Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
Exploring the deep and fascinating history of theater in the City of Philadelphia
Recent Episodes
134
Sept. 19, 2026
Mark Lord, Part Two
We complete our conversation with the innovative Philadelphia director, teacher and dramaturg Mark Lord. In this episode we touch on many of Mark's productions that he staged with the Philly performance groups Potlatch, Big House and Headlong Dance Theatre. The cover art from this episode is a photograph from a work called Pink Melon Joy, staged in 1992, which Mark discusses in this episode. He also talks about his collaboration with the late designer Hiroshi Iwasaki, and about some of the ma
133
Sept. 11, 2026
133. Mark Lord, Part One
The innovative Philadelphia director, teacher and scholar Mark Lord talks about his early life and career.
132
Aug. 19, 2026
132. Funny How We Got Here - 1812 Productions, with Jen and Pete
Jen Childs and Pete Pryor, the founders of 1812 Productions - the Philadelphia theater company entirely dedicated to comedy.
131
Aug. 7, 2026
131. Mary Martello is Always Right
Our interview with the great Philadelphia actress Mary Martello. Join us, as she shares the fascinating story of her life and her career.
130
July 24, 2026
130. ENCORE EPISODE - Forrest of Philadelphia, Part Three
The final decades that Edwin Forrest spent in Philadelphia - and his lasting legacy in the city. (Re-edited and re-scored from our original Episode 16.)
129
July 17, 2026
129. ENCORE EPISODE: Banned in Philadelphia
Touring Broadway shows get censored in Philadelphia during the 1930s. A reprise of Episode 51 from Season 2.
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Recent Blog Posts
Sept. 14, 2026
"Begin Again and Again" - Images for Episodes 133 & 134 (Mark Lord, Parts One & Two)
ABOVE: Pearce Bunting (Ham) and Maggie Siff (Clov) in Samuel Beckett's Endgame. Staged by Mark Lord for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival in 1998. Set and costumes by Hiroshi Iwasaki. Photo by Chris Lippa.BELOW: An article by William B. Collins from …
Aug. 19, 2026
1812 Pine Street, and all that . . Images for Episode 132
Above, Pete Pryor, Jen Childs and Dave Jadico in the 2008 dance drama by Karen Getz, Disco Descending.Below, the building at 1812 Pine Street Philadelphia, where a group of young theater artists used to live cheaply in the 1990s . . . Below: Tony …
Aug. 7, 2026
Mary Martello is Always Right Here - images for Episode 131
Header image: Mary Martello as Mama Rose in Gypsy. Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia. May 2017. Photo by Mark Garvin. Here are just A FEW samples of the MANY roles Ms. Martello has played on the stage. I have so many in my collection, but I'll ju…