#TheaterHistory Episodes

Touring Broadway shows get censored in Philadelphia during the 1930s. A reprise of Episode 51 from Season 2.

The theatrical history of the great 1876 Centennial Exposition – one of the biggest entertainment events ever mounted in Philadelphia.

The historic specters of an old city street - the narrative of a long-forgotten theater district.

Herbert Biberman's Philadelphia origin story is almost completely unknown - because he wanted it that way. We uncover much that had been hidden or unexamined - until now

The rise of the Arden Theatre  Company - as well as the beginnings of the modern Walnut Street Theatre Company and the Lantern Theater Company.

The story of Albert Innaurato and his play "Gemini." Set in South Philadelphia in the 1970s, it was to become the biggest commercial and artistic triumph of his career.

Johnnie Hobbs and Patricia Scott Hobbs talk about their experiences at the North Philadelphia institution which both served and shaped the city's African American community.

"Cato: A Tragedy" was a famous 18th Century play - supposedly the favorite play of George Washington himself!

The story of three small ambitious cutting-edge Philadelphia theater companies of the 1970s. Why did some survive - and some falter?

The sudden success of the Drama Guild - a former amateur theater group transformed into a professional local powerhouse - finally fulfills the promise of giving Philadelphia a flagship nonprofit theater company.

January 1, 1800: Philadelphia's premiere theater company rang in the New Year with their production of the spectacular Romance entitled "Blue Beard, or Female Curiosity."

Three new Philadelphia theater complexes are built for the mid-century modern era - funded by wealthy philanthropists.

A re-edited, reduced and remixed account of the entire history of the Theatre of the Living Arts – the first major professional theater company in Philadelphia's modern era.

We interview the late theater historian Barry Witham about his 2013 book "A Sustainable Theatre: Jasper Deeter at the Hedgerow," and then bring listeners along on a guided tour of Hedgerow Theatre campus in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania.

The final tour of veteran actor John Drew Jr.,  from a memoir written by the actress Peggy Wood.

Fires were a real danger in 19th Century theater, and some Philadelphia theaters were burned down and rebuilt multiple times. Many performers, audience members, and firefighters lost their lives.

First released as Episode 10 in May of 2021, we bring out this great story once again!

We bring back our Episode 21, in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Bad behavior, bigotry and boorishness were often on display in many early 19th Century theater audiences.

We begin to explore the story of Philadelphia's own Edwin Forrest, the first great star of the American Stage! We follow him through his early years, through his youthful struggles, and finally to his glorious success.

How Philadelphia's theater fires in the 1800s affected the physical environment that we experience plays in today.

George Frederick Cooke's performances of Shakespeare astonished Philadelphia audiences, and his 1811 visit left behind vivid stories of his wild behavior.

Philadelphia's premiere theater company rings in the New Year of 1800 with their production of the spectacular Romance entitled "Blue Beard, or Female Curiosity."

Why we're here, and what we're trying to do with our podcast.