Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia

An in-depth podcast about the history of American theater, with great entertainment values! We tell the stories about the fascinating world of theater in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania over the last three centuries.

Recent Episodes

March 15, 2024

70. 42nd Street

"Pretty Lady" has its opening night in Philadelphia! Another dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.
Feb. 23, 2024

69. On The Road with John Drew

John Drew Jr.'s final tour. A dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.
Feb. 11, 2024

68. The Passing Shows of the 1920s

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!
Jan. 27, 2024

67. Theatrical Real Estate

The story of the Shubert Brothers, and how they began to take control over almost every commercial theater in Philadelphia - and in almost every other city in America.
Jan. 12, 2024

66. The Newest Oldest Biggest Little Theater

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 19…
Dec. 22, 2023

65. Holiday Show - 2023

Our annual Holiday episode! Stories from Philadelphia theaters and stages during the winter celebrations of different bygone eras.

Recent Blog Posts

All Star Cast! Trelawny of the "Wells" - Episode 69

Cartoon by Charles Bell, published in the Philadelphia Inquirer on April 5, 1927, showing the "All-Star Company" of Trelawny of the "Wells."Below, photographs of John Drew, Jr., and Peggy Wood, taken during the 1920s.(Both from the online collection…

it's Show Time! - Notes and Images for Episode 68

An image made by the architectural firm of Hoffman-Henon as publicity for the new  Erlanger Theatre on 21st and Market.Below, the newspaper ad for the first show ever done at the Erlanger, Jerome Kern's Criss Cross, next to a photo of the …

The Shuberts and their Philadelphia theaters - Notes to Episode 67

The Brothers Shubert - Jake, Sam and Lee. (Photos from the Shubert Archives, New York)First,  a photo of Lionel Barrymore as a struggling young actor, about the time he first got hired by Sam Shubert in The Brixton Burglary.But since the e…