Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast

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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 Mormon in a new role, finding the heart underneath the show’s outrageous comedy, and what it takes to keep your body, voice, and sanity intact on the road.

Plus, Jarius gets to ask James the important Mormon question: why no coffee?

The Book of Mormon plays the Warner Theatre in Erie on Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18 at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are available through Erie Events.

In this episode:
Jarius’s path from Atlanta to the national tour
Returning to The Book of Mormon as Mafala Hatimbi
Why the show still connects underneath the comedy
Keeping a touring performance fresh
Tour essentials, fitness, food, and survival
Advice for young performers in smaller theatre communities

Follow Spotlight 814 for more Erie theatre interviews, reviews, and events.

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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 bathroom, which is somehow the perfect place for a play about identity, pressure, art school, toxic relationships, and the inner voice that knows exactly how to mess with you.

We talked about how the first draft came together in ten days, the notes she received from Oskar Eustis of The Public Theater, what it means to see your work come alive for the first time, and why original theatre in small towns matters.

This is one of those episodes that reminds me how much talent is sitting right here in our region. New work does not have to start in New York to matter. Sometimes it starts in Meadville, with a group of artists who believe in it enough to build the thing from the ground up.

Listen to the full episode of Spotlight 814, then go see Stall while you still can.

Stall closes this weekend at Meadville Community Theatre’s Penny Smith Theater at Cussewago Square:

Friday, June 12 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 PM

Tickets are available online at MCTBackstage.com/tickets, in person at the box office, or by calling 814-333-1773.

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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, and what it’s like keeping a fast, physical, joke-packed show fresh after more than 180 performances on the road. 

He also shares how theatre helped him find his people after being bullied as a kid, how a crush led him to audition for his first musical, and how his path took him from Long Island to a doctorate in music, cruise ship productions, major concert stages, and now a national tour. 

This episode is a great listen for theatre fans, Clue lovers, actors, students, and anyone wondering what it really takes to build a life in the arts. 

In this episode: 

Ryan and James talk with Kyle about: 

• Playing Professor Plum in CLUE Live on Stage!
• Why the stage version feels like being “shot out of a cannon”
• Making his national tour debut
• Auditioning from a cruise ship cabin while performing in Hairspray
• The difference between landing a vocal moment and landing a laugh
• Touring life, baseball caps, video games, and finding pieces of home on the road
• Singing with the New York Philharmonic, New York Pops, Andrea Bocelli, and Josh Groban
• Advice for Erie-area performers who want to make theatre a career
• Why audiences should be ready to “trust absolutely no one” 

Featured Guest: Kyle Yampiro, Professor Plum in CLUE Live on Stage!
Co-host: James Wallace
Host: Ryan Dawley
Show: Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast
Event: CLUE Live on Stage! at the Warner Theatre, May 27 and 28

Episode Description: 

Professor Plum has entered the Zoom room. 

This week on Spotlight 814, Ryan and James are joined by Kyle Yampiro, who plays Professor Plum in the national tour of CLUE Live on Stage!, coming to Erie’s Warner Theatre May 27 and 28. 

Kyle talks about the chaos, precision, and absolute joy of bringing this murder-mystery comedy to life across the country, plus his path from bullied theatre kid to national tour performer with a doctorate in music. 

Whether you love the movie, the board game, live theatre, or just watching talented people sprint through murder jokes in formalwear, this one is for you.

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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 shared real advice for college and community theatre artists. Keep going. Get in the room. Send the email. It’s possible 

Kinky Boots is at the Warner Theatre March 10 and 11. 

If you think it’s not your thing, this one might surprise you. 

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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🎭 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 after the curtain falls. 

This show isn’t just a play. It’s a reminder of how we heal, connect, and find hope. And yes, there are laughs along the way. 

🎟 Two weekends only. Totally worth the drive.
 📅 Aug 8–10 & Aug 15–17
 📍 Barrow Civic Theatre, Franklin, PA 

🎧 Listen now and then grab your tickets: www.spotlight814/podcast or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you pod!

👉 Tag your theatre friends and make a night of it.

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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’s literally flipping through the air.

Expect laughs, behind-the-scenes surprises, and a knee injury story you won’t believe.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how both casts are crushing it and why these productions are the talk of the town.

🎟 Radium Girls runs through Aug 3 — tickets at https://paca1505.org/
🎟 CATS runs through Aug 10 (and maybe longer) — tickets at https://www.erieplayhouse.org/

If you haven’t seen these shows yet, this is your sign. Bring a friend, grab a latte, and get those seats filled.

👇 Tag your theatre buddy and tell us which show you’re seeing first.

Listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcast, spotlight814.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts!

#Spotlight814 #ErieTheatre #PACA #EriePlayhouse #RadiumGirls #CATS #SupportLocal #LiveTheatre #ButtsInSeats

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🎭 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! 

⚠️ Heads up: Kyle’s mic cut out halfway through our “What’s on 814” segment—but fear not! You can catch the full segment in our live video posted Saturday on our page. 

🎟 Don’t miss this one! It’s a jam-packed episode filled with local theatre news, Kelly Clarkson riffs, and more than one Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat hot take. 

📲 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

 📅 Get your tickets for The Da Vinci Code at Erie Playhouse and Spotlight 814’s Original Works Weekend at PACA, June 20–22! 

Also, our Patreon is back! Subscribe for a comprehensive monthly calendar including all shows, auditions, and theatre events, and a spotlight interview featuring a member of our incredible theatre community. 

Join here! https://patreon.com/spotlight814?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

#Spotlight814 #EriePlayhouse #PACAPresents #DaVinciCodePlay #LocalTheatre #OriginalWorks #ErieEvents #SupportLocalArts #PodcastRecommendation #TheatrePodcast

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🎭✨ 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 incredible local talent in the cast
 ✅ Plus… a few ridiculous Midsummer pop culture adaptations you won’t believe 

☕️ Before our  Werner Books Coffee Break, we spill some Broadway tea on some "influencer" chaos 🤳 let’s just say… don’t be a “Malcolm.” 

🎭 And in What’s On 814, we spotlight the hottest events in town, including:
🎟 Spotlight 814’s Original Works Weekend at PACA
🎟 Auditions for American Idiot and Hadestown: Teen Edition
🎟 Radium Girls, Footloose, Rock of Ages, and more! 

🎧 Whether you're a Shakespeare nerd, a local theater lover, or just here for the drama (onstage and off), this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and love for Erie’s vibrant performing arts scene. 

🎙 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream!

Don’t forget to check out our Patreon for exclusive content, a complete monthly local theater calendar, and community spotlights. 

 #ListenLocal | #ShakespeareInThePark | #Spotlight814 | #MidsummerNightsDream | #EriePAEvents | #SupportLocalTheatre | #BroadwayTea | #TheatrePodcast | #EriePA

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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 all the info on Tethered auditions, The Werner Books blueberry fiasco (hint...Ryan is peddling blueberry drinks), and why you should never show up 40 minutes late to Hamilton. Or anything.

🎧 Listen now for laughs, local theatre updates, and your weekly dose of general weirdness 🫠

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or say "Alexa, play Spotlight 814!"

👖 Tag a friend who still owns their JNCOs.
🍸 Bonus points if you guess who the "Crusty Doofus" is.

ALSO! We're back on Patreon with brand-new perks! Members will have access to a monthly calendar with all local shows (community, school, and professional theatre/dance), auditions, submissions, and any special events! This will be the only comprehensive calendar that is exclusive to the performing arts in this area 🎭👯🎶

This calendar will be part of a newsletter that will highlight a different member of the community each month, in celebration of the talent that keeps the shows running. Subscribe to read about actors, directors, musicians, designers, and crew members who deserve some extra recognition!

All of that for just $3 or $5 a month! Subscribe here today! patreon.com/spotlight814 

#Spotlight814 #ErieTheatre #ImmersiveTheatre #RewindErie #Room33 #PennyAndPearl #ErieEvents #Tethered #EriePodcast #SupportLocalTheatre

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🎙️ 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 jams
 🎭 Advice for community theatre performers ready to make the leap 

Kerry’s joy is infectious, his story is inspiring, and this cast? Electric. (His word, not mine.) 

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or subscribe to our YouTube channel. And Erie, grab those tickets while you can. This show is gonna MOVE you. 

#Spotlight814 #ErieTheatre #AintTooProud #TemptationsMusical #BroadwayInErie #MotownMagic #CommunityTheatre #PodcastInterview #BerryGordyVibes #BroadwayInErie #NationalTour #TheatrePodcast

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