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")
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!!!!!!
In our next episode, we interview the writer, director and translator Carol Rocamora, who founded and ran the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays, and playwright Michael Hollinger.
Look for the entire conversation wherever you get your podcasts - releasing tomorrow, Friday October 24th!
Look for the entire conversation wherever you get your podcasts - releasing tomorrow, Friday October 24th!
October 23, 2025 at 5:41 PM
In our next episode, we interview the writer, director and translator Carol Rocamora, who founded and ran the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays, and playwright Michael Hollinger.
Look for the entire conversation wherever you get your podcasts - releasing tomorrow, Friday October 24th!
Look for the entire conversation wherever you get your podcasts - releasing tomorrow, Friday October 24th!
Like many teachers and academics, I'm currently locked out of Canvas due to what it says is "an ongoing AWS incident."
Frankly, I'm kinda thrilled!
Frankly, I'm kinda thrilled!
a cartoon of a man with glasses and the word futurama on it
ALT: a cartoon of a man with glasses and the word futurama on it
media.tenor.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Like many teachers and academics, I'm currently locked out of Canvas due to what it says is "an ongoing AWS incident."
Frankly, I'm kinda thrilled!
Frankly, I'm kinda thrilled!
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
Ragtime reminds me there’s not enough shows written for baritone voices. There’s an overemphasis on high notes in contemporary musicals; people have forgotten how comforting and powerful low notes can be
October 19, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Ragtime reminds me there’s not enough shows written for baritone voices. There’s an overemphasis on high notes in contemporary musicals; people have forgotten how comforting and powerful low notes can be
Reposted by Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia
It’s been fifty years since Lynn Ahrens, the lyricist of Ragtime, wrote and sang this episode of Schoolhouse Rock www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvOZ...
SchoolHouse Rock - No More Kings
YouTube video by tennesseejed93
www.youtube.com
October 18, 2025 at 5:08 PM
It’s been fifty years since Lynn Ahrens, the lyricist of Ragtime, wrote and sang this episode of Schoolhouse Rock www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvOZ...