Episodes

Vinnette Carroll brought her gospel-themed musicals about African American culture through Philadelphia In the 1970s. We discuss this much-neglected important Black theater artist, in a conversation with Jerrell Henderson.

The continuation of to the story from our previous episode, we talk about the failures, successes - and sometimes the deaths of shows and performers of commercial tryout shows in Philly of the 1970s.

Many hopeful Broadway tryout shows came through Philadelphia during the 1960s. Some shows died in Philly - and some performers and audience members did too!

The Philadelphia story of the development and world premiere of that famous Iowa musical, by Meredith Willson, "The Music Man."

Plays and musicals often displayed the deep influence of Hollywood! Here's the story of commercial shows coming to Philadelphia on tryout runs in the 1950s.

The most iconic New York musical ever - but its original success can be credited to the "tryout-town" audiences in Philly!

Post-war theater in Philadelphia reflected the many serious issues the country was facing: Carmen Jones, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Member of the Wedding  and Death of a Salesman all had tryout premieres in Philadelphia.

The story of Cole Porter's classic musical Kiss Me, Kate's world premiere opening in Philadelphia on December 2, 1948.

"Pal Joey," "Native Son," "Annie Get Your Gun"  - during the years of the Second World War, there was a new surge of exciting Broadway productions trying out in Philadelphia.

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

Philadelphia enters the Great Depression, and wrecking crews were tearing down many of the city's grand old theaters.

"Pretty Lady" has its opening night in Philadelphia! A dramatic reading - underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.

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

Broadway tryouts and tours and revues were constantly coming to Philadelphia's many large and luxurious theaters during the 1920s.

The story of the Shubert Brothers, and how they began to take control over almost every commercial theater in Philadelphia.

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

Featured are stories about the tightrope sensation El Nino Eddie, "Hitchy-Koo; the Intimate Revue," The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Timbuktu!, Signor Blitz - and many other tales about Philadelphia theater history.

Stories of many notable vaudevillians who came from Philadelphia, including W.C. Fields, Ethel Barrymore, and Ethel Waters.

The exciting energy and show-biz hustle of Philadelphia's vaudeville theaters in the first decades of the 20th Century.

In the fall of 1915, D.W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation" was booked to play at the Forrest Theatre - but would Philadelphia's city authorities allow it to be shown?

We begin our third season  of adventures! Here we learn about the historical origins of the "Tryout Town" in American showbiz of the early 20th Century.

Philadelphia actress, director and educator Penelope Reed sits down for an interview with us, and shares fascinating memories of her long career.

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!