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

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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 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.

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

– – – – – – – – –
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.

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/

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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 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.

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.