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Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia

Exploring the deep and fascinating history of theater in the City of Philadelphia

Recent Episodes

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114. Brian Anthony Wilson
Dec. 21, 2025

114. Brian Anthony Wilson

The Philadelphia actor Brian Wilson talks with us about his life and career.
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113. Chris & Louis Lippa: A House Remembered is Never Dark
Dec. 7, 2025

113. Chris & Louis Lippa: A House Remembered is Never Dark

The life and work of the late Louis Lippa, the Philadelphia playwright and actor - and about his son Chris' vision to make a home for the history of theater.
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112. Encore Episode: The Walls of Walnut Street
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.
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111. Interview: Bruce Graham
Nov. 7, 2025

111. Interview: Bruce Graham

A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
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110. Carol Rocamora and Michael Hollinger - New Plays for Philadelphia
Oct. 24, 2025

110. Carol Rocamora and Michael Hollinger - New Plays for Philadelphia

An interview with Carol Rocamora, who founded the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays in 1981, and Philadelphia-area playwright Michael Hollinger.
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109. Seth Rozin and InterAct
Oct. 10, 2025

109. Seth Rozin and InterAct

Seth Rozin, the founder and artistic director of InterAct Theatre, shares wonderful stories about his life and art.
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Recent Blog Posts

King Brian the First - Episode 114
Dec. 21, 2025

King Brian the First - Episode 114

ABOVE: Brian Anthony Wilson and Sandra Daley in August Wilson's King Hedley II at Philadelphia Theatre Company, directed by Seret Scott (2003).  BELOW: Brian meeting playwright August Wilson in Atlanta (photo courtesy Brian Anthony Wilson): &…

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Newspaper feature stories about "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright" - Episode 111
Nov. 7, 2025

Newspaper feature stories about "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright" …

(Above) Bruce Graham performing in his play The Philly Fan - at the Hedgerow Theatre October 2023.  The Philly Fan was originally written for Graham's friend, the late Tom McCarthy. Though created in 2004 during a period when local sports teams…

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Philadelphia Festival Theatre - Episode 110
Oct. 24, 2025

Philadelphia Festival Theatre - Episode 110

Above, a portion of a 1982 newspaper story in the Daily News, about Carol Rocamora's first season running the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays. April 21, 1982: The Philadelphia Festival Theater for New Plays, founded almost single-handed…

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Reviews

Fun and informative!

"Great Listening. Peter graciously expresses his enthusiasm for the subject with each anecdote he tells. Like a seasoned storyteller, Peter shares such interesting facts with style. And this is well r…"

tg53 | Aug. 16, 2022

Driving Under the Influence of Adventures in Theatre History: Philadelphia. ;)

"Well, my wife Bonnie and I finally binged your entire Adventures in Theatre History: Philadelphia podcasts. We'd jump in the car; fire up Apple Podcast; tune in; and drive around LA listening to your…"

Jim Lambert | Sept. 1, 2025

Well Researched and Compelling

"Fascinating history I had never heard before. Such good use of historical records combined with thoughtful analysis and entertaining delivery."

Lauren I | Dec. 27, 2022

Informative, enlightening, and engaging

"Peter Schmitz’ deeply researched podcast uncovers important moments in Philadelphia theatre history, providing helpful context and insights, as well as resources for those of us interested in further…"

AngelPirateNY | Jan. 14, 2023

Wow!!!

"This second season of this podcast is fantastic. The episodes on Hammerstein’s Opera House are well-paced with compelling details about the growing culture of theater in Philadelphia in the early 190…"

Mary Santen | Feb. 10, 2023

Izzy

"Agree with other reviewers. This podcast sheds light not only on Phila theatre history — this is American theatre history. The generational lines reach to present day Drew Barrymore and others. A…"

Izzy’sFried | Oct. 24, 2023

Just terrific

"It IS just terrific!!"

Bob Goren | Oct. 21, 2023
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