Best Opera Philadelphia Podcasts (2026)

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Ep 28 The Civic Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane PART ONE 57:28

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10M ago57:28

57:28

We have our first two parter on the podcast! Some how, both Danica and Jill chose stories that needed more than one episode to get through all the history. The Civic Theatre is a humble building in Idaho, but holds a deep, dark past of an unsolved mystery involving a serial killer. Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of the most haunted buildings in al…

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E27 Rhodes Opera House and Eugene O’Neill Theatre 55:41

10M ago55:41

55:41

Hello! My name is Rhodes Opera House! And I would like to share with you the most horrible tragedy (in which some people died) HELLO! My name is Eugene O’Neill! You simply won’t believe the ghosts as well as where I’m spending my after life! This podcast will change your life! This podcast will change your life! The podcast of Ghoooooooost Light…..…

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E26 Judas' Stage Deaths and Thalian Hall 59:49

11M ago59:49

59:49

We apologize for the sniffles and the coughs. Tell us your stories! Follow us at ghost_lightpodcast on Instagram! Submit your personal ghost stories to www.ghostlightpodcast.comBy Jill and Danica

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E25 The Strand Theatre and The Utah Shakespeare Festival 56:27

11M ago56:27

56:27

Limp spaghetti should only be on your plate, not in your ceiling rafters. However, the Strand Theatre was not so lucky when a fire went to work on turning its steel beams into Al Dente pasta. Maybe Jill can lift our spirits by taking us to her stomping ground and discussing the ghosts that haunt a creepy tunnel underground in a theatre with a Shake…

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E24 The Richmond Theatre and the Old Globe Theatre 55:26

11M ago55:26

55:26

“I built it. It sank into the swamp. So I built a second one. That sank into the swamp. So I built a third. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp. But the fourth one stayed up.” Is this a quote from Monty Python? Or the Richmond Theatre and The Old Globe. Either way, fire, arson, and stages being destroyed multiple times is the them…

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E23 The Biograph Theatre and The Paramount Theatre 52:55

11M ago52:55

52:55

We apologize for any strange audio for this episode of Leave the Ghost Light On. Danica is in a teenager's bedroom in Florida and Jill is sick with a cold. But that won’t stop us from telling the story of an gangster’s tragic end and showing you what might be the most compelling evidence of a ghost ever seen. Welcome to The Biograph and the Paramou…

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E22 Siegfried and Roy Mirage Theatre and The Palace Theatre 57:00

12M ago57:00

57:00

Lions, Tigers, and Ghosts. OH MY! Bossalina did not DIE! This week, Jill takes us to her stomping ground for the first time to talk about possibly the most famous accident on a Las Vegas stage. Then we go to our favorite spot with Danica, (Broadway) where she talks about a ghost that gets upset when you talk about his death incorrectly. Welcome to …

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E21 Cocoanut Grove Theatre and The Portsmouth Music Hall 51:17

12M ago51:17

51:17

Have you ever wanted to go to a “Prohibition Violating Mafia Puppeted Den of Debauchery aka Night Club place of fun?” Danica will tell you why that might not be a good idea. Then we watch Jill have a love afar with one of the last surviving hemp house theatres in the US even if rigging isn’t her forfeit. Hopefully the theatre’s resident ghosts won'…

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E20 Philadelphia Continental Theatre and St. James Theatre 1:18:03

12M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Our favorite (G)Host is back and he is taking a stab at his first tragedy! Eddie loves a good theatre fire, so why not pick a theatre that had more than one! 4 to be exact! Jill loves any excuse to talk about Lord of the Rings with Eddie, so why not talk about a theatre in New Zealand. Especially considering Sir Peter Jackson himself has first hand…

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E19 The Glee Curse and the Brookside Theatre 50:56

1y ago50:56

50:56

Welcome back Spooky Cookies! We are back for season 2 of Leave the Ghost Light On. This season opener lets us dip our toes back into all things tragedy and spooky. Jill talks about all the tragic deaths surrounding members of the successful show, Glee. Danica takes us across the pond to talk about a real video of a ghost in the Brookside Theatre! T…

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E18 Disney Theme Parks and The Memphis Orpheum 1:36:19

1y ago1:36:19

1:36:19

Welcome back Spooky Listeners! We have a fun one for you today! Jill takes on a crazy ride talking about some of the horrific tragedies to have happened at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Then we get to list to our favorite guest host (g-host) Eddie tell us about a spooky theatre with a rich history that would make the blues singers on Beale Street …

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E17 The Moscow Theatre Hostage Takeover and The Gershwin 1:00:57

1y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Hello Theatre Nerds! In this episode, Danica tells us about the not well known, but deadly hostage takeover situation at the Moscow Theatre in Russia. Then we head over to Broadway since our hosts were just there! Jill talks about what else is Defying Gravity besides Elphaba in the hallowed halls of the Gershwin Theatre. Who are the Gershwin Trio?!…

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E16 The Knickerbocker and The Moore Theatre 54:20

1+ y ago54:20

54:20

Welcome back to Leave the Ghostlight On! In this episode, Jill talks about one of the worst theatre engineering disasters in US history that lead to a horrible collapse. Then Danica takes us to a theatre with an unassuming facade hiding more than a few ghosties in its walls and under its foundation. Say hello to the Knickerbocker and the Moore Thea…

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E15 The Death of Moliere and The Amargosa Opera House 1:05:39

1+ y ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Good Morning Spookey Cookies! Today Danica dives DEEP into the OG original of the superstition of the color green. Moliere was protected by the King, but could he protect him from disease? Then Jill takes us to a ghost town in the middle of Death Valley with an Opera house covered in more colorful paint than anywhere within one hundred miles. Plus …

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E14 Metropolitan Opera and the Savannah Theatre 1:01:30

1+ y ago1:01:30

1:01:30

We got a doozy today folks! Jill is currently recording in a hotel room in Maine, so please pardon some of the technical issues! But she made up for it by talking about our first TRUE CRIME! The Metropolitan Opera is the largest theater in the world, it’s no surprise that it has a troubled past. Then Danica takes us to one of the most haunted citie…

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E13 Karamay Theatre and Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre 55:29

1+ y ago55:29

55:29

Hello listeners! We may have missed last week due to crazy life that happens, but we made up for it this week with two doozies. Danica tells us quite possibly the saddest more recent tragedy which involves children and the blotted ego of politicians. Then we go with Jill to a old and mighty theater filled with not one, not two, but over 7 ghosts al…

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E12 Ringling Bros Circus and the Dock Street Theater 1:18:25

1+ y ago1:18:25

1:18:25

We got a crazy one for you today folks! In this episode, Jill takes us through the circus ring to explore the worst circus fire in history as well as introduce you to a friendly giant. Danica takes us on a whirlwind of adventure through one of the most haunted theaters in the US. Welcome to Ringling Bros Circus and the Dock Street Theater! Tell us …

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E11 Astor Place Opera House and the Richard Rodgers Theater 1:02:19

1+ y ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Hello Spooky Nerds! In this episode, the Macbeth curse strikes AGAIN! We follow Danica’s Manhattan tragedy as two rival actors battle it out for who is the best Macbeth backed by a crowd of 10,000 rioters! Then we journey down the street with Jill to hear about a successful Broadway house with a rich history that never threw away its shot, despite …

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E10 Superstitions Part 2 58:19

1+ y ago58:19

58:19

Hello Spooky Ooky Theater Nerds! Welcome to Episode 10 of Leave the Ghost Light On! We are shaking it up again and doing some more SUPERSTITIONS! We deep dive through 8+ superstitions and their origins. Danica tells us why you shouldn’t whistle with a peacock feather in your hair while wearing a green costume. Meanwhile, Jill explains why you shoul…

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Bonus Episode 1 54:13

1+ y ago54:13

54:13

Hello Theater Nerds! This is our very first bonus episode! We decided to do this so we could talk about our 2 week long European adventure! But mostly to review what we saw at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Enjoy! Heads up, I would highly suggest watching this episode as we have videos and pictures on the screen from our trip! Tell us your stories!…

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E9 Edinburgh Festival Theater and the Bedlam Theater 44:38

1+ y ago44:38

44:38

Welcome back Danica and all of our listeners! Our trip together, just like this episode, was short but sweet! We resisted the urge to go on and on about our trip across and instead decided to talk about two Scottish Theaters instead! Jill takes us on a magical journey that goes wrong while Danica teaches us why you should name a theater after an in…

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E8 The Colosseum and The Bijou Theater 1:25:47

1+ y ago1:25:47

1:25:47

In episode 8 of Leave the Ghost Light On, we decided to shake things up and have our first guest on! Everyone say hello to Eddie! Jill decided to take it easy on the newcomer and talk about a point in history every man is apparently obsessed with despite the fact that it is one of the most gruesome spots in the world and is 2000 years old. Then Edd…

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E7 The Browning Theater and The Carolina Theater 49:51

1+ y ago49:51

49:51

Hello spooky ooeky listeners! It is episode 7 of Leave the Ghost Light On! This week, Jill takes us down the railroad line where we explore the haunted Union Station of Ogden brought on by one of the worst train crashes in Utah history. Then we travel to Danica’s neck of woods where we learn about some helpful ghosts who enjoy holding bathroom door…

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E6 His Majesty’s Theater and The Pantages 1:02:41

1+ y ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Welcome to Episode 6 of Leave the Ghost Light On! In this episode, Danica takes us back to London to a theater of Royal regards to recount the tragic outcome of a comedian in front of 12 million people. Then we travel with Jill to the west coast while she oogles and ougles her favorite art deco theater that is full of ghosts who are focused on prot…

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E5 Turn the Lights On and Don't Say My Name: Superstitions Part 1 1:01:11

1+ y ago1:01:11

1:01:11

It's Episode 5 of Leave the Ghost Light On! In this small but mighty mile marker, we figured it was time to do something special. We give you our first set of SUPERSTITIONS! Jill will finally explain the title of the podcast and what the purpose of a ghost light is. Danica will then explain the most famous, world wide superstition of all. This is t…

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E4 The Lyric Spiderman Accidents and Le Petit Theater! 1:03:15

1+ y ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Welcome to Episode 4 of Leave the Ghost Light On! First, Jill takes us on a Marvel superhero worthy adventure as we watch broadway throw caution to the wind and ignore their spidey sense yelling "DANGER". Then we go to Danica, who compared her health to that of a wilted piece of spinach as we hang out with over 40 ghosts who get to spend an eternit…

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E3 The Royal Brunswick Theater and Ryman Auditorium 1:09:12

1+ y ago1:09:12

1:09:12

In this episode of Leave the Ghost Light On, Danica, despite being sick, tells us the story about the shortest lived theater in history and the disaster that lead to its end. Then we travel down to the south for a lil southern hospitality with Jill to hear about the ghosts of country music. Welcome to the Royal Brunswick Theater and Ryman Auditoriu…

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E2 The Ford Theater and The Belasco 1:11:19

1+ y ago1:11:19

1:11:19

Welcome to Episode 2 of Leave the Ghost Light On! Assassination Proclamation and the Clerical Collar Fashion StatementIn this episode, Jill takes us on a journey through one of the most famous events in American history with more disasters than you might expect! Then Danica introduces us to one of the most famous ghost on broadway who loves a styli…

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E1 The Iroquois Theater and The New Amsterdam 1:20:04

1+ y ago1:20:04

1:20:04

Welcome to the inaugural episode of “Leave the Ghost Light On”! In this episode, we banter at the beginning with our backstories and histories. Then Danica takes us to Chicago to retell the tale of the worst Theater Tragedy in history. We then side step over to Jill who tells us about the oldest theater on Broadway and its most famous leading lady …

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Softball Diaries 85: Spencer's Gifts

4+ y ago

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This week on the pod we have non-rookie Spencer. Spencer has been 'in' on the SD scene for a few years, played in more than a few games, and even full on lives in Philly now. Get to know the Santabarbaraite along with us: is he pro boat, will he remember his pet chameleon's name, and which professional baseball player did he suit up with in high sc…

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Softball Diaries 84: Tech Taylor Out

4+ y ago

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Summer is not over until we play softball, tie, and podcast about it. We do our first in-person podcast since 2019, with Taylor Engel stopping by Homebase Studios. Highlights: childhood trauma (oops), the kindness of Cione's staff-(ass), Kleger being wrong (often). Learn about Taylor going to prom, her management principles, and IF she would live o…

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Softball Diaries 83: Evan Kassof's Soap Opera

5y ago

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Evan gets paid to produce drama, yet still finds time to create and distribute a lot of it outside of working hours. Today we have the equivalent of a one-man show, presented in a single (double-length) act. We pull the curtain up on the mysterious Professor (is this true? I'm going with it) Kassof. You'll get more than you ever thought possible on…

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Softball Diaries 82: The Softball Must Flow

5+ y ago

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Welcome to the softball bubble! We quarantined all players, friends, families, and pets at the old Holiday Inn for the first game of the year. It was a glorious return to form—rust, warts, false-ties and all. Naturally the podcast comes next. Listen for updates on all the important players, a recap of 2020's game of the year, AND a special segment …

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Softball Diaries 81: Safe at Home

6y ago

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Are you quarantining, with nothing to do? Missing better times? Missing softball too? Well we did the next best thing: EMERGENCY POD! Listen as the SD personalities semi-officially announce their semi-formal takes on big bad corona and how it may or may not affect the upcoming season. Truly we just needed something to do. Eventually I think we did …

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Softball Diaries 80: Like a Big Awards Show, That's Okumura

6y ago

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Let us gather round and close the stat book on another season. Here we go: a sprawling double episode which ends our ambitious two show award show arc! Congrats to all the winners, listen to hear your name, you probably got something! More importantly we have our Rookie of the Year (spoilers!), Alex Okumura, in the 'interview of the year' . This is…

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Singers with Range 38:30

6y ago38:30

38:30

Bass-baritone Zachary James and soprano Katrina Thurman talk to Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton about how opera singers in the 21st century are doing more than just singing to make a career, from musical theater to television, voiceovers, and beyond.

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Softball Diaries 79: You Play to Win the Endgame

6y ago

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The season is over and 'it is what it is'. Prophesied long ago, the events have been set in motion; This is the end, PART I: A nomination special. Did you make the cut for the coveted award of your choice? If you were wondering, you probably did, but listen to confirm. A ballot is / will be attached to the facebook post. So do your civic duty and v…

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Softball Diaries 78: This Diamond is Forever

6y ago

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**WEDDING RECAP PODCAST**. Alex, OF, and Erika, OF/2B, have officially signed a long term contract. The deal is worth an estimated 500 million dollars and is expected to last for an entire lifetime AKA the length of Bobby Bonilla's contract. This is the oral history of how it all went down. Also listen for the hyped up return of Alli's hot corner. …

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Opera for the 21st Century 34:01

6+ y ago34:01

34:01

DENIS & KATYA composer Philip Venables talks with Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton about creating the O19 world premiere.

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Reimagining Handel's Semele 24:53

6+ y ago24:53

24:53

Director James Darrah talks with host Michael Bolton about the evolution of his O19 production of Handel's SEMELE and how the Festival fosters creativity and collab oration.

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A Morbid Medley of Epic Proportions 19:49

6+ y ago19:49

19:49

LET ME DIE creator Joseph Keckler sat down with Opera Philadelphia in the spring to talk about his world premiere work for Festival O19.

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Softball Diaries 77: Rohan Reigns

6+ y ago

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A _____ teammate, a motorcycle enthusiast, Rohan raises his fist to capitalism and doesn't care for Indian food. When not trotting to second on a double, he is secretly coveting material objects. But jah another podcast, and we didn't have to increase taxes to get it. Seize the means of run producing offenses!…

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Softball Diaries 76: Abbott time for another one

6+ y ago

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~~~New pod alert~~. This week's guest, Andrew Abbott, needs no introduction. But this episode DOES have a long introduction, and three game recaps. Listen for a chunk of dad related items, lake talk, plenty of crosstalk, pitching as an existential exercise in pain and suffering, and a some choice quips by a softball great, Beth. Hanks a lot for hos…

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Softball Diaries 75: Todds Just Wanna Have Sun

6+ y ago

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Pod two of 2019, and we have two game recaps, a special set of co-hosts (Erika + Todd), and a full Todd tell-all. Where did Todd migrate to this offseason, and why? Will Todd ever need a winter jacket? Did he work at McDonald's? We're serving up the answers today folks. A HOME RUN!By Alex Kleger, Matt Bucovetsky

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Softball Diaries 74: Hot Pod Time Machine

6+ y ago

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And we're back, back again. The 2019 season is officially underway, so let's knock out 2018 first. Awards and a mass recap event? We're already in mid-season form. Crisp audio, hilarious current event jabber and shout-outs to the softball greats new and old——something for every fan of the pod. Oh yeah.…

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For whom America the Beautiful? 44:53

7+ y ago44:53

44:53

We Shall Not Be Moved stars Lauren Whitehead and Adam Richardson join Opera Philadelphia's Frank Luzi and Michael Bolton to talk about the O17 hit and bringing it to Opera on the Mall. Discover more at operaonthemall.org.

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Reimagining Poulenc 30:28

7+ y ago30:28

30:28

Director James Darrah and soprano Patricia Racette discuss NE QUITTEZ PAS: A Reimagined La voix humaine with Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton.

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Opera as a Contact Sport 35:54

7+ y ago35:54

35:54

Stephanie Blythe (aka Blythely Oratonio), Dito van Reigersberg (aka Martha Graham Cracker), and director and performer John Jarboe sit down with Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton to talk about Queens of the Night, drag, and opera.

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Creating New Opera 40:41

7+ y ago40:41

40:41

A discussion with Opera Philadelphia New Works Administrator Sarah Williams, composer Lembit Beecher, and mezzo-sopranos Frederica von Stade and Marietta Simpson about Sky on Swings and developing new work at Opera Philadelphia, led by Vice President of Community Initiatives Michael Bolton.

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Tinges of Madness 40:33

7+ y ago40:33

40:33

Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton talks to conductor Corrado Rovaris, soprano Brenda Rae, and tenor Michael Spyres about bringing a classic – Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor – back to the Academy of Music after more than twenty years.