Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia

Exploring the deep and fascinating history of theater in the City of Philadelphia

Recent Episodes

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135. Whit MacLaughlin Finds His Utopia
135
Oct. 11, 2026

135. Whit MacLaughlin Finds His Utopia

The Philadelphia director talks with us about his life's journey, and how he found his new Home in Art in the "failed Utopia" of Philadelphia.
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134. Mark Lord, Part Two
134
Sept. 19, 2026

134. Mark Lord, Part Two

Mark discusses his work with in the Philly theater world of the 1990s and early 2000s, and about the life and work of the designer Hiroshi Iwasaki.
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133. Mark Lord, Part One
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.
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132. Funny How We Got Here - 1812 Productions, with Jen and Pete
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.
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131. Mary Martello is Always Right
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.
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130. ENCORE EPISODE - Forrest of Philadelphia, Part Three
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.)
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Recent Blog Posts

Images for Episode 135: "Whit MacLaughlin Finds His Utopia"
Oct. 11, 2026

Images for Episode 135: "Whit MacLaughlin Finds His Utopia"

Above: In a July 1978 photo from the Bloomsburg PA Morning Press, a young Whit MacLaughlin plays Cleante to John Chism's Tartuffe in the newly-founded Bloomsburg Ensemble Theatre' production of Moliere's classic comedyTartuffe. Below: In another pho…
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"Begin Again and Again" - Images for Episodes 133 & 134 (Mark Lord, Parts One & Two)
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 …
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1812 Pine Street, and all that . . Images for Episode 132
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 …
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Reviews

Fun and informative!

"Great Listening. Peter graciously expresses his enthusiasm for the subject with each anecdote he tells. Like a seasoned storyteller, Peter shares such interesting facts with style. And this is well r…"

tg53 | Aug. 16, 2022

Driving Under the Influence of Adventures in Theatre History: Philadelphia. ;)

"Well, my wife Bonnie and I finally binged your entire Adventures in Theatre History: Philadelphia podcasts. We'd jump in the car; fire up Apple Podcast; tune in; and drive around LA listening to your…"

Jim Lambert | Sept. 1, 2025

Well Researched and Compelling

"Fascinating history I had never heard before. Such good use of historical records combined with thoughtful analysis and entertaining delivery."

Lauren I | Dec. 27, 2022

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

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

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
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