Filament

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.