Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia - by Peter Schmits
From the founding of The Walnut Street Theatre and the beginning of the American circus to the world premiere performance of Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman, and from censorship and opposition to riots and deadly fires, this engaging collection of short, focused narratives introduces the reader to the often overlooked and frequently underappreciated topic of the history of theater in Philadelphia, and offer a new way of approaching the wider history of this unique and important American city.
The stories are populated by some of the many notable visitors to the city’s theaters, including Oscar Wilde, Edmund Kean, John Wilkes Booth, Sarah Bernhardt, Ayn Rand, Tennessee Williams, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Muhammad Ali, Paul Robeson and Joseph Papp; and the stories of heroes of local theater including Edwin Forrest, Pearl Bailey, Molly Picon, and Charles Fuller and Kevin Bacon. Also putting in appearances are the mostly forgotten, but no less fascinating Annie Kemp Bowler “the Original Stalacta,” May Manning Lillile the Quaker Cowgirl, and tennis champion William (“Big Bill”) Tilden.
All together, these lively and vivid stories—many of them little-known or unexplored—serve to form a larger narrative of the role that theater has played, and continues to play, in shaping and reflecting the texture of life in an American city.
Join the South Street Seaport Museum's free book club to discuss 'Native New Yorkers' by Evan T. Pritchard, focusing on the Lenape's legacy in New York City. Registration encouraged.
YELLOW SOUND LABEL will release of the new album Reefer Madness: New Los Angeles Cast Recording, featuring the full cast from its critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary Los Angeles revival. Check out a first listen of a song from the album here!
GREG PROOPS (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) will release his new comedy album 'PURPLE SHASTA RACCOON' on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15. The album was recorded live at The Punch Line in San Francisco for the third New Year's Eve in a row.
Mauricio Martinez is writing his inspiring autobiography, tentatively titled My First Act. The book, scheduled for worldwide release in late 2025, will be accompanied by a new album that serves as a musical companion.
Musical Theatre Melodies, hosted by Rob Morrison, will mark the 70th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Fanny by Harold Rome on Tuesday, November 12th featuring the original 1954 Broadway cast recording.
Author Anton S. Sommer has released his latest novel, Modern Times - Double Future, a gripping political thriller set against the backdrop of a not-so-distant future.
Naomi Moon Siegel has released her third album, SHATTER THE GLASS SANCTUARY. The album explores her transition to life in Missoula, Montana. Listen to it now!
David G. Gitkov has invited readers on a journey spanning continents, seas, and decades in A Long, Long Watch: Volume II: The Sea: 1925 to 1946. This remarkable historical biography chronicles Gitkov's relentless pursuit of a life shaped by ambition, adventure, and the pursuit of freedom during some of the 20th century's most turbulent years.
Kelvin Funches has announced the release of his debut children's book, Sprouting Success! Little Tim's Mission. This heartwarming story follows Little Tim, a determined boy who sets out to grow more than just a garden-he sows the seeds of hope, healthy living, and community spirit.
CLUB44 RECORDS has released “Silver Bells” – the new holiday single from celebrated jazz vocal stylist Jane Monheit – on streaming and digital formats. The song, a joyously infectious Latin-inspired take on the seasonal classic, was originally released as a bonus track on last year's vinyl edition of her 2022 album, The Merriest.
Celebrated guitarist and songwriter Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac) is set for the release of his memoir, Heartbreaker, written with Ari Surdoval. The book is due March 18 via Grand Central Publishing.
The original Australian cast recording of MURIEL'S WEDDING THE MUSICAL has been released in the UK for the first time, offering fans a chance to experience the acclaimed production's music.
'I Am Not A Secret' from THE COMPLETE PICTURE: A NEW ROCK MUSICAL is now streaming. Featuring music by Erin Maya and Nicholas James Connell, the track showcases a powerful ensemble rock anthem.
Explore the making of cult classic REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA with Staci Layne Wilson's book, BLOOD SAGA, featuring cast interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a look at its enduring fandom. Learn more and see how to purchase.
The Arts & Climate Initiative and Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts released an anthology of short plays, ALL GOOD THINGS MUST BEGIN, exploring future visions with themes of regeneration and justice. Learn more!
Yo-Yo Ma and longtime collaborator Kathryn Stott have released their newest album, Merci (Sony Classical), which is out now. Merci is a deeply personal expression of gratitude, a celebration of the powerful relationships that keep music alive. Listen to the new album here.
Karen Mason And All That Jazz! – the singular album from acclaimed Broadway star and concert artist KAREN MASON – is now available on CD and in digital and streaming formats. Listen here.
JC Chasez and Jimmy Harry release their groundbreaking new musical theater concept album, Playing With Fire. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s timeless novel Frankenstein, Playing with Fire marks Chasez’s first major musical theater recording project. Listen to it now!
Third Reprise, in partnership with Rodgers & Hammerstein, released a reimagined, soul-filled take on “Some Enchanted Evening” to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Watch the video here!
Explore the theatrical side of Edward Gorey in 'The Theatrical Adventures of Edward Gorey,' a new book by Carol Verburg, highlighting his inventive designs and original works in theater.
BroadwayWorld spoke with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter JC Chasez and Golden Globe-winning songwriter and producer Jimmy Harry, whose new musical theater concept album, Playing With Fire, is out now! Read the interview here.
Ryan Scott Oliver’s new musical folk horror, Tomorrow, the Island Dies has just been released as a complete studio cast recording album on all streaming services.
Explore the newly announced legacy website dedicated to George S. Kaufman, offering insights into the life and works of the legendary comic playwright.
T.3 – the dazzling vocal trio featuring Liam Fennecken, Jim Hogan and Brendan Jacob Smith – will release their new holiday EP 'FaLaLaLonely' on Friday, November 15, alongside a national tour.
Florence Welch made her debut at the BBC Proms at the iconic Royal Albert Hall alongside Jules Buckley and his Orchestra in London on September 11th, 2024. Now, Florence & Jules Buckley announced that the Symphony of Lungs live album will be available digitally on Friday, October 25.
Discover the story behind Edna Ferber's novel 'Giant' and its transformation into a classic film in GIANT LOVE, authored by Julie Gilbert. Learn more about the book and see how to purchase.
This holiday season is sure to be filled with joy, love, and light with the release of “Angels in the Snow,” a new album featuring reimagined Christmas recordings by the four-time GRAMMY®-winner. Listen to a new single featuring Jane Lynch, out now!
Jane Monheit's new track 'Young and Foolish' debuts exclusively on BroadwayWorld, showcasing her latest musical exploration. Discover the nuances of her performance and what makes this release noteworthy.
Jazz artist Bob Holz signed with SoVibe Entertainment and will release a new album in 2025 honoring guitar legend Larry Coryell. His work is featured in the September 2024 issue of Downbeat Magazine.