Backstage with AJ: The Icing on the Stage
Filament
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:...
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Backstage with AJ: Clues, Comedy, and Christie
Filament
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 - - - - - - - - - Written by: Agatha Christie Directed by: Doll Piccotto Supported by: Producer Clint Moore, Producer Charlie...
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Backstage with AJ: Questing Through Rehearsals
Filament
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 - - - - - - - - - Written by: Madhuri Shekar Directed by: Kimberly Ridgeway...
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Backstage with AJ: The Story & Spirit of "Truce"
Filament
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 truce Written by Kit Wilder & Jeffrey Bracco Directed by Angie Higgins Supported by Executive...
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Spooky Lights: "Lizzie"
Filament
'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...
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Conversation with "An Inspector Calls" director Mark Anderson Phillips
Filament
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 Written by J.B. Priestley Directed by Mark Anderson Phillips Supported by Producers Connie & Paul...
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"Rocky Horror" meets "Kinky Boots:" Bart Perry and Matt Locke are back!
Filament
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 –...
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Opening night at "Clyde's"
Filament
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 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 - - - - - - - - - Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras. - - - - - - - - - You can email us at [email protected]...
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Backstage with the Cast of "King Liz"
Filament
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 Written by Fernanda Coppel Directed by Kinan Valdez Supported by Producers Anita Kapadia and Feroze Taraporavala Season supported by...
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Rehearsal Sneak Peak for "Nora: A Doll's House"
Filament
AJ Jaffari takes us into rehearsal for the Northern California premiere of Nora: A Doll's House. Join us as AJ talks with the cast about the unique timeline within the show, the multiple characters, and more. We hope you enjoy this sneak peak before the show opens in a few weeks! Nora: A Doll’s House January 18 – February 18, 2024 Written by Stef Smith, after Henrik Ibsen Directed by Angie Higgins Supported by Producers Christy Martin & Cindy Melter, and by Producers who wish to remain anonymous Season supported by Season Producers Nancy B. Coleman & Paul M. Resch - - - - - - - -...
info_outlineSpooky Lights - Chapter 1
Filament is produced by City Lights Theater Company
Music, Editing, and Sound Design by George Psarras.
“Paranoid” was written by Sophie Mallette, read by Lisa Mallette
“Deadbolt” was written by Kirstyn Petras, read by Sarah Younan
“Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch” was written by Jackie Hall, read by Mary Lou Torre
“Symphony” was written by Robert Martin Chase, read by Ivette Deltoro
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Filament is sponsored in part by San Jose Water Company.
Comments, feedback or questions? Email us at [email protected]
To learn more about Filament, visit our webpage at cltc.org/filament
To donate, please visit cltc.org/donate or text 833-920-3003