Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia

The most iconic New York musical ever is saved by Philadelphia tryout audiences.

For a blog post on our website with additional information and images, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/luck-be-a-lady/

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

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℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

Post-war theater in Philadelphia reflected all the many serious issues the country was facing: Carmen Jones, A Streetcar Named Desire, Caucasian Chalk Circle, The Member of the Wedding and Death of a Salesman all had tryout premieres in Philadelphia - among many others.

For a blog post on our website with additional information and images, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/this-train-is-a-goin-home-train/

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

The story of Cole Porter's classic musical Kiss Me, Kate's world premier opening in Philadelphia in December of 1948.

For a blog post on our website, with images from the productions we discuss in the episode:
https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/rings-and-things-and-fine-array/

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

"Pal Joey," "Native Son," "Annie Get Your Gun" - during the years of the Second World War, there was a new surge of exciting Broadway productions trying out in Philadelphia.

But at the same time, the Shuberts' domination of the Philadelphia theater market was meeting increasing scrutiny.

For a blog post on our website, with images from the productions we discuss in the episode:
https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/quaker-city-theater-in-the-war-years/

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

A reissue of our conversation with scholar Jonathan Shandell and director Jerrell Henderson, about a little-known chapter of Philadelphia's theater history.

For a blog post on our website, with images from the productions we discuss in the episode:
https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/jericho-one-third-of-a-nation-and-prelude-to-swing/

If you enjoyed the show, PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW! You can do it easily, right here:
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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

The commercial theaters of Philadelphia enter the Great Depression. Although some important shows were still having their Broadway tryouts in Philly, it wasn't enough to keep the wrecking crews from tearing down many of the city's grand old theaters.

To see images and to find more information about this episode, go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-wrecking-ball/

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

The fictional musical "Pretty Lady" has its opening night in Philadelphia!

Another dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

A story of an "All Star Cast" touring production in 1927. After the unexpected death of its star, the veteran actor John Drew Jr., company member Peggy Wood wrote this detailed memoir of his final tour.

A dramatic reading from the archives of Philadelphia theater history, underscored with evocative musical accompaniment.

For images of John Drew and Peggy Wood, see our blog: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/all-star-cast-trelawny-of-the-wells-episode-69/

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

Broadway tryouts and tours and revues were constantly coming to Philadelphia's many large and luxurious theaters during the 1920s - here's a quick review of the revues!

But even the Moscow Art Theatre came through town - as well as great productions of Eugene O'Neill plays.

Now with such new venues as the Erlanger, the Garrick, the Earle, the Shubert, and the Forrest, as well as the revamped and re-designed Chestnut Street Opera House and the the Walnut Street Theatre, Philly was a real Tryout Town!

For a blog post with images and additional content, go to our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/its-show-time/

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

The story of the Shubert Brothers, and how they began to take control over almost every commercial theater in Philadelphia - and in almost every other city in America.

For a blog post with images of the stories and topics we discuss in this episode, go to our website: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/the-shuberts-and-their-philadelphia-theaters/

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To become a supporter the show, go to: [email protected]

© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music and compositions within the episodes copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.