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/

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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

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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

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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 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.org/event/truce

Written by Kit Wilder & Jeffrey Bracco Directed by Angie Higgins Supported by Executive Producer Toggle Hagan and Producers Marv & Bonnie Bamburg - - - - - - - - - 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.

'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.

Lizzieby Kit Wilder read by Lisa Mallette

- - - - - - - - - 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 so we can continue to make art.  Leave a 5 star review and subscribe to Filament on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcasting platform of choice. 

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 CallsSep 26 – Oct 20, 2024 cltc.org/event/inspector

Written by J.B. Priestley Directed by Mark Anderson Phillips Supported by Producers Connie & Paul Boulay - - - - - - - - - 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. 

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 conversation with great friends. 

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show July 18 – August 25, 2024 cltc.org/event/the-rocky-horror-show/

Book, music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien Directed by Amber Smith Choreographed by Stephanie Staszak Music direction by Brian Allan Hobbs Vocal direction by Tina Paulson

Supported by Producers Jonathan Karpf and Kathleen Zaretsky Season supported by Season Producers Nancy B. Coleman & Paul M. Resch - - - - - - - - - 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. 

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

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Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras.

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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. Litteraly. 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. 

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 Directed by Kinan Valdez

Supported by Producers Anita Kapadia and Feroze Taraporavala Season supported by Season Producers Nancy B. Coleman & Paul M. Resch

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Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras.

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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. Litteraly. 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.