A look at New York’s theater world before Broadway theater became what we know it to be today. Tim Dolan, theater historian and theater district tour guide (owner of Broadway UpClose) takes us on a journey back in time to look at theater in the Gilded Age including the shows, the stars and particularly some theaters that… Continue reading Episode #47: Before Broadway: Where the Gilded Age Went to the Theater
Topic: Theater, Music & Opera
Episode #41: Sweeney Todd’s Victorian London and a Chat with Broadway’s Sarah Rice
A look at the historical origins of the tale of Sweeney Todd and a very special conversation with Sarah Rice who starred in the original 1979 production of the Sondheim musical in the role of Johanna. As the famed “demon barber of Fleet Street” gets ready to flash his razor and do his deeds once again in a… Continue reading Episode #41: Sweeney Todd’s Victorian London and a Chat with Broadway’s Sarah Rice
Episode #31: Christmas in Old New York and a Chat with Charles Dickens
A special festive double episode tracing the history of Christmas and holiday celebrations over 19th-century New York City history and a very special look at Charles Dicken’s beloved A Christmas Carol. Christmas and the holiday season is always extra special in New York City. From all the lights and the traditional treats of the Radio City… Continue reading Episode #31: Christmas in Old New York and a Chat with Charles Dickens
Special Bonus Episode: Jenny Lind at Castle Garden (from the Bowery Boys Archives)
A 19th-century tale of celebrity, fame, exploitation and ruthless marketing between a soprano and perhaps, history’s ultimate showman. Read the original Bowery Boys article
Episode #30: Lillian Nordica Part 2: A Conversation with international mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich
As a special bonus, listeners can enjoy an extra episode featuring Carl’s interview with international opera star Kate Aldrich as they discuss a modern perspective on Lillian Nordica’s career as well as Kate’s own career as one of today’s incredibly busy opera stars. International mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich has a career that included performances around the world from New York’s Metropolitan… Continue reading Episode #30: Lillian Nordica Part 2: A Conversation with international mezzo-soprano Kate Aldrich
Episode #29: Lillian Nordica Part 1: The Making of a Gilded Age Soprano Superstar
This week’s show will lead you into the glamorous world of a superstar soprano of the Gilded Age. Despite challenging moments in her personal life, Lillian Nordica rose to become one of the most glamorous international stars of the late 19th and early 20th century. The glamour of the Gilded Age was found not only at dinner parties… Continue reading Episode #29: Lillian Nordica Part 1: The Making of a Gilded Age Soprano Superstar
Episode #2: Divas, Diamonds, Drama: The Opening of the Metropolitan Opera 1883
Join the Gilded Gentleman for a night at the opera! The glittering, glamorous opening night of New York’s new opera house at the height of the Gilded Age had perhaps more drama going on in the audience than on the stage.