Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
Exploring the deep and fascinating history of theater in the City of Philadelphia
Recent Episodes
133
Sept. 11, 2026
Mark Lord, Part One
We begin our conversation with the innovative Philadelphia director, teacher and scholar Mark Lord, for many years a distinguished theater professor at Bryn Mawr College in the Philly suburbs. Mark's life story starts us on a journey we are taking on the podcast, during which we will meet many of the most innovative and cutting-edge theater artists of the modern era of Philadelphia theater. Support the show "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent
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.
128
July 10, 2026
128. ENCORE EPISODE: "Guys and Dolls" in Philadelphia
Sharing again the story of how Philadelphia saved the pre-Broadway tryout run of this very New York show!
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Recent Blog Posts
Aug. 19, 2026
1812 Pine Street, and all that . .
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…
June 13, 2026
Shantytown, the Siege of Paris and the Alhambra Palace - images for Episode 125
Above: an illustration of the interior of the fairground's Horticultural Hall from Frank Leslie's Historical Register of the Centennial Exhibition. Above: the observation towers set up for people to gaze at the park from on high.Below: Two 'bird's …