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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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125. Centennial Summer: Looking Back to 1876
June 13, 2026

125. Centennial Summer: Looking Back to 1876

The theatrical history of the great 1876 Centennial Exposition – one of the biggest entertainment events ever mounted in Philadelphia.
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124. The Ghost Theaters of Callowhill Street
May 23, 2026

124. The Ghost Theaters of Callowhill Street

The historic specters of an old city street - the narrative of a long-forgotten theater district.
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123. The Lantern Theater
May 17, 2026

123. The Lantern Theater

The past - and the future - of the Lantern Theater. Peter talks with Stacy Maria Dutton and Charles McMahon.
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122. Interview: Grace Gonglewski
April 17, 2026

122. Interview: Grace Gonglewski

Grace has been performing and creating in Philadelphia theaters for the last four decades! She shares with us her memories of her life and work.
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121. Three Nights at the Opera
April 3, 2026

121. Three Nights at the Opera

Three fascinating tales from the deep annals of Philadelphia opera history . . . . including the stage debut of Blackie the Mail Horse!
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120. "A Lament for The Troc"
March 23, 2026

120. "A Lament for The Troc"

A Special Episode! In March of 1978, Philadelphia journalist Edgar Williams composed this farewell to the old burlesque theater, the site of many vivid, poignant, and hilarious scenes from his youth.
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Recent Blog Posts

Shantytown, the Siege of Paris and the Alhambra Palace - images for Episode 125
June 13, 2026

Shantytown, the Siege of Paris and the Alhambra Palace - images for E…

Above: an illustration of the interior of the fairground's Horticultural Hall  from Frank Leslie's Historical Register of the Centennial Exhibition. Above: the observation towers set up for people to gaze at the park from on high.Below: Tw…

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Photos and Images for "The Ghost Theaters of Callowhill Street" - Episode 124
May 23, 2026

Photos and Images for "The Ghost Theaters of Callowhill Street" - Epi…

ABOVE: The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin's 1939 photo of the balcony of the old Concordia Theatre on 4th and Callowhill Streets - after the building had been used for many years as a brewery bottling plant.BELOW: From a 2013 Inquirer article, the in…

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Down St. Stephen's Alley
May 17, 2026

Down St. Stephen's Alley

August 21, 1995 - article in the Philadelphia Inquirer by Douglas J. Keating:"When the Arden Theatre Company left St. Stephen's Alley Performing Arts Center for its new home in Old City last month, Philadelphia gained a much-needed theater space…

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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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