Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia

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

Recent Episodes

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132. Funny How We Got Here - 1812 Productions, with Jen and Pete
132
Aug. 19, 2026

132. Funny How We Got Here - 1812 Productions, with Jen and Pete

Jen Childs and Pete Pryor, the founders of 1812 Productions - the Philadelphia theater company entirely dedicated to comedy.
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131. Mary Martello is Always Right
131
Aug. 7, 2026

131. Mary Martello is Always Right

Our interview with the great Philadelphia actress Mary Martello. Join us, as she shares the fascinating story of her life and her career.
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130. ENCORE EPISODE - Forrest of Philadelphia, Part Three
130
July 24, 2026

130. ENCORE EPISODE - Forrest of Philadelphia, Part Three

The final decades that Edwin Forrest spent in Philadelphia - and his lasting legacy in the city. (Re-edited and re-scored from our original Episode 16.)
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129. ENCORE EPISODE: Banned in Philadelphia
129
July 17, 2026

129. ENCORE EPISODE: Banned in Philadelphia

Touring Broadway shows get censored in Philadelphia during the 1930s. A reprise of Episode 51 from Season 2.
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128. ENCORE EPISODE: "Guys and Dolls" in Philadelphia
128
July 10, 2026

128. ENCORE EPISODE: "Guys and Dolls" in Philadelphia

Sharing again the story of how Philadelphia saved the pre-Broadway tryout run of this very New York show!
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127. Encore Episode: Americana Jubilee - 1976
127
July 3, 2026

127. Encore Episode: Americana Jubilee - 1976

In honor of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, we bring back this episode about Philadelphia theater during the Bicentennial year of 1976.
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Recent Blog Posts

1812 Pine Street, and all that . .
Aug. 19, 2026

1812 Pine Street, and all that . .

Above, Pete Pryor, Jen Childs and Dave Jadico in the 2008 dance drama by Karen Getz, Disco Descending.Below, the building at 1812 Pine Street Philadelphia, where a group of young theater artists used to live cheaply in the 1990s . . .  Below: Tony …
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Mary Martello is Always Right Here - images for Episode 131
Aug. 7, 2026

Mary Martello is Always Right Here - images for Episode 131

Header image: Mary Martello as Mama Rose in Gypsy. Arden Theatre Company, Philadelphia. May 2017. Photo by Mark Garvin. Here are just A FEW samples of the MANY roles Ms. Martello has played on the stage. I have so many in my collection, but I'll ju…
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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 Episode 125

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: Two 'bird's …
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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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