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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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97. Off-Off Broad Street
March 28, 2025

97. Off-Off Broad Street

The story of three small ambitious cutting-edge Philadelphia theater companies of the 1970s. Why did some survive - and some falter?
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96. Americana Jubilee - 1976
March 15, 2025

96. Americana Jubilee - 1976

The Bicentennial Year of 1976 gave young and ambitious Philadelphia theater artists a boost in their careers - with jobs in "historical re-enactment" and patriotic storytelling.
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95. Tom Bissinger's Fun House
Feb. 23, 2025

95. Tom Bissinger's Fun House

An interview with the director, writer and artist Tom Bissinger, in which we talk about his work in the 1960s and 70s, including his all-too-brief term as the final Artistic Director of the Theatre of the Living Arts.
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94. Mary Robinson and the Drama Guild
Feb. 7, 2025

94. Mary Robinson and the Drama Guild

An interview with the director Mary B. Robinson, about the time she spent as the final Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Drama Guild.
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93. Interview: Gregory Poggi
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
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92. The Philadelphia Drama Guild
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.
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Recent Blog Posts

Photos for Episode 97 - Off-Off Broad Street
March 28, 2025

Photos for Episode 97 - Off-Off Broad Street

Above, the image of Linda Griffith (left) and Liz Stout (right) that appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News on April 16, 1973, announcing the formation of The Wilma Project.Once again I find myself pressed for time while composing a proper blog pos…

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Bicentennial Blues
March 15, 2025

Bicentennial Blues

Above: Edward Piszek, the CEO of Mrs. Paul's Kitchens, Inc. and founder of The Copernicus Society of America, in front of the Philadelphia Bourse building on 5th and Chestnut Streets in June of 1976. Behind him are the cast of Americana Jubilee. Thi…

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Feb. 24, 2025

"Scuba Duba," "La Turista," and "The Recruiting Officer" at the TLA

Above, a photo of Dick Shawn and Judi West in Scuba Duba - a production which played Paramus, NJ and Philadelphia PA in the summer of 1969. July 1, 1969: The ban on Scuba Duba was lifted. Philadelphians could go see Dick Shawn do his stuff at Playh…

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Reviews

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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