As You Mic It: In the Spotlight explores two very different journeys from page to stage.

Connie Behringer welcomes Young Company members India Profitt and Ian Higgins to discuss Sheila the Magical, Jason King Jones' original family musical. They share their experience as Young Company artists, introduce the story behind the production, and perform "Take Care," an original song by Pax Ressler and Jason King Jones that offers a glimpse into the challenges at the center of the story.

Later, Jason King Jones sits down with director Matt Pfeiffer to discuss Ken Ludwig's Moriarty, the inventive theatrical adventure inspired by Sherlock Holmes. Their conversation explores adapting familiar characters for the stage, bringing fresh perspective to one of literature's greatest rivalries, and Matt's history and future with PSF.

From an original musical to a classic mystery reimagined, this episode celebrates the many ways theatre invites audiences into unforgettable stories.

Hosts: Jason King Jones and Connie Behringer

Guests: Ian Higgins, India Profitt, and Matt Pfeiffer

Additional Music: Pax Ressler and Lyrics by Jason King Jones

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As You Mic It: In the Spotlight welcomes two longtime Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival friends, Karen Peakes and Ian Merrill Peakes, for a conversation about theatre, family, and a Festival they have helped shape for decades.

Jason King Jones sits down with Karen and Ian to discuss performing together in this season's rotating repertory productions of Romeo and Juliet and Moriarty, the unique experience of balancing marriage, parenthood, and life as working actors.

They also reflect on their years at PSF, the friendships that have endured, and the moments that continue to bring them back each summer. Filled with laughter, stories from behind the scenes, and a few unexpected detours, this episode celebrates the artists, relationships, and sense of community that have become part of the Festival's legacy.

Host: Jason King Jones

Guests: Karen Peakes and Ian Merrill Peakes

• Ken Ludwig's Moriarty at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
• AYMI: Moriarty Prologue
• AYMI: Romeo and Juliet - Prologue
• Romeo & Juliet at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Mentioned in this episode:

Become an Underwriter Today!

Contact podcast@pashakespeare.org for more information.

Collaboration makes great theatre!

Become a supporter, today! https://pashakespeare.org/support/

As You Mic It: In the Spotlight celebrates Community Day at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival with a special episode highlighting the people, stories, and traditions that have shaped PSF for 35 seasons.

Artistic Director Jason King Jones sits down with longtime festival, Suzanne O'Donnell, to reflect on her history with PSF, raising a family alongside the company, and watching the Festival grow into the community it is today.

Later, Jason welcomes Arrianna Daniels, Darin "Frankie" Earl II, Mark Yowakim, and Eli Lynn for a conversation about finding their way back to PSF. They share what it means to return to a company that feels like home, how they describe the Festival to artists who have never experienced it, and the friendships and artistic community that make each season unique.

Between conversations, our friends weighs in on an absurd reading of AITA, proving that even the world's greatest consulting detective and his adversaries aren't immune to modern internet judgment.

The episode closes with a special performance from the Young Company, featuring an original song inspired by As You Like It and written by Ryan Plunkett, celebrating the creativity and talent that continue to shape the Festival's future.

Whether you've been with PSF since the beginning or are joining us for the first time, this Community Day episode is a celebration of the artists, audiences, and community that have made the Festival feel like home for 35 seasons.

Host: Jason King Jones

Guests: Arrianna Daniels, Darin Earl II, Suzanne O'Donnell, Mark Yowakim, and the PSF Young Company cast of As You Like It

PSF Young Company Cast: Tyler Borneo, Ian Higgins, Mariana Marcel, Mayrali Melendez, Joanna McShaffry, Teddy Novak, Ryan Plunkett, India Profitt, Isabella Stevens

• AYMI: Suzanne O'Donnell returns to PSF
• AYMI: Romeo and Juliet - Prologue
• Moriarty at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
• Romeo & Juliet at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

Mentioned in this episode:

Collaboration Makes Great Theatre

Collaboration makes great theatre, both onstage and off. Support PSF today! https://pashakespeare.org/support/

Single Tickets on Sale Now

Subscriptions for the 2026 Summer Theatre Series

pashakespeare.org/tickets/

Become an Underwriter Today!

Contact podcast@pashakespeare.org for more information.