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#WalnutStreetTheatre Episodes

Episodes that explore the deep history of America's Oldest Theater - the Walnut, a theater on the corner of 8th and Walnut Streets since 1808.
122
April 17, 2026

122. Interview: Grace Gonglewski

Grace has been performing and creating in Philadelphia theaters for the last four decades! She shares with us her memories of her life and work.
117
Feb. 15, 2026

117. Starting on the Third Floor - and Going Up

The rise of the Arden Theatre  Company - as well as the beginnings of the modern Walnut Street Theatre Company and the Lantern Theater Company.
112
Nov. 21, 2025

112. Encore Episode: The Walls of Walnut Street

A reprise of our 2023 interview with Bernard Havard of the Walnut Street Theatre - including a tour of the historic building.
93
Jan. 24, 2025

93. Interview: Gregory Poggi

Gregory Poggi successfully led the Philadelphia Drama Guild throughout the decade of the 1980s. He talked with us about his tussles with board members, battles with critics, fundraising triumphs and the growing audience support for professional nonprofit theater companies
Guest: Gregory Poggi
92
Jan. 11, 2025

92. The Philadelphia Drama Guild

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.
90
Dec. 13, 2024

90. The Arts Centers: New Philly Theaters for the 1970s

Three new Philadelphia theater complexes are built for the mid-century modern era - funded by wealthy philanthropists.
66
Jan. 12, 2024

66. The Newest Oldest Biggest Little Theater

The "Little Theater Movement" arrives in Philadelphia, bringing modern plays and creating new venues  - including the Walnut Street Theatre.
52
April 28, 2023

52. The Walls of Walnut Street

An interview and tour with Bernard Havard, the Producing Artistic Director of the historic Walnut Street Theatre.
33
June 17, 2022

33. Life & Death in the Theater: More 19th Century Stories

Six stories of 19th century Philadelphia theater. We discuss Alexander Reinagle, Joseph Jefferson III, James Murdoch, Matilda Heron, John McCullough - as well as two stagehands at the Walnut Street Theater you likely never heard of before, but may never forget!
13
July 9, 2021

13. Forrest of Philadelphia, Part One

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.
Guest: Tom Schmitz