Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast

Jarius Miquel Cliett Talks The Book of Mormon with Broadway in Erie

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/fan_mail/new] 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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/support]

Brenna Thummler's Original Play, Stall, at Meadville Community Theatre

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/fan_mail/new] 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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/support]

Spotlight 814: Kyle Yampiro is Professor Plum in CLUE Live on Stage!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/fan_mail/new] 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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/support]

Spotlight 814: Noah Silverman as Charlie Price in the Kinky Boots National Tour

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/fan_mail/new] 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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/support]

Rabbit Hole at Barrow Civic Theatre: Spotlight 814 Interviews Evan O’Polka & Elizabeth Williams

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/fan_mail/new] 🎭 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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182098/support]