush over their pre-show dinners at Like My Thai. Werner Books Coffee Break! What's On 814, where ...
Jun 11, 2024•42 min
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... We are live on location at PACA's 2024-2025 Season Reveal Party! Betsy Butoryak sits down with us briefly to discuss PACA's upcoming production, Getting Out, by Marsha Norman, opening next weekend. Ryan sits down with JD Mizakowski to talk about the exciting and ambitious 2024-2025 season at PACA. 12 shows, including 3 musicals and 2 youth theatre productions. Shoutout to our incredible sponsors at Werner Books! If your b...
May 21, 2024•20 min
Send us a text On this very special episode of Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Shrek on Tour's leading man, Nicholas Hambruch, joins Brenna to discuss the production, his background, and some valuable advice for young actors ahead of the show's stint at the Warner Theatre on May 14-15! Special thanks to Broadway in Erie for arranging this interview, and all Broadway in Erie interviews and giveaways featured on Spotlight 814 all season! Help us keep the spotlight on! For the price ...
May 14, 2024•23 min
Send us a text This Week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast Dramashop's Anna McJunkin and Hannah Richardson join Ryan and Brenna in the beautiful, brand-new studio space at CAM Erie. We discuss the recent Originals Festival, the exciting upcoming production of Alice By Heart, and the future of Dramashop as they look to find a new space. We also discuss the wonderful Erie Playhouse Youtheatre production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, featuring last week's guest, Cavin Kress! Mercyhurst Inst...
May 12, 2024•50 min
Send us a text 🎭✨ Dive into the World of Theater with the busiest family in America, the Kress Family! ✨🎭 👨👦👦 Join us on Spotlight 814 as we sit down with the father-son theater duo, Cavin and Richard Kress! 📚 Cavin steps into the shoes of Greg Heffley in "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" the musical – running May 10-19 at the Erie Playhouse. A story that navigates the drama and challenges of middle school life. We hear all about Cavin's experience in the middle of his media tour #WimpyKidMusical ☕...
May 06, 2024•49 min
Send us a text 🎙️ Spotlight 814: Stomp's Madeline Jafari 🎙️ 🎭 Stomp's Madeline Jafari joins Ryan Dawley for a captivating conversation about life as a professional dancer on tour! 🩰 They discuss the unique and untraditional nature of the renowned show, Stomp, coming to Erie's historic Warner Theatre on April 23-24 with Broadway in Erie! Madeline discusses the audition process, the challenges of performing in a non-narrative show, and the importance of maintaining joy in pursuit of a dance ca...
Apr 02, 2024•16 min•Ep. 30
Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: - A hilarious exchange over ingeniously re-imagined movie titles used by Church of the Rock, for their infamous Easter musicals, including The Princess Bride of Christ and Joy Story! - Get ready for our Patreon exclusive reaction show on Easter Sunday, as a spectacle awaits at Church of the Rock – "Murder on the Jerusalem Express". Local Art Scene Spotlight: - Meadville's downtown is buzzing with a new revitalization projec...
Mar 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 29
Send us a text This Week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: 🎭 Spotlight on Luke Scribner from PACA's production of A Long Day's Journey Into Night! 🦶 Luke is currently stepping into the role of Edmund Tyrone in the Eugene O'Neill masterpiece, directed by Josh Daniel at PACA. 🎧 Learn how Luke gets into character, including his Edmund Tyrone playlist on YouTube Music , which inspired Ryan to start a Jesus playlist. 🤔 Fun Facts with Brenna! ☕ Werner Books Coffee Break A delightfull...
Mar 11, 2024•37 min
