The story of Albert Innaurato and his play "Gemini." Set in South Philadelphia in the 1970s, it was to become the biggest commercial and artistic triumph of his career.

The famous TV commercial for the original Broadway production is on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz8p6-LconE

But Gemini also served as a constant reminder that success can fleeting, and that an artist's personal demons can undermine their long-term reputation.

We interview Charles Gilbert about his professional association and personal friendship with Innaurato, as they tried to turn Gemini into a work of musical theater in the early 2000s.

Charles Gilbert's posts on Substack, which form the basis of our conversation, can be found here:

https://chasgilbert.substack.com/p/me-and-albert-a-collaborators-story

https://chasgilbert.substack.com/p/me-and-albert-part-2

For information about EgoPo Theatre Co. and their upcoming production of Gemini: https://egopo.org/gemini

Support the show

"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! For a link, go to our website: www.aithpodcast.com

Our email address is AITHpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on social media:

Bluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

Support our work and get BONUS EPISODES on Patreon! GO HERE

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

℗ All original voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

The director Abigail Adams and the actress Marcia Saunders talk to us about their lives and careers, and about how their theatrical and artistic home at People's Light in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the production of Steel Magnolias at People's Light: https://www.peopleslight.org/whats-on/20252026-season/steel-magnolias/

Support the show

"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! For a link, go to our website: www.aithpodcast.com

Our email address is AITHpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on social media:

Bluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

Support our work and get BONUS EPISODES on Patreon! GO HERE

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

℗ All original voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

As a Holiday, treat, the Philadelphia actor Brian Wilson talks with us about his life and career.

Brian tells us about his memories - everything from his roles on "The Wire," to his work with the director Walter Dallas, to his quest to perform in all the plays of August Wilson (no relation!). And he shares this thoughts about the state of African-American theater in the Quaker City at the beginning of the 21st Century.

For a blog page with photos and additional info go to: https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/king-brian-the-first/

Support the show

"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now! For a link, go to our website: www.aithpodcast.com

Our email address is AITHpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on social media:

Bluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/

Support our work and get BONUS EPISODES on Patreon! GO HERE

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

℗ All original voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.