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

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72. Encore Episode: Philadelphia's
April 14, 2024

72. Encore Episode: Philadelphia's "Negro Unit" of the Federal Theatre Project

A reissue of our conversation with scholar Jonathan Shandell and director Jerrell Henderson, about a little-known chapter of Philadelphia's theater history.
71. The Crash
April 5, 2024

71. The Crash

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, wrecking crews were tearing down many of the city's grand old theaters.
70. 42nd Street
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.
69. On The Road with John Drew
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.
68. The Passing Shows of the 1920s
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!
67. Theatrical Real Estate
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 - just like they did in cities all across America.
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Recent Blog Posts

The Wrecking Ball - Notes and Images for Episode 71

Above, the Mastbaum Theatre during its demolition, 1958. The Mastbaum did not meet its end until two decades after the events we discuss in Episode 71. Still, I thought this image belonged here with the rest of the photos of Lost Philadelphia Theate…

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 …

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Reviews

ONGOING FAVE!!!

"I believe every theater major should know about the show. Every theater professor, every acting coach, every actor and actress, producer and director and the great mass of theater enthusiasts need t…"

Todd Kimmell, AKA Taff Appleton | April 7, 2024

Izzy

"Agree with other reviewers. This podcast sheds light not only on Phila theatre history — this is American theatre history. The generational lines reach to present day Drew Barrymore and others. A…"

Izzy’sFried | Oct. 24, 2023

Just terrific

"It IS just terrific!!"

Bob Goren | Oct. 21, 2023

Wow!!!

"This second season of this podcast is fantastic. The episodes on Hammerstein’s Opera House are well-paced with compelling details about the growing culture of theater in Philadelphia in the early 190…"

Mary Santen | Feb. 10, 2023

Informative, enlightening, and engaging

"Peter Schmitz’ deeply researched podcast uncovers important moments in Philadelphia theatre history, providing helpful context and insights, as well as resources for those of us interested in further…"

AngelPirateNY | Jan. 14, 2023
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