Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
@aithpodcast.bsky.social
The official feed of the podcast - AND THE BOOK - that tells the deep and fascinating History of Theater in the city of Philadelphia.
www.aithpodcast.com
(On the former Bird Site we were "@schmeterpitz")
www.aithpodcast.com
(On the former Bird Site we were "@schmeterpitz")
This research is also applicable to Philadelphia's many theaters and other performing arts!
Playgoers emerge from a theater or concert hall into a city that is suffused with public art and engaging architecture, and it connects them to the urban fabric, and feeds their spirit.
Playgoers emerge from a theater or concert hall into a city that is suffused with public art and engaging architecture, and it connects them to the urban fabric, and feeds their spirit.
Why are Philly’s murals so important? How do they compare to others kinds of art from around the globe? And how can the City better support the arts?
For today’s Philly Arts Report we talk with Anjan Chatterjee, the Director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics.
For today’s Philly Arts Report we talk with Anjan Chatterjee, the Director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics.
December 2, 2025 at 1:07 PM
This research is also applicable to Philadelphia's many theaters and other performing arts!
Playgoers emerge from a theater or concert hall into a city that is suffused with public art and engaging architecture, and it connects them to the urban fabric, and feeds their spirit.
Playgoers emerge from a theater or concert hall into a city that is suffused with public art and engaging architecture, and it connects them to the urban fabric, and feeds their spirit.
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
We just posted a new Bonus Episode on Patreon!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
Gift a membership for Adventures in Theater History on Patreon
Bring the world of Adventures in Theater History to your friends and family.
www.patreon.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:57 PM
We just posted a new Bonus Episode on Patreon!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
We just posted a new Bonus Episode on Patreon!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
Gift a membership for Adventures in Theater History on Patreon
Bring the world of Adventures in Theater History to your friends and family.
www.patreon.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:57 PM
We just posted a new Bonus Episode on Patreon!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
"Cole Porter - On Further Revue: Part One" is the first of two episodes about this great American songwriter.
There are dozens of other Bonus Episodes available - if you'd like to delight someone with a unique gift, make a present Theater History!
Tom Stoppard often visited and worked in Philadelphia during his life and career. Much of this was due to Stoppard's friendship and collaboration with Jiri and Blanka Zizka. Since 1982, their Wilma Theater has produced almost all of his major works (1 of 3). . cont. .
November 30, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Tom Stoppard often visited and worked in Philadelphia during his life and career. Much of this was due to Stoppard's friendship and collaboration with Jiri and Blanka Zizka. Since 1982, their Wilma Theater has produced almost all of his major works (1 of 3). . cont. .
November 26, 1954: "Silk Stockings," Cole Porter's musical based upon "Ninotchka," had a world premiere in Philadelphia.
The show's stars were Don Ameche and Hildegard Neff. George S. Kaufman was the director, who also wrote the book with his wife Leueen MacGrath (to be replaced by Abe Burrows.)
The show's stars were Don Ameche and Hildegard Neff. George S. Kaufman was the director, who also wrote the book with his wife Leueen MacGrath (to be replaced by Abe Burrows.)
November 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
November 26, 1954: "Silk Stockings," Cole Porter's musical based upon "Ninotchka," had a world premiere in Philadelphia.
The show's stars were Don Ameche and Hildegard Neff. George S. Kaufman was the director, who also wrote the book with his wife Leueen MacGrath (to be replaced by Abe Burrows.)
The show's stars were Don Ameche and Hildegard Neff. George S. Kaufman was the director, who also wrote the book with his wife Leueen MacGrath (to be replaced by Abe Burrows.)
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
November 18, 1957: Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" had its world premiere in Philadelphia.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
November 18, 2025 at 4:54 PM
November 18, 1957: Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" had its world premiere in Philadelphia.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
How did the nonprofit resident theatre movement, originally created as an alternative to Broadway, grow into a system that itself cries out for transformative change? In an excerpt from his new book CROSSROADS IN THE AMERICAN THEATRE, Seth Gordon interviews four theatre leaders about this.
What Happened to the U.S. Nonprofit Theatre Movement?
An excerpt from a new book ponders an industry that seems to have lost its way, even as it has grown—and what its future may hold.
https://www.americantheatre.org/2025/11/17/what-happened-to-the-u-s-nonprofit-theatre-movement/"
November 18, 2025 at 7:02 PM
How did the nonprofit resident theatre movement, originally created as an alternative to Broadway, grow into a system that itself cries out for transformative change? In an excerpt from his new book CROSSROADS IN THE AMERICAN THEATRE, Seth Gordon interviews four theatre leaders about this.
November 18, 1957: Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" had its world premiere in Philadelphia.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
November 18, 2025 at 4:54 PM
November 18, 1957: Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" had its world premiere in Philadelphia.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
Philly native Iggie Wolfington played Marcellus Washburn in front of a hometown crowd at the Shubert Theatre.
Other Philly folk in the show were Helen Raymond (Mrs. Shinn) - and director Morton DaCosta.
November 12, 1930: Cole Porter's musical "The New Yorkers" had its world premiere - in #Philadelphia, of course.
The Chestnut Street Opera House crowd, according to the Inquirer, "laughed themselves into hysterics."
During the Philly run, "Take Me Back to Manhattan" would be added to the show.
The Chestnut Street Opera House crowd, according to the Inquirer, "laughed themselves into hysterics."
During the Philly run, "Take Me Back to Manhattan" would be added to the show.
November 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
November 12, 1930: Cole Porter's musical "The New Yorkers" had its world premiere - in #Philadelphia, of course.
The Chestnut Street Opera House crowd, according to the Inquirer, "laughed themselves into hysterics."
During the Philly run, "Take Me Back to Manhattan" would be added to the show.
The Chestnut Street Opera House crowd, according to the Inquirer, "laughed themselves into hysterics."
During the Philly run, "Take Me Back to Manhattan" would be added to the show.
This story is a little bittersweet for those who attended UArts, or who used to be faculty there . . . but many former UArts students and faculty are now at Temple (like me) and it's exciting that these excellent facilities will still be enlivening and invigorating the Philly performing arts scene!
Broad and Walnut grew lonely after UArts closed. Soon, Temple students will bring it back to life
Temple purchased Terra Hall, which was the main academic building for the now-closed University of the Arts. It will become Temple's Center City campus.
www.inquirer.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:51 PM
This story is a little bittersweet for those who attended UArts, or who used to be faculty there . . . but many former UArts students and faculty are now at Temple (like me) and it's exciting that these excellent facilities will still be enlivening and invigorating the Philly performing arts scene!
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
A 60-second clip from our next podcast episode . . .
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
November 6, 2025 at 4:59 PM
A 60-second clip from our next podcast episode . . .
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
New Episode!!!
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
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").
www.aithpodcast.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:25 AM
New Episode!!!
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
New Episode!!!
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
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").
www.aithpodcast.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:25 AM
New Episode!!!
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
A conversation with the writer, actor and teacher Bruce Graham (or as he as often been called, "Philadelphia's Favorite Playwright").
www.aithpodcast.com/interview-br...
A 60-second clip from our next podcast episode . . .
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
November 6, 2025 at 4:59 PM
A 60-second clip from our next podcast episode . . .
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
Local playwright Bruce Graham describes writing "The Philly Fan."
Releasing on Friday, November 7th!
#Philly #Philadelphia #theater #theater
November 4, 1950: Cole Porter was back in Philadelphia with the premiere of "Out of This World." (Its songs included "Use Your Imagination," and "Cherry Pies Ought to Be You.")
It was a modern version of "Amphitryon," in which Zeus attempts to interfere in the marriage of a happy couple. (1 of 3)
It was a modern version of "Amphitryon," in which Zeus attempts to interfere in the marriage of a happy couple. (1 of 3)
November 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM
November 4, 1950: Cole Porter was back in Philadelphia with the premiere of "Out of This World." (Its songs included "Use Your Imagination," and "Cherry Pies Ought to Be You.")
It was a modern version of "Amphitryon," in which Zeus attempts to interfere in the marriage of a happy couple. (1 of 3)
It was a modern version of "Amphitryon," in which Zeus attempts to interfere in the marriage of a happy couple. (1 of 3)
This sort of post is why I keep coming back to Bluesky. You guys ALL need to post more stuff like this, please.
Wally Shawn really wanted to do Waiting for Guffman, but Christopher Guest couldn’t find him a part. To make up for it he made the My Dinner With Andre action figures at the end of the movie. He gave them & the doll set to Wally, who keeps it in his apartment.
November 4, 2025 at 12:34 PM
This sort of post is why I keep coming back to Bluesky. You guys ALL need to post more stuff like this, please.
A publisher recently sent me a preview copy of a major new work on the history of Philadelphia - would I like to feature it on my podcast?, they inquired.
I took a look at it. It does not have a section on the history of theater in Philadelphia. Barely mentions the topic.
So, I guess not? Sigh.
I took a look at it. It does not have a section on the history of theater in Philadelphia. Barely mentions the topic.
So, I guess not? Sigh.
November 3, 2025 at 4:22 PM
A publisher recently sent me a preview copy of a major new work on the history of Philadelphia - would I like to feature it on my podcast?, they inquired.
I took a look at it. It does not have a section on the history of theater in Philadelphia. Barely mentions the topic.
So, I guess not? Sigh.
I took a look at it. It does not have a section on the history of theater in Philadelphia. Barely mentions the topic.
So, I guess not? Sigh.
Don't pith me off, Thpelling Bee.
November 2, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Don't pith me off, Thpelling Bee.
We released a new Bonus Episode on Patreon - "Plays We Passed."
Every month we release a new Bonus Episode for our generous supporters of our work. Just a few bucks gets you a whole lot of benefits!
Follow the link! There is both Free and 'Members Only' content.
www.patreon.com/cw/AITHpodcast
Every month we release a new Bonus Episode for our generous supporters of our work. Just a few bucks gets you a whole lot of benefits!
Follow the link! There is both Free and 'Members Only' content.
www.patreon.com/cw/AITHpodcast
November 1, 2025 at 3:20 PM
We released a new Bonus Episode on Patreon - "Plays We Passed."
Every month we release a new Bonus Episode for our generous supporters of our work. Just a few bucks gets you a whole lot of benefits!
Follow the link! There is both Free and 'Members Only' content.
www.patreon.com/cw/AITHpodcast
Every month we release a new Bonus Episode for our generous supporters of our work. Just a few bucks gets you a whole lot of benefits!
Follow the link! There is both Free and 'Members Only' content.
www.patreon.com/cw/AITHpodcast
This is one of those days when I come across an item by chance in newspaper archives, and then I think immediately: "Oooh, I know somebody who will LOVE this. . . "
Turns out, #Philadelphia saw Viveca Lindfors' debut on the American stage, in a #johnvandruten play.
@bcdreyer.social
Turns out, #Philadelphia saw Viveca Lindfors' debut on the American stage, in a #johnvandruten play.
@bcdreyer.social
October 30, 2025 at 4:26 PM
This is one of those days when I come across an item by chance in newspaper archives, and then I think immediately: "Oooh, I know somebody who will LOVE this. . . "
Turns out, #Philadelphia saw Viveca Lindfors' debut on the American stage, in a #johnvandruten play.
@bcdreyer.social
Turns out, #Philadelphia saw Viveca Lindfors' debut on the American stage, in a #johnvandruten play.
@bcdreyer.social
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
One of my niche ethical stances is that I think that people should use Wikipedia and donate to the Wikimedia Foundation and that ChatGPT and its siblings are trash and so are the people who use them.
October 28, 2025 at 2:17 AM
One of my niche ethical stances is that I think that people should use Wikipedia and donate to the Wikimedia Foundation and that ChatGPT and its siblings are trash and so are the people who use them.
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
“I’m really moved to have my work featured at three theatres in my artistic home of Philadelphia. It’s rare that audiences can look at a writer’s canon over time.”
-playwright James Ijames on the “James Ijames Pass” at Arden Theatre Company, Wilma Theater, and Philadelphia Theatre Company
-playwright James Ijames on the “James Ijames Pass” at Arden Theatre Company, Wilma Theater, and Philadelphia Theatre Company
Philly Theatres to Offer a 3-Play James Ijames Pass for 2026
Arden Theatre Company, Wilma Theater, and Philadelphia Theatre Company, each producing work by the Philly-based writer next year, are joining for a historic 3-way deal.
www.americantheatre.org
October 27, 2025 at 5:14 PM
“I’m really moved to have my work featured at three theatres in my artistic home of Philadelphia. It’s rare that audiences can look at a writer’s canon over time.”
-playwright James Ijames on the “James Ijames Pass” at Arden Theatre Company, Wilma Theater, and Philadelphia Theatre Company
-playwright James Ijames on the “James Ijames Pass” at Arden Theatre Company, Wilma Theater, and Philadelphia Theatre Company
New Episode!!!!!!
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 are playwright Michael Hollinger.
www.aithpodcast.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:06 PM
New Episode!!!!!!