"A Lament for The Troc" - Special Episode! Artwork

Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia

Bringing you the best stories from the deep and fascinating history of theater in the city of Philadelphia.

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Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia

"A Lament for The Troc" - Special Episode!

March 23, 2026 • Peter Schmitz • Episode 120

0:00 | 28:48

In the Spring of 1978, "The Troc" - Philadelphia's longtime notorious burlesque house on Arch Street - closed for business.

The journalist Edgar Williams composed this poetic farewell to the site of so many vivid, poignant, and hilarious episodes from his youth.

A good photo essay about the history of The Troc can be found in this online article by writer Thom Carroll in the Philly Voice: https://www.phillyvoice.com/photos-100-years-trocadero-theatre/

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