Episoder

  • Like the ghost of Hamlet's father, the body of John Barrymore would not stay still . . . one dark night it suddenly appeared in his hometown.

    A story about the wandering remains of a member of Philadelphia's most famous acting family, taken from Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love, a book by Thomas H. Keels.

    This episode was originally released as our Episode 34 in July of 2022.

    Please visit Tom's website, www.thomaskeels.com, for more information on his other books and upcoming talks and lectures.

    For blog post with images and more thoughts about this topic, go to:
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/alas-poor-yorick/

    To find out more about Mount Vernon Cemetery in North Philadelphia:
    https://www.mountvernoncemetery.org/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • An encore presentation of Peter's reading of the chapter "Oh, It's a Lovely War: The Mischianza 1778" from Thomas H. Keels' Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love.

    Wicked Philadelphia: Sin in the City of Brotherly Love by Thomas Keels, is available on Amazon.com. Please visit Tom's website, www.thomaskeels.com, for more information on his other books and upcoming talks and lectures.

    For blog post with images and more thoughts about this topic, go to:
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-pageant-that-shook-walnut-grove/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

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  • A re-released and edited version of our Episode 36!

    In this show we interview 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.

    Check out this blog post with historical images of Jasper Deeter, plus photos from our visit to the Hedgerow in August 2022, on our website!
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/photos-of-the-hedgerow/

    More historic images can be found on the Hedgerow Theatre's website: https://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/history

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • An Exciting Announcement!

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • This Encore episode of the podcast - first released as Episode 35 in our Season One - goes on a journey to the Paul Robeson House and Museum in Philadelphia.

    For a blog post on our website with additional information, images, and links, go to:
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-house-i-live-in/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • In which we close out the Tryout Town story of Philadelphia theater - and we share a chapter of Peter's upcoming book!

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

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

    There is a blog post, filled with lots of amazing images and additional information about this topics we discuss in the episode! It can be found on our website:
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/vinnette-carroll-and-philadelphia/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • 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.

    For images and notes about shows mentioned in this episode, go to:
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/death-and-all-that-jazz-notes-and-images-for-episode-80/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

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

    For images and notes about shows mentioned in this episode, go to:
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/life-is-what-you-do-while-youre-waiting-to-die-notes-and-images-for-episode-79/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

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

    For a blog post with additional information and images, go HERE

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • The fates and fortunes of commercial shows of the 1950s demonstrate how deep the influence of Hollywood was in American commercial theater coming through Philadelphia on tryout runs.

    For a blog post with additional information and images, go HERE

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • The most iconic New York musical ever is saved by Philadelphia tryout audiences.

    For a blog post on our website with additional information and images, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/luck-be-a-lady

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

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

    For a blog post on our website with additional information and images, go HERE

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

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

    For a blog post on our website, with images from the productions we discuss in the episode:
    https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/rings-and-things-and-fine-array/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • "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.

    But at the same time, the Shuberts' domination of the Philadelphia theater market was meeting increasing scrutiny.

    For a blog post on our website with images from the productions we discuss in the episode, go HERE

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

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

    For a blog post on our website, with images from the productions we discuss in the episode, go HERE

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • Philadelphia enters the Great Depression. Although a few shows were still having their Broadway tryouts in Philly, it wasn't enough to keep the wrecking crews from tearing down many of the city's grand old theaters.

    To see images and to find more information about this episode, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-wrecking-ball/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • The fictional musical "Pretty Lady" has its opening night in Philadelphia!

    Another dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • A story of an "All Star Cast" touring production in 1927. After the unexpected death of its star, the veteran actor John Drew Jr., company member Peggy Wood wrote this detailed memoir of his final tour.

    A dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.

    For images of John Drew and Peggy Wood, see our blog: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/all-star-cast-trelawny-of-the-wells-episode-69/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

  • Broadway tryouts and tours and revues were constantly coming to Philadelphia's many large and luxurious theaters during the 1920s - here's a quick review of the revues!

    Even the Moscow Art Theatre came through town - as well as great productions of Eugene O'Neill plays.

    Philly was a real Tryout Town, with such great venues as the Erlanger, the Garrick, the Earle, the Shubert, and the Forrest, as well as the revamped and re-designed Chestnut Street Opera House and the the Walnut Street Theatre.

    For a blog post with images and additional content, go to our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/its-show-time/

    Support the show

    "Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK is coming soon! It will only be in USA bookstores after November 30, 2024. But you can secure your copy NOW!

    TO PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON: GO HERE

    TO ORDER ON BROOKLINE BOOKS WEBSITE: GO HERE (Use the code 25PESC to save 25% at checkout!)

    Our email address: [email protected]

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

    Or, follow us on Mastodon: https://historians.social/@schmeterpitz

    Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast

    © Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

    ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

    ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.