Shows
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaBlanka and Pat's Excellent AdventureDirector Blanka Zizka and stage manager Patreshettarlini Adams talk about their decades of work at the Wilma Theater, sharing stories of their longstanding artistic collaboration and deep friendship. And they agree that "Theater is Music." An excellent and heartwarming Adventure in Philadelphia Theater History! Music from historic Wilma Theater productions sampled in this episode includes:1) Selections from Eurydice/Toby Twining ℗ 2011 Cantaloupe Music. The full album can be found on YouTube: HERE2) Selections from the score to The Invention of Love, by Adam Wernick. For more of Adam's music, go to his we...
2025-09-121h 04
Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia"Curtains Up On Cato!" - Special EpisodeCato: A Tragedy was a famous 18th Century play by Joseph Addison - supposedly the favorite play of George Washington himself! What connection did it have to the history of America - and the theater history of Philadelphia?This is an edited audio recording of a panel discussion at the Museum of the Revolution in Philadelphia, recorded on April 9th, 2025.A video of the entire event can be found at the MOAR website, HERE.For photographs from the event on our own AITH website, go HERE.For tickets to see CATO...
2025-04-181h 10
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaOff-Off Broad StreetThe story of three small ambitious cutting-edge Philadelphia theater companies of the 1970s. Why did some survive - and some falter?For a blog post with images of the productions and people we discuss in the episode, go HERE. (Cover photo for the episode shows the actor Daniel Oreskes in The Servant of Two Masters, which was being presented by The Repertory Company in West Philadelphia's Clark Park during the summer of 1975. He is having his costume arranged by an unidentified female member of the company. Photo taken by Salvatore C. DiMarco, Jr...
2025-03-2831 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaAmericana Jubilee - 1976An interview with Joe Stinson and Ed Sabato about Philadelphia theatrical projects that employed so many local actors before and during the Bicentennial Year of 1976.In the very place where the American experiment began, regular work in "historical re-enactment" and patriotic storytelling gave young and ambitious Philadelphia theater artists a boost in their careers. This episode also provides a coda for the saga of the Manning Street Theatre Company - a story that's at the climax of our book Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia. For a blog post with images and additional information ab...
2025-03-1551 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaTom Bissinger's Fun HouseAn interview with the director, writer and artist Tom Bissinger, in which we talk about his work in the 1960s and 70s, including his all-too-brief term as the final Artistic Director of the Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia. A native of San Francisco, Tom's fascinating life story is interwoven with so many iconic names from the 60s and 70s, including working in Philadelphia with the actors Dick Shawn, Judd Hirsch, Morgan Freeman and Danny DeVito!Tom's 2013 memoir, The Fun House: Memory, Magic & Mayhem, is available from XLibris, and can be found HERE.
2025-02-231h 03
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaMary Robinson and the Drama GuildA recut and remixed and refocused version of an interview with the director Mary B. Robinson, about her years she spent in the 1990s as the Artistic Director of the Drama Guild. (Stay tuned at the very end for an brief announcement about the future direction of the podcast - and my thoughts about current events)A short blog post on our website has additional information and images about Mary and some of the productions she staged during her years at the Drama Guild: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/photos-of-mary-robinson-and-the-drama-guild/To find Mary Robinson's recent...
2025-02-0745 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaInterview: Gregory PoggiGregory Poggi successfully led the Philadelphia Drama Guild throughout the decade of the 1980s. He talked with us about his memories of those days - tussles with board members, battles with critics, fundraising triumphs and the growing audience support for professional nonprofit theater companies in the city.For a blog post on our website with additional images and information, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/images-for-episode-93-gregory-poggi/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now!
2025-01-2442 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Drama GuildThe sudden success of the Drama Guild - a former amateur theater group transformed into a professional local powerhouse - finally fulfilled the promise of giving Philadelphia a flagship nonprofit theater company.For a brief blog post with images from the episode, go HERE.Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www...
2025-01-1133 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: New Years' Day in the New Theatre, 1800A reprise of one of our early episodes from Season One, in which we travel back 225 years to a single fascinating day in American theater: January 1, 1800.Philadelphia's premiere theater company rang in the New Year with their production of the spectacular Romance entitled "Blue Beard, or Female Curiosity." Meanwhile, in the audience, there are other dramatic events were taking place! Join us on this adventure in early American life, on the cusp of the 19th Century.To see a full blog entry about this episode, including more illustrations, explanations, and a selected bibliography of source...
2024-12-2732 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Arts Centers: New Philly Theaters for the 1970sThree new Philadelphia theater complexes are built for the mid-century modern era - funded by wealthy philanthropists. The Annenbergs would donate grand new Modernist-style Arts Centers at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania, and the Haas family would spearhead the drive to renovate the old Walnut Street Theatre.For a blog post with photos of all three theaters and other events described in the episode, go to our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/mid-century-modern/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and...
2024-12-1351 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaTheatre of the Living Arts - The RemixA re-edited, reduced and remixed account of the entire history of the Theatre of the Living Arts – the first major professional theater company in Philadelphia's modern era.Photo of the company of The Line of Least Existence was taken by Bill Watkins.Links to blog posts on our podcast's webpage, with other images and information about our sources, can be found here, here and here.Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book re...
2024-11-251h 28
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaSeason Four: IntroOur first episode of Season Four - introducing our plans and hopes for the upcoming year on the podcast.Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/ Support our work and get BONUS EPISODES on Patreon!
2024-11-1512 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: John Barrymore Comes HomeLike the ghost of Hamlet's father, the body of John Barrymore would not stay still . . . one dark night it suddenly appeared in his hometown. A story about the wandering remains of a member of Philadelphia's most famous acting family, taken from Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love, a book by Thomas H. Keels.This episode was originally released as our Episode 34 in July of 2022.Please visit Tom's website, www.thomaskeels.com, for more information on his other books and upcoming talks and lectures.For blog post with images a...
2024-10-2531 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: The MischianzaAn encore presentation of Peter's reading of the chapter "Oh, It's a Lovely War: The Mischianza 1778" from Thomas H. Keels' Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love.Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love by Thomas Keels, is available on Amazon.com. Please visit Tom's website, www.thomaskeels.com, for more information on his other books and upcoming talks and lectures.For blog post with images and more thoughts about this topic, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-pageant-that-shook-walnut-grove/
2024-10-1131 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: Jasper Deeter and the Hedgerow TheatreA re-released and edited version of our Episode 36! In this show we interview theater historian Barry Witham about his 2013 book A Sustainable Theatre: Jasper Deeter at the Hedgerow, and then bring listeners along on a guided tour of Hedgerow Theatre campus in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania.Check out this blog post with historical images of Jasper Deeter, plus photos from our visit to the Hedgerow in August 2022, on our website!https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/photos-of-the-hedgerow/More historic images can be found on the Hedgerow Theatre's website: https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/history
2024-09-221h 00
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe BookAn Exciting Announcement! Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/ Support our work and get BONUS EPISODES on Patreon! GO HERE© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved. ℗ All orig...
2024-09-0810 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: The Paul Robeson HouseThis Encore episode of the podcast - first released as Episode 35 in our Season One - goes on a journey to the Paul Robeson House and Museum in Philadelphia.For a blog post on our website with additional information, images, and links, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-house-i-live-in/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.com...
2024-08-2357 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaCoda: End of the Tryout Town EraIn which we close out the Tryout Town story of Philadelphia theater - and we share a chapter of Peter's upcoming book!Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/ Support our work and get BONUS EPISODES on Patreon!
2024-08-0320 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaVinnette Carroll's Legacy: A ConversationIn the 1970s, director Vinnette Carroll brought her gospel-themed musicals about African American culture through Philadelphia on their way to Broadway. We discuss this much-neglected important Black theater artist, in a conversation with Jerrell Henderson.There is a blog post, filled with lots of amazing images and additional information about this topics we discuss in the episode! It can be found on our website:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/vinnette-carroll-and-philadelphia/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online...
2024-07-261h 04
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaWe Died in Philadelphia - Part TwoThe continuation of to the story from our previous episode, we talk about the failures, successes - and sometimes the deaths of shows and performers of commercial tryout shows in Philly of the 1970s.For images and notes about shows mentioned in this episode, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/death-and-all-that-jazz-notes-and-images-for-episode-80/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.com...
2024-07-0627 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaWe Died in Philadelphia - Part OneMany tryout shows - along with some post-Broadway tours - came through Philadelphia during the 1960s. Some shows died in Philly - and some performers and audience members did too!For images and notes about shows mentioned in this episode, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/life-is-what-you-do-while-youre-waiting-to-die-notes-and-images-for-episode-79/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.social
2024-07-0539 min
Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia"The Music Man" on Broad StreetThe Philadelphia story of the development and world premiere of that famous Iowa musical, by Meredith Willson, The Music Man .For a blog post with additional information and images, go HERESupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/
2024-06-2833 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaHollywood, Here We Come: Tryout Shows of the 1950sThe fates and fortunes of commercial shows of the 1950s demonstrate how deep the influence of Hollywood was in American commercial theater coming through Philadelphia on tryout runs.For a blog post with additional information and images, go HERESupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.f...
2024-06-1442 min
Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia"Guys and Dolls" in PhiladelphiaThe most iconic New York musical ever is saved by Philadelphia tryout audiences.For a blog post on our website with additional information and images, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/luck-be-a-ladySupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/
2024-05-2530 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaAftershock: The Serious ReckoningPost-war theater in Philadelphia reflected all the many serious issues the country was facing: Carmen Jones, A Streetcar Named Desire, Caucasian Chalk Circle, The Member of the Wedding and Death of a Salesman all had tryout premieres in Philadelphia - among many others.For a blog post on our website with additional information and images, go HERESupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.com
2024-05-0632 min
Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia"Kiss Me, Kate" World PremiereThe story of Cole Porter's classic musical Kiss Me, Kate's world premier opening in Philadelphia in December of 1948. For a blog post on our website, with images from the productions we discuss in the episode:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/rings-and-things-and-fine-array/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https...
2024-05-0123 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Boom"Pal Joey," "Native Son," "Annie Get Your Gun" - during the years of the Second World War, there was a new surge of exciting Broadway productions trying out in Philadelphia. But at the same time, the Shuberts' domination of the Philadelphia theater market was meeting increasing scrutiny. For a blog post on our website with images from the productions we discuss in the episode, go HERESupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now!
2024-04-1939 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: Philadelphia's "Negro Unit" of the Federal Theatre ProjectA reissue of our conversation with scholar Jonathan Shandell and director Jerrell Henderson, about a little-known chapter of Philadelphia's theater history.For a blog post on our website, with images from the productions we discuss in the episode, go HERESupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com...
2024-04-1450 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe CrashPhiladelphia enters the Great Depression. Although a few shows were still having their Broadway tryouts in Philly, it wasn't enough to keep the wrecking crews from tearing down many of the city's grand old theaters. To see images and to find more information about this episode, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-wrecking-ball/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.com
2024-04-0544 min
Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia42nd StreetThe fictional musical "Pretty Lady" has its opening night in Philadelphia!Another dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.There is a blog post about this episode on our website: HERESupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast
2024-03-1533 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaOn The Road with John DrewA story of an "All Star Cast" touring production in 1927. After the unexpected death of its star, the veteran actor John Drew Jr., company member Peggy Wood wrote this detailed memoir of his final tour. A dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.For images of John Drew and Peggy Wood, see our blog: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/all-star-cast-trelawny-of-the-wells-episode-69/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now!
2024-02-2344 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Passing Shows of the 1920sBroadway tryouts and tours and revues were constantly coming to Philadelphia's many large and luxurious theaters during the 1920s - here's a quick review of the revues!Even the Moscow Art Theatre came through town - as well as great productions of Eugene O'Neill plays.Philly was a real Tryout Town, with such great venues as the Erlanger, the Garrick, the Earle, the Shubert, and the Forrest, as well as the revamped and re-designed Chestnut Street Opera House and the the Walnut Street Theatre.For a blog post with images and additional content...
2024-02-1136 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaTheatrical Real EstateThe story of the Shubert Brothers, and how they began to take control over almost every commercial theater in Philadelphia - just like they did in cities all acrossAmerica. For a blog post with images of the stories and topics we discuss in this episode, go to our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-shuberts-and-their-philadelphia-theaters/If you liked the show, leave a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-theater-history-philadelphia/id1562046673Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent...
2024-01-2739 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Newest Oldest Biggest Little TheaterThe "Little Theater Movement" arrives in Philadelphia, bringing modern plays and surprising new venues - including the Walnut Street Theatre, where The Green Goddess was given a World Premiere tryout run in December of 1920.For a blog post with images of the stories and topics we discuss in this episode, go to our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/green-goddess-dressing-notes-to-episode-66/ If you liked the show, leave a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-theater-history-philadelphia/id1562046673Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be o...
2024-01-1241 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaHoliday Show - 2023Our annual Holiday episode! Featured are stories about the tightrope sensation El Nino Eddie, "Hitchy-Koo; the Intimate Revue," The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Timbuktu!, Signor Blitz during the American Civil War, and many other tales about Philadelphia theater history.For a blog post with images of the stories and topics we discuss in this episode, go to our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/hitchy-koo-and-happy-new-year/If you liked the show, leave a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-theater-history-philadelphia/id1562046673Support the show"Adventures in...
2023-12-2238 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Big Time: Philadelphia VaudevilliansStories of seven notable vaudevillians who came from Philadelphia, including W.C. Fields, Ethel Barrymore, and Ethel Waters. (We also briefly profile Ed Wynn, Larry Fine, Walter C. Kelly, and the woman known as "Sober Sue.") Was Philadelphia "The Cradle of Vaudeville" in the same way it was The Cradle of the Nation? After listening to the show, let us know what you think! Write to us at: AITHpodcast@gmail.com On our website, there's a blog post with a Bibliography of the sources for this episode, plus lots of images of the many Philly...
2023-12-081h 10
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia Vaudeville!Philadelphia, like all American cities of the day, was home to the exciting energy and show-biz hustle of vaudeville theaters in the first decades of the 20th Century. On our website, there's a blog post with a Bibliography of the sources for this episode, plus lots of images of the many Philly vaudeville theaters we discuss on it - "The Exciting New Vaudeville Theaters of Sleepy Old Philadelphia": https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-exciting-new-vaudeville-theaters-of-sleepy-old-philadelphia/If you liked the show, leave a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-theater-history-philadelphia/id1562046673
2023-11-2435 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Return of The ClansmanIn the fall of 1915, D.W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation was booked to play at the Forrest Theatre - a "legitimate house," not a movie theater - but would Philadelphia's city authorities allow it to be shown? After all, the film's racist source material, Thomas Dixon's play The Clansman, had been officially banned in the city back in 1906. But was this a "movie" or a "photo-play"? Could it be legally censored at all? How did this controversy result in plays and movies being regarded as two different types of entertainment?There is a...
2023-11-1033 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaSeason Three: The Tryout TownWe begin our third season of adventures! Here we learn about the historical origins of the "Tryout Town" in American showbiz of the early 20th Century.We discuss the movie 42nd Street and discuss many touring shows that came through Philly on their way to and from Broadway - including George M. Cohan's Little Johnny Jones, which introduced the song "Give My Regards To Broadway" at the Walnut Street Theatre in 1904. But we also learn that (at least during those years) that many Philadelphians went to catch tryout shows was along the Boardwalk in Atlantic C...
2023-10-2038 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe 2023 Philadelphia Theater History Walking Tour!In this brief episode, we are announcing all the details about how to join our Walking Tour on October 28th!The plan is, we’ll start at City Hall. Then we’ll go down the East side of Broad Street, turn around at South Street, and come back up the West side of Broad. We'll cover (among other things): the Academy of Music, The Wilma, the Prince, the Miller and the Arts Bank . . as those are just the theaters that are still there! We'll also learn about the long-vanished Broad Street Theatre, the Vauxhall Gardens, the Garrick, the...
2023-10-0606 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaInterview: Penelope ReedActress, director and educator Penelope Reed sits down for an interview with us, and shares fascinating memories of her long career in Philadelphia area theater. In particular she discusses her lifelong involvement and eventual leadership of the Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania.This episode can be seen as a continuation of our Episode 36, "Jasper Deeter and the Hedgerow Theatre" from September 2022. You can find it on any podcasting app, or go right to the episode page on our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/jasper-deeter-and-the-hedgerow-theatre/As a special bonus, you can also hear Penelope Reed...
2023-09-1554 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: Stages of Fire[Note: This is a repeat of our Episode 12, first released in June 2021]Fires were a real danger in 19th Century theater, and some Philadelphia theaters were burned down and rebuilt multiple times. Inevitably, in some of these fires performers, audience members, and firefighters lost their lives. In this episode we go on exploration of how theater fires in the 1800s affect the physical environment that we experience plays in today.To view a blog entry with maps and illustrations on our website, go HERESupport the show"...
2023-08-2548 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: George Frederick Cooke Heads to PhiladelphiaFirst released as Episode 10 in May of 2021, we bring out this great story once again!You can find illustrations and additional information about the events we describe here, on our webpage: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/episode-10-George-Frederick-Cooke/If you liked the show, leave a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-theater-history-philadelphia/id1562046673Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/Our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/To become a supporter the show...
2023-07-2150 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaTheatre of the Living Arts: The EndThe the final episode of our story about the Theatre of the Living Arts. While exciting work continues to happen on South Street, opposition to Andre Gregory's artistic leadership rises, and eventually matters come to a head after the production of the play Beclch.(The image for this episode is actress Sharon Gans in the role of Queen Beclch, in a photo taken during rehearsals by Betty Nettis Bennett.)Go to our blog post "Landslide," which contains additional information, documents and photographs of the events we describe in this episode: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/l...
2023-07-0743 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaTheatre of the Living Arts: The MiddleOur story continues, with productions of the '65-'66 second season of Philadelphia's first scrappy non-profit resident theater company - at its home on South Street. Visit our website to find a blog post with mages about the plays we discuss, as well as additional information about this episode. There is also, as always, a bibliography of our sources. See the article, "Blinded by the Light":https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/blinded-by-the-light/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online...
2023-06-3042 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaProduction Notes From BackstageAnnouncements, Corrections, Answers to questions from our listeners - and some exciting personal news!(The episode image is of the frontage of the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, ca. 1820. From Charles Durang's History of the Philadelphia Stage.)PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW OF OUR PODCAST! You can do it easily, right here:https://www.aithpodcast.com/reviews/If you have any questions, inquiries or additional comments, please write us at our email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...
2023-06-1627 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaTheatre of the Living Arts: A BeginningThe founding of Philadelphia's first major resident theater company: The Theatre of the Living Arts.As the 1960s begin, the fortunes of the Quaker City - and its theater - are flagging. Even the longtime supply of Broadway 'tryout' shows coming through town are beginning to dry up.To jump-start a revival, two Philadelphia area women, Jean Goldman and Celia Silverman, begin the arduous process of bringing the skeptical Philly audience a non-profit theater, music and cinema organization. The director Andre Gregory becomes the theater's original Artistic Director. By January 1965 - after some last minute d...
2023-05-2942 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia Theater Scandal!Would Sunday in New York perform on Saturday in Philadelphia? Were the "riffraff and lowlifes" of Brecht'sThreepenny Opera suitable for its Playhouse in the Park? Could the first publicly funded and owned city theater in the country survive in the maelstrom of Philadelphia city politics? Find out on today's episode - as we continue our Season Two "Drama Is Conflict," about censorship in Philly theater!Visit our website for a blog post with photos about events in this show, "Playhouse in the Park":https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/playhouse-in-the-park/Support t...
2023-05-1238 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Walls of Walnut StreetAn interview with the Producing Artistic Director of the historic Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, Bernard Havard.Visit our website for a blog post with photos of our tour, including many of the items we discuss in the episode:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/photos-for-the-walls-of-walnut-street/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook...
2023-04-2832 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaBanned in PhiladelphiaDuring the Great Depression years of the 1930s, some touring Broadway shows got into trouble in Philadelphia. "The People's Mayor" S. Davis Wilson had his limits when it came to what he would allow in the city's theaters.Under his administration, such disparate plays as Tobacco Road, New Faces of 1936, and Langston Hughes' Mulatto make the news, as the Philadelphia Police Department and the Mayor's reconstituted Board of Theatrical Control tried to draw the line about what was acceptable on Philadelphia stages.For more background information and images about this episode, go to our website:
2023-04-1430 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaStop Those Swinging Girls!In the 1920s, Philadelphia theater censorship controversies were usually about what women were wearing - or rather were NOT wearing - on the city's stages.A great cast of historical characters in this episode, set during the Prohibition Era: fan dancer Sally Rand, bandleader Ted ("Is Everybody Happy?") Lewis, The Marx Brothers, Broadway producer Earl Carroll, General Smedley Butler, Rev. Frederic Poole of the Philadelphia Board of Theatrical Control - and many, many dancing showgirls!For additional images and information about the people and topics we discuss in this episode, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.co...
2023-03-3138 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaBernhardt and the PlayboyIn 1911, actress Sarah Bernhardt's production of La Samaritaine met with fervent opposition from Philadelphia clergymen. In 1912, the Irish Players' production of Playboy of the Western World caused yet another Philly audience riot! What was going on? Listen and find out! It's all part of our continuing Season Two: "Drama Is Conflict".Please Note: There is nothing immoral, blasphemous, or obscene in this episode. There's no explicit language. None at all. Don't worry, you'll be fine. For more images, information and a bibliography of our sources, see the blog entry "Bernhardt and...
2023-03-1737 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaHammerstein's Opera House, Part ThreeThe last installment of the saga of Oscar Hammerstein in the "Opera Wars" - and the grand Philadelphia theater he left behind, when the war was over.We also meet the New York banker Otto Kahn - the power behind the rival Metropolitan Opera - and how that name gets transferred to the Philadelphia building.Despite many transformations, over the years it has remained a grand temple of Music, Art and Faith on North Broad Street. We follow the musical trail from 1910 - all the way to the present day.For more images, i...
2023-02-2439 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaHammerstein's Opera House, Part TwoFebruary 1909: The opera "Salome" at Oscar Hammerstein's new Philadelphia Opera House needed to be stopped, as a matter of public decency, declared hundreds of clergymen and civic leaders.Meanwhile, the impresario himself was threatening to take his newly-founded opera company back to New York, and set up the enormous theater as a vaudeville house instead! What was going on? This is the second part of three-part series on the impresario Oscar Hammerstein and his venture into the Philadelphia theater world. For additional images and information, see the blog post on our website: https://www.aithpodcast.c...
2023-02-1038 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaHammerstein's Opera House, Part OneNovember 17, 1908 : The magnificent new theater in North Philadelphia was ready for its first opera! It was "as if some master magician's wand had called it into being," wrote one admiring journalist. Everyone in the city, especially its most wealthy and socially prominent citizens, could hardly wait to get inside to see the show. But first they had to make their way through the crowd of ten thousand people out on the streets gathered just to see them all dressed up in their finest! This is the story of the Manhattan opera impresario Oscar Hammerstein, and...
2023-01-2738 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Fight Against The Clansman, Part Three1906: A coalition of African American men attempt to stop Thomas Dixon Jr.'s play The Clansman from being performed in Philadelphia. After leading a public protest in front of the Walnut Street Theatre, the whole matter ends up in City Hall, at a hearing before Mayor John Weaver. There is a blog post on our website, which has additional information and images about the historical characters in this episode! See: "The Learned Professions": https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-learned-professions/For a copy of the Kelly Miller pamphlet "As To the Leopard's Spots," there is a...
2023-01-1334 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaHoliday Show - 2022Seven short and light vignettes from the history of Philadelphia Theater - all of which took place in the city during the Holidays, from various theatrical seasons over the past 150 years.A gift to all of you listeners and supporters of the podcast. We hope you have a wonderful and restful Holiday season, and that the New Year of 2023 brings you health, happiness - and plenty of chances to go out and see some good theater, wherever you are in the world!For a blog post with images to accompany this episode, go to our...
2022-12-3026 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Fight Against The Clansman, Part TwoWe continue our story about Thomas Dixon Jr. and his 1905 play The Clansman with an examination of the early life of this formidable man. We learn the root causes of his political obsessions - and about his need to express himself in the world of the theater. Also in this episode, we finally meet J. Frederick Zimmerman and Samuel F. Nixon, the two Philadelphia theatrical producers who were key members of The Theatrical Syndicate. After listening to the episode, please visit our website, where there is additional information, images, and even a bibliography for this...
2022-12-1633 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Fight Against The Clansman, Part OneWe begin the harrowing and alarming story of "The Clansman," in Philadelphia. Although this play by the author Thomas W. Dixon is know as the progenitor to the 1915 D.W. Griffith film "Birth of the Nation," few are aware of its early controversial history,The narrative begins in the streets outside the Walnut Street Theatre, as a large crowd of the city's Black citizens have gathered to protest the performance, and to demand that it be stopped.(Please note: in all descriptions of Philadelphia's Walnut St. Theatre in the year 1906 - there is NO connection...
2022-11-2532 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaEncore Episode: "I Fear No One" - Native American Performance in 19th Century PhiladelphiaA re-broadcast of an episode originally released in November of 2021.In honor of Native American Heritage Month, an exploration of performances by Indigenous People in theaters of the City of Philadelphia in the 19th Century. We also detail plays by white performers that supposedly depicted Native people and stories in that period.The attached image for the episode is a detail of an illustration found in the book "History of the Indian Tribes of North America", Volume One, by Thomas McKenney, which was published in Philadelphia in 1838.For other images and additional commentary...
2022-11-1130 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Quaker City: The Forbidden Play of 1844, Part ThreeThe mob is gathering in the street outside the Chestnut Street Theatre, while inside the rehearsals for the scandalous play The Quaker City go on! The thrilling conclusion of our three part series! Will it all end in a deadly riot? The suspense is building . . . For a blog post about this episode, with more information and images about the people and events in our story, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/wo-unto-sodom/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at...
2022-10-2836 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Quaker City: The Forbidden Play of 1844, Part TwoGeorge Lippard's novel "The Quaker City, or the Monk's of Monk Hall" is made into a new play. The excitement about it builds in Philadelphia, just as the national election of 1844 roils the city.We learn more about the young Philadelphia writer, and how he was recruited by theater manager Francis Wemyss to provide a script for his Chestnut Street Theatre. Meanwhile, one of Philadelphia's most prominent citizens is headed for the Vice Presidency, while others of the city's elite look with alarm at what Lippard and Wemyss' play might do to their reputations. Some of Philadelphia's...
2022-10-1432 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Quaker City: The Forbidden Play of 1844, Part OneThe theater of Philadelphia was being staged during the roiling years of the 1840s. Bankruptcies, riots, labor unrest, growing religious fervor and racial tensions, rising crime (and public perception of crime due to increasing availability of journals and newspapers) were everywhere. This is the context for the first episode of our Season Two: "Drama is Conflict," in which we set the scene for the coming battle over the play at Philadelphia's Chestnut Street Theater, entitledThe Quaker City, or the Monks of Monk Hall, by George Lippard. How and why this production came about will be the story...
2022-09-3019 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaSeason Two: Drama is ConflictA quick announcement about our upcoming season of new episodes . . . For an exciting season about Philadelphia's "Theatre History" or "Theater History" - however, you spell it, this is the place.Spoiler Alert: There will be lots of drama. And conflict!Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast
2022-09-2308 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaJasper Deeter and the Hedgerow TheatreJasper Deeter formed the Hedgerow Theatre company in 1923. Though seemingly self-isolated in the small and intense community of theater workers he had gathered, his work as a director, actor, visionary and longtime acting teacher had a profound affect on shaping Philadelphia's - and America's - theater for years to come.In this show we interview theater historian Barry Witham about his 2013 book A Sustainable Theatre: Jasper Deeter at the Hedgerow, and then bring listeners along on a guided tour of Hedgerow Theatre campus in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania. Check out this blog post with historical images o...
2022-09-161h 01
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Paul Robeson HouseThis special episode of the podcast goes on a journey to the Paul Robeson House and Museum in Philadelphia. Included is an interview with Janice Sykes-Ross of the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and a recording of a live tour of the Paul Robeson House with docent Terry Fimiano Guerin.For a blog post on our website with additional information, images, and links, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-house-i-live-in/The website for the Paul Robeson House and Museum is here.A beautiful video on YouTube, that we mention in...
2022-07-2956 min
Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia"Good Night Sweet Prince: John Barrymore Comes Home" - Special EpisodeLike the ghost of Hamlet's father, John Barrymore wouldn't stay still and kept showing up! A chapter about Philadelphia's most famous acting family, from Wicked Philadelphia, a book by Thomas H. KeelsWicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love by Thomas Keels, is available on Amazon.com. Please visit Tom's website, www.thomaskeels.com, for more information on his other books and upcoming talks and lectures.For blog post with images and more thoughts about this topic, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/alas-poor-yorick/To find out more about M...
2022-07-0832 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaLife & Death in the Theater: More 19th Century StoriesAs an addendum to Season One, here are six more stories of 19th C. Philadelphia theater. We discuss Alexander Reinagle, Joseph Jefferson III, James Murdoch, Matilda Heron, John McCullough - as well as two stagehands at the Walnut Street Theater you likely never heard of before, but may never forget!To see images and more information about today's subjects, see the blog post on our podcast's web page: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/back-to-the-19th-century/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and...
2022-06-171h 01
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia's 'Negro Unit' of the Federal Theatre Project: A ConversationAn interview/conversation with Jonathan Shandell, the author of a January 2022 article in the journal Theater History Studies entitled "Caricatured, Marginalized, Betrayed". The article examines the history of the Philadelphia "Negro Unit" of the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s - specifically the history of three plays produced by the FTP at the Walnut Street Theatre.You can read more about Jonathan on his website: https://jonathan.shandell.us/homeAlso in the conversation in Jerrell Henderson, a theater director, puppeteer and teacher currently living in Chicago. A native Philadelphian, he has devoted much time to...
2022-06-031h 04
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaInterview: Mary B. RobinsonJanuary 1990: The appointment of Mary B. Robinson as the new Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Drama Guild is announced, taking over from outgoing Artistic Director Gregory Poggi.In the fall of 2021, Mary Robinson sat down for a talk with Adventures in Theater History. It was also the first time she had publicly discussed her four-and-a-half year long tenure at the Drama Guild in since 1995. We also talked about the many shows she subsequently directed at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. The first of a planned series of many interviews with historically important Philadelphia theater artists and...
2022-05-061h 03
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Best of TimesFrom the 1876 Centennial Exposition to the end of the 19th Century, Philadelphia's experienced a boom in theater construction. New plays, musicals, operettas and vaudeville shows constantly cycled in and out of the city to fill these theaters. By the 1890s, one newspaperman estimated that on average each of Philadelphia's one million people saw five shows a year! It was the best of times.In this episode we do our best to describe this productive and significant, but mostly forgotten era of Philadelphia theater history. Music in the episode is mostly from Evangeline; or, The B...
2022-04-1857 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Black Booth: Part TwoJohn A. Arneaux plays "Richard III" at the Academy of Music, then mysteriously exits the American stage. His co-star, the actor Henri Strange, remains - and strives to create a Shakespeare theater for Philadelphia's Black audiences. The second half of a two-part story.Guest VoicesJohn A. Arneaux: Aaron BellReporter: Bill Van HornR. Henri Strange: Davon JohnsonYoung Woman: Journee LutzTransition and background music for this episode was from the album:The Music of Francis Johnson and His Contemporaries; Early 19th Century Black Composers, performed on...
2022-03-2558 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Black Booth: Part OneJohn A. Arneaux billed himself as "The Black Booth" and starred in a one-night all-Black production of Shakespeare's "Richard III' at Philadelphia's prestigious Academy of Music in January 1887. Who was he, where had he come from, and why had he chosen Philadelphia for this audacious feat? We explore his fascinating story in the first of our two episodes about him.There are THREE blog posts about this episode on our webpage! The first post has images of Edwin Booth as Richard III: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/edwin-booth-and-richard-iii-in-philadelphia/ In the second, we reproduce...
2022-03-0456 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe MischianzaBefore ending their occupation of Philadelphia in 1778, the British threw themselves a hell of a theatre party! Knights and heralds, pageantry and theatricals, pomp and parading, feasting and flirting, all-night dancing and oh-so-many borrowed mirrors. Learn all about it from Peter's reading of the chapter "Oh, It's a Lovely War: The Mischianza 1778" from Thomas H. Keels' 2010 book "Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love."Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love by Thomas Keels, is available on Amazon.com. Please visit Tom's website, www.thomaskeels.com
2022-02-1133 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Everlasting Minstrel ShowThe story of one of America's most infamous - and influential - performance traditions, as it specifically relates to the history of theater in Philadelphia. For blog post with images and more thoughts about this topic, go HEREAn additional blog post, with the complete entry from The New York Clipper about the 'Ira Aldridge Troupe' in 1863, can be found HEREIf you liked the show, leave a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-theater-history-philadelphia/id1562046673Support the show"Adventures in...
2022-01-281h 02
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Charlotte Cushman ClubThe famous 19th Century American tragic actress - and the 2Oth Century Philadelphia women who founded an organization in her honor.Check out all our recent episodes about Philadelphia's "Theatre History" or its "Theater History" - however, you spell it, this is the podcast for you!For a blog post on our website about this episode, go to:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/charlotte-cushman-and-the-cushman-club/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our w...
2022-01-1440 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Mummers Parade: An interview with Dr. Christian DuComb - Special EpisodeMike Lueger of "The Theatre History Podcast" interviews Dr. Christian DuComb about the history of Philadelphia Mummers Parade, the history behind the iconic annual Philadelphia event, and the 'Mummers Wench'. Although I've added some additional material, this interview was originally released as Episode 55 of Mike's "The Theatre History Podcast." There are notes and links on his website: https://howlround.com/theatre-history-podcast-55To see our own blog entry about the the book "Haunted City", which contains many more fascinating insights about Philadelphia theater history, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/christian-ducombs-haunted-city/Support the s...
2021-12-3142 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Academy of MusicWhat was Philadelphia to do, in an age when theater audiences were Running Riot? Why, of course! . . build them an Academy, and fill it with Grand Opera.The early history of the most famous and most beautiful surviving 19th Century theaters in Philadelphia.See the Blog Post for this Episode on our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-broad-street-opera-house-blog-post-and-bibliography-for-episode-22/Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! Our website: www.aithpodcast.comO...
2021-12-1741 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaTheater of CrueltyBad behavior, bigotry and boorishness were often on display in many early 19th Century theater audiences. Philadelphia's New Theatre, on Chestnut Street, as well as being the premiere home for drama in America, could also be the site of riots, uproar - and cruelty. Three stories, all found in the published memoirs of manager and actor William H. Wood, serve to illustrate what a rough experience a night in the theater could be during this era.For other images and additional commentary about this topic, as well as a bibliography of our sources, see our website's blog...
2021-12-0331 min
Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia"I Fear No One" - Native American Performance in 19th Century PhiladelphiaIn honor of Native American Heritage Month, an exploration of performances by Indigenous People in theaters of the City of Philadelphia in the 19th Century. We also detail plays by white performers that supposedly depicted Native people and stories in that period.The attached image for the episode is a detail of an illustration found in the book "History of the Indian Tribes of North America", Volume One, by Thomas McKenney, which was published in Philadelphia in 1838.For other images and additional commentary about this topic, as well as a bibliography of our sources, see...
2021-11-1931 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Duchess of Arch Street, Part TwoLouisa Lane Drew was a prominent lady in Philadelphia, known for her management of "Mrs. John Drew's Arch Street Theatre". We continue the story we began in Part One, and complete our examination of her life and career, covering the period from 1862 to 1897. We even finally bring on the Barrymores! And, of course, Mrs. Malaprop.Voice of Mrs. Drew performed by Susan Riley Stevens.For images and additional commentary about this topic, as well as a bibliography of our sources, see our website's blog post.Support the show
2021-11-0552 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaThe Duchess of Arch Street, Part OneLouisa Lane Drew was a prominent lady in Philadelphia, known for her management of "Mrs. John Drew's Arch Street Theatre". We begin the story of her rise to fame and respectability, and chronicle her early years, long before she became the grandmother of All Them Barrymores.For images and additional commentary about this topic, as well as a bibliography of our sources, see our website's blog post.Support the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now!
2021-10-1544 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaFanny Kemble, Part TwoFanny Kemble feels trapped in her new marriage, and learns the stark truth about American slavery and how she herself has become implicated in its horrors. We detail in this episode how, after a long struggle, she finally works her way back to moral clarity and and financial independence. It has to do with the power of Shakespeare, it turns out!For images and additional commentary about this topic, as well as a bibliography of our sources, see our website's blog post:https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-rhapsodist-blog-post-and-bibliography/Support the show"Adventures...
2021-09-2447 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaFanny Kemble, Part OneFanny Kemble and her father Charles Kemble, representatives of the most famous English theatrical family of their day, appeared at both the Chestnut Street Theatre and Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia in the early 1830s, during their tour of America. Her performances would help to change the role of women on the American stage, and her stay in Philadelphia would have a transformative effect on her own life story.For images and additional commentary about this topic, see our website's blog post.Support the show"Adventures in Theater History...
2021-09-1045 min
Adventures in Theater History: PhiladelphiaForrest of Philadelphia, Part ThreeEdwin Forrest returns to his home city in the final decades of his life. He keeps performing on the city's stages, and creates his long-term legacy in Philadelphia.For photographs and additional commentary about this topic, see our website's blog post! https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/Episode-15-See-The-Players-Well-Bestowed/For more about Edwin Forrest and the Astor Place Riots, which took place in New York, I highly recommend that truly excellent team of New York history podcasters, The Bowery Boys!https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2019/05/the-astor-place-riot-massacre-at-busy.htmlIf you liked the show, leave...
2021-08-2030 min