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"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.
A reissue of our conversation with scholar Jonathan Shandell and director Jerrell Henderson, about a little-known chapter of Philadelphia's theater history.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, wrecking crews were tearing down many of the city's grand old theaters.
"Pretty Lady" has its opening night in Philadelphia! Another dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.
John Drew Jr.'s final tour. A dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.
Broadway tryouts and tours are revues were constantly coming to Philadelphia's many large and luxurious theaters during the 1920s - here's a quick review of the revues!
The 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 across America.
The "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.
Our annual Holiday episode! Stories from Philadelphia theaters and stages during the winter celebrations of different bygone eras.
Stories of seven notable vaudevillians who came from Philadelphia, including W.C. Fields, Ethel Barrymore, and Ethel Waters.
The exciting energy and show-biz hustle of vaudeville came to Philadelphia's theaters in the first decades of the 20th Century.
In 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 city authorities allow it to be shown?
We begin our third season of adventures! Here we learn about the historical originas of the "Tryout Town" in American showbiz of the early 20th Century.