In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into various Universal Studios topics, from Halloween thrills to lost Star Trek adventures. Here’s what you can expect: Halloween Horror Nights 2024: We kick off the episode discussing the latest news from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Squishmallows and Wicked Colla…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan is joined at CAM Studio by the stars of Pippin at PACA, SaNae Stephens (Leading Player) and Aaron Holman (Pippin)! We discuss the rehearsal process, a successful opening night, and the incredible cast and crew of the show! We learned that Pippin originated at Pittsburgh's…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan is joined by Adele Crotty and Tony Lewandowski of Penny and Pearl Productions at CAM Erie to discuss their new original murder mystery onboard the Victorian Princess. We also discuss the return of Tethered, and our favorite new segment, Ryan reads Reddit stories! We take …

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about viewership for the Summer Games in Paris. T hey then take a look at how Universal Pictures’ recent releases have been doing at the domestic box office Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: When was Epic Universe originally supposed to open up in Orlando In what year does …

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing the info that got shared about Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park They also look back at how Universal’s hit movie from 1975 was turned into a theme park attraction Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: In what Central Florida theme park was much of “Jaws 3D” s…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Stars of the current production of Newsies at the Erie Playhouse, Anthony Nunez and Dylan Vergotz, join Ryan at CAM Erie! Listen for FREE on www.spotlight814/podcast or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you get your pods! We discuss how Anthony and Dylan got their start…

Eric Hersey returns from the Universal Orlando Resort and gives Jim Hill a brief glimpse of what he & his family experienced down in Central Florida. Eric & Jim then take a look at the Rock’s first film role Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Why you should go straight to the Trolls Trollercoaster as soon as Universal Stud…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Jersey Boys stars Corrina Del Greco (Mary Delgado) and Nathan Irwin (Tommy DeVito) join Ryan (Joe Pesci) at CAM Erie to discuss the highly anticipated Academy Theatre production, running through August 4! It's Tommy Time! It took us 31 whole minutes to have to use the "bleep…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing box office projections for “Despicable Me 4.” They then wrap up their series about the would-be “Van Helsing” film franchise Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Who replaced Al Pacino as the voice of El Macho in “Despicable Me 2” How many floats there are supposed to be in…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what Universal Parks & Experiences has just revealed about Epic Universe’s next land. They also continue the tale of USH’s efforts to get more monsters into that theme park In this episode, listeners will learn about: Where’s the best place to stand in Universal Studios Florida to view “C…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Guys and Dolls stars, Leah Johnson and Rachel Freenock, join Ryan at CAM Erie to discuss the highly anticipated Erie Playhouse production, running through June 30! Listen for FREE on www.spotlight814/podcast or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you get your pods! Find o…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... We are joined at CAM Erie by the star of Marsha Norman's 'Getting Out,' Ashley Meyer! We do a deep-dive into the show, currently running at PACA until June 16! It's a heavy, and important story that you don't want to miss! Ryan and Brenna GUSH over Dramashop's production of …

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing Universal Orlando’s new Premium Scream offering. They also continue their look back at how USH kept trying to build a successful show around the Universal Classic Monsters Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Where can one find that new Butterbeer Cart souvenir candy bucket…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the media preview that was recently held for Universal Studios Florida’s reimagining Kidzone area. They then look back at the “Pink Panther” film series Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Where did Duffy AKA the Disney Bear initially exclusively sell on Disney World prope…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... We are live on location at PACA's 2024-2025 Season Reveal Party! Betsy Butoryak sits down with us briefly to discuss PACA's upcoming production, Getting Out, by Marsha Norman, opening next weekend. Ryan sits down with JD Mizakowski to talk about the exciting and ambitious 20…

Send us a Text Message. On this very special episode of Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast... Shrek on Tour's leading man, Nicholas Hambruch, joins Brenna to discuss the production, his background, and some valuable advice for young actors ahead of the show's stint at the Warner Theatre on May 14-15! Special thanks to Broadway in Erie for …

Send us a text This Week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast Dramashop's Anna McJunkin and Hannah Richardson join Ryan and Brenna in the beautiful, brand-new studio space at CAM Erie. We discuss the recent Originals Festival, the exciting upcoming production of Alice By Heart, and the future of Dramashop as they look to find a new space.…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest “Despicable Me 4” trailer. They then review what Universal Parks & Experiences just revealed about Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What new variety of Butterbeer-based treat is now available for purchase at the Universal…

Send us a text 🎭✨ Dive into the World of Theater with the busiest family in America, the Kress Family! ✨🎭 👨‍👦‍👦 Join us on Spotlight 814 as we sit down with the father-son theater duo, Cavin and Richard Kress! 📚 Cavin steps into the shoes of Greg Heffley in "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" the musical – running May 10-19 at the Erie Playhouse. A story that n…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the tram accident that happened this past weekend at Universal Studios Hollywood. They then take a close look at the perks annual passholders will be able to enjoy at the Universal Orlando parks starting in May. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Univers…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the M3gan horde became the break-out hit at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights. They also discuss Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova & Terra Luna resorts Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What role did Michael Eisner play in setting Paramount Pictures’ “King Kon…

Send us a text 🎙️ Spotlight 814: Stomp's Madeline Jafari 🎙️ 🎭 Stomp's Madeline Jafari joins Ryan Dawley for a captivating conversation about life as a professional dancer on tour! 🩰 They discuss the unique and untraditional nature of the renowned show, Stomp, coming to Erie's historic Warner Theatre on April 23-24 with Broadway in Erie! Madeline di…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by taking a look back at the “How to Train Your Dragon” film franchise. They then pivot to discussing the latest land to be unveiled for Epic Universe Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which character did Wayne Brady almost get heat stroke playing at a Disney Park How many …

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: - A hilarious exchange over ingeniously re-imagined movie titles used by Church of the Rock, for their infamous Easter musicals, including The Princess Bride of Christ and Joy Story! - Get ready for our Patreon exclusive reaction show on Easter Sunday, as a spectacle awaits at…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the various ways to park-hop at the Universal Orlando Resort. They then talk about how Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating its 60th anniversary Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When did Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first begin ope…

Send us a text This Week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: 🎭 Spotlight on Luke Scribner from PACA's production of A Long Day's Journey Into Night! 🦶 Luke is currently stepping into the role of Edmund Tyrone in the Eugene O'Neill masterpiece, directed by Josh Daniel at PACA. 🎧 Learn how Luke gets into character, including his Edmund Ty…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the change that’s reportedly in the works for “Skull Island: Reign of Kong.” They also talk about the Universal Monsters Tribute Store that just opened at CityWalk out in Hollywood Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When – according to Vin Diesel – will the “grand…

Send us a text This Week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: 🎤 Special Guest Alert: Brett Johnson Joins Us! We’re thrilled to welcome Brett Johnson, the artistic director of Mercyhurst Institute for Performing Arts and Culture, to the studio. Learn about the intricacies of balancing theater productions with academics and get an insider …

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast Ryan and Brenna are wingin’ it in the studio, with brand-new microphones! We sound crisp as hell, y’all. Listen for free on our website: https://spotlight814.com/podcast Or on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere you listen to your pods! We discuss Gannon University Schuster The…

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Universal-related trailers that aired during Super Bowl LVIII. They then pivot to talking about that 7-minute-long Epic Universe video that debuted online last week Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Universal theme park offered its Guests the opport…

Send us a text This Week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: 🎙️ The Artistic Pulse of PACA with Betsy Butoryak and Mark Tanenbaum Betsy and Mark discuss the enchantment of Same Time Next Year, PACA's Valentine's Day Fundraiser production, starring Ken Brundage and Adele Crotty, and how it transcends the test of time since its 1975 premi…

Send us a text On this special episode of Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast We are excited to bring you exclusive content from our recent episode featuring Rainey Treviño, the star of the national tour of Annie. Rainey shared insightful details about her journey to becoming Annie, the challenges she faces on the road, and her favorite mom…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast Join hosts Ryan Dawley and Brenna Thummler, as they are joined by Camellia Fazzalari from PACA's Weird Romance, Chris Pedersen from the Academy Theatre's Anastasia, and Jordan B Wolfe from the Erie Playhouse's Tootsie! Camellia Fazzalari talks us through the dual acts of Weird …

Jim Hill & Eric Hersey kick off a brand-new show which offers a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. Highlights include an interview with Carson Luter from Universal Creative about “Villain Con Minion Blast” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How did the 24 films that Universal Pictures released in 2023 do at t…

Send us a text On this week's episode of Spotlight 814: Join host Ryan Dawley as he delves into the world of community theater with guests Mitchell King and Keyera Zarembinski from Meadville Community Theatre's production of A Doll's House. Get an insider's look into the rehearsal process, the relevance of the show's themes, and other exciting upco…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan and Brenna are joined in studio by the GM of Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin, Kristy Moore! Kristy tells us all about the 2024 season at Barrow, including the main stage, Off-Barrow, and youth theatre! Werner Books Coffee Break! We discuss Ryan's new obsession with Mark …

Send us a text In this special episode of Spotlight 814: Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: We sit down with Pennsylvania native, Andrew Scoggin, who is currently playing Corny Collins in the National Tour of Hairspray, coming to Erie's historic Warner Theatre on January 10-11! Special thanks to Broadway in Erie for making this interview possible! For t…

Civil attorney Ven Johnson and criminal lawyer Steve Fishman sit down with tv anchor Jason Carr to break down the various similarities and stark differences between civil and criminal trials.By Ven Johnson

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814, Erie's Local Theatre Podcast: Act 1 Ryan and a very tired Brenna discuss Disney’s Frozen Jr. at the Academy Theatre in Meadville. We talk about the benefits of Youth Theatre. Werner Books Coffee Break Act 2 We had some untimely deaths in the community. Rest in Peace to Tug Roae, Gary Daugherty, and Emily M…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Podcast: Ryan and Brenna are joined in studio by the star of PACA’s Striking 12, SaNae Stephens! We discuss Striking 12 and SaNae’s background in theatre. We talk a bit about Brenna’s favorite show on the planet, Waitress, which is being screened at Tinseltown until Monday. We take our Werner …

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Podcast: Ryan and Brenna battle through adversity with studio equipment issues to bring you the first episode in a month! We discuss a few show’s we’ve seen in the last few weeks, including The Play that Goes Wrong at Seneca High School, Guys and Dolls at General McClane, directed by our frien…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Podcast: Ryan and Brenna are joined by Leslie Ford and Ash Carr from The Convent by Jessica Dickey. We discuss the show, which is currently running at Dramashop through November 19! Ash makes us coffee at our favorite place in town, our sponsors and friends, Werner Books. They just never remem…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Podcast: Alex Stone, who is currently playing Pontious Pilate in the 50th Anniversary National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, sits down with Ryan and Brenna over Zoom! Alex and the rest of the cast and crew of JCS will be performing at Erie’s historic Warner Theatre on October 30-31. Not only…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast: Ryan and Brenna discuss the incredible production of Misery at the Erie Playhouse. Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro are coming to Erie, and we can’t wait! Brenna rages about a local theatre not crediting an artist…that happens to be her father. Spotlight 814’s Patreon is coming so…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast: You may recognize this week’s guest from our Ensemble Appreciation Show…it’s Mitchell King! Star of MCT’s Evil Dead the Musical! We discuss Evil Dead, currently running at Voodoo Compound in Meadville. Brenna and Ryan give an honest review of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein at …

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast: Molly Parks and Aj Holman from the 42nd Annual production of A Canterbury Feast at the Station Dinner Theatre join Ryan and Brenna at CAM Erie. We talk about the history of the show and the current production. We also discuss the ridiculous Church of the Rock Easter production…

Attorney Ven Johnson chats with former tv anchor Jason Carr and clinical psychotherapist Tracey Stein about how cameras in the courtroom can impact public opinion, pulling examples from the OJ Simpson murder trial that was widely televised, and Heard v. Depp defamation case where clips went viral on social media.…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Theatre Podcast: JD Mizikowski, director of The Cat and the Canary at All an Act Theatre joins us to talk all about the show! We tell you what all is going on in the theatre community. We also discuss the amazing things happening with MIAC at Mercyhurst University after Brenna and Ryan got to …

Send us a text The vibes are immaculate as Ryan is joined at CAM Erie by Isaiah Aldridge and Aaron Holman, stars of Dramashop’s The Brothers Size, and the Monster in the Academy Theatre’s production of Young Frankenstein, Chris Pedersen…and Bob. Isaiah and Aaron discuss why The Brothers Size is so important, and what the show means to them, persona…

Send us a text This week on Spotlight 814: Erie’s Local Podcast: Kate Thiem, star of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, joins us at CAM Erie to discuss the production, running through October 1 at the Erie Playhouse, and Ghost Light: Musical Theatre After Hours on WQLN. We also discuss The Brothers Size at Dramashop, also running through October 1…