Episodes

A quick announcement about our upcoming season of new episodes . . . Spoiler Alert: There will be lots of drama. And conflict!

Jasper Deeter formed Philadelphia's oldest repertory company - the Hedgerow Theatre - in 1923. His work as a director, actor, visionary and longtime acting teacher would have a profound affect on shaping Philadelphia's - and America's - theater for years to come.

This special episode of the podcast goes on a journey to the Paul Robeson House and Museum. We learn about Robeson's many connections to Philadelphia.

Like the ghost of Hamlet's father, John Barrymore wouldn't stay still and kept showing up! A chapter about Philadelphia's most famous acting family, from Wicked Philadelphia, a book by Thomas H. Keels.

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!

The history of the Philadelphia "Negro Unit" of the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s - specifically the history of three plays produced by the FTP at the Walnut Street Theatre.

The distinguished director discusses her tenure at the Philadelphia Drama Guild in the 1990s.

We describe the theaters, plays and people of the years 1876 to 1896, a mostly forgotten era of Philadelphia theater history.

John A. Arneaux plays "Richard III" at the Academy of Music, then mysteriously exits the American stage. His co-star, the actor Henri Strange, remains - and strives to create a Shakespeare theater for Philadelphia's Black audiences.

John A. Arneaux starred in a one-night all-Black production of Shakespeare's "Richard III' at the Academy of Music in January 1887. Who was he, where had he come from, and why had he chosen Philadelphia for this audacious feat?

Before ending their occupation of Philadelphia in 1778, the British Army threw themselves a hell of a theatre party!

The story of one of America's most infamous - and influential - performance traditions, as it specifically relates to the history of theater in Philadelphia.

The life story of the most famous actress in 19th Century America - and the story of the Philadelphia women who founded an organization dedicated to protecting and supporting women in professional theater.

Mike Lueger of "The Theatre History Podcast" interviews Dr. Christian DuComb about the history of Philadelphia Mummers Parade, the history behind the iconic annual Philadelphia event, and the 'Mummers Wench'.

What was Philadelphia to do, in an age when theater audiences were Running Riot? Build them an Academy, and fill it with Grand Opera.

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

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, an exploration of performances by Indigenous People in theaters of the City of Philadelphia. We also cover plays by white performers that supposedly depicted Native people and stories in that period.

We continue our story of Louisa Lane Drew's life and career, covering the period from 1862 to 1897.

We begin the story of Louisa Lane Drew's early years, long before she became the grandmother of All Them Barrymores.

Fanny Kemble learns how she herself has become implicated in the horrors of slavery. She finally escapes her marriage, and finds a new career on stage.

The actress would help to change the role of women on the American stage, and her visit to Philadelphia would have a transformative effect on her own life.

Edwin Forrest returns to his home city in the final decades of his life. After death, he creates a long-term legacy in Philadelphia.

The second installment of the story of Philadelphia's own Edwin Forrest. We cover the period from 1829 to 1839, when he was building the repertoire of roles that would shape his career: Metamora, Spartacus, Jack Cade - and, surprisingly, Cardinal Richelieu.

This is an edited version of the interview with Peter Schmitz by Mike Lueger of "The Theatre History Podcast".