Arts
True Crime
Life Upon the Wicked Stage
Under the spotlight of arts and entertainment, Jen, Olivia, and Ashley (who are, in fact, three different people) unpack details of “murder, mayhem, and Mame” in sagas of crime, scandal, hauntings, and more!
Total 7 episodes
1
08/11/2024

Mama Rose: Getting Away With Murder - Pt. 1

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia explore the fascinating and tumultuous life of Mama Rose, the infamous stage mother of Gypsy Rose Lee and June Havoc. The discussion draws from Carolyn Quinn's book, 'Mama Rose's Turn,' revealing the complex interplay of arts and crime in Mama Rose's life. The hosts investigate Mama Rose's rumored criminal activities, her strategic navigation of the vaudeville scene, and the dramatic impact of her actions on her daughters' lives. From forged birth certificates and secret marriages to family disputes and professional pressures, the episode intertwines true crime with theatrical history, offering an insight into the real-life inspiration behind the musical 'Gypsy.' This captivating narrative promises more thrilling revelations in future episodes. 00:00 Listener Discretion Advised 00:27 Meet the Hosts 00:51 Introducing Mama Rose 02:01 Mama Rose's Dark Secrets 03:10 The Real Story Behind Gypsy 08:44 Rose's Early Life and Family 25:19 Rose's Marriage and Motherhood 32:58 The Birth of Baby June 47:29 The Divorce and Mama Rose's Cruelty 48:15 Baby June's Early Stardom 49:28 Transition to Hollywood 51:03 Life in Hollywood and Financial Struggles 54:29 Vaudeville Circuit and Forged Birth Certificates 56:50 Rise to Fame and the Orpheum Circuit 59:21 The Decline of Vaudeville and Family Tensions 01:22:33 June's Rebellion and Secret Marriage 01:30:06 Mama Rose's Breakdown and Attempted Murder 01:31:34 Intermission and Upcoming Drama  
1h 36m
25/10/2024

Harry Houdini: Spiritualist Debunker

The Astonishing Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini: Magic, Mysticism, and Mastery   In this captivating episode, the hosts embark on a fascinating journey through the life and legacy of Harry Houdini, interspersed with discussions on their favorite wines and Florida's autumn festivities. Listeners will explore Houdini's dramatic life, from his humble beginnings and marriage to Bess, to his rise as the 'Handcuff King.' The episode highlights his most famous escape acts, including the Chinese Water Torture and the Vanishing Elephant, as well as his innovative publicity stunts and efforts to expose fraudulent mediums. The hosts also touch on the cultural forces that shaped his career during the Industrial Revolution. The episode concludes with a discussion on Houdini's deteriorating health, mysterious death, and the various conspiracy theories surrounding it, solidifying his lasting legacy in the realms of magic and escape artistry.   00:00 Welcome and Wine Talk 01:02 Halloween Vibes and Manifesting 01:57 Introduction to Harry Houdini 02:52 Houdini's Early Life and Inspirations 04:59 Celebrity Encounters and Sidebars 20:52 Magic and the Industrial Revolution 41:55 The Struggle of Houdini's Family 46:06 Houdini's Early Performances 47:57 Houdini's Marriage and Personal Life 01:00:04 Houdini's Rise to Fame 01:00:58 Houdini's Famous Escapes 01:13:51 Houdini's Relationship with Spiritualism 01:19:52 The Granite Tomb and Spiritualism 01:21:50 Houdini's Disguise and Debunking Seances 01:23:20 Friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 01:27:50 Houdini's Declining Health 01:31:35 The Fatal Punch and Appendicitis 01:40:05 Conspiracy Theories and Legacy 01:47:25 Bess Houdini's Annual Seances 01:53:48 Houdini's Enduring Legacy
1h 29m
11/10/2024

Nell Gwynn: The Protestant Whore

Nell Gwynn: From Actrss to King's Confidante - The Enchanting Journey of a Restoration Actress In this episode of 'Murder Mayhem and Mame,' the hosts delve into the enchanting life of Nell Gwynn, one of England's most iconic actresses and the cherished mistress of King Charles II. They explore her rise from working in her mother's bawdy house to becoming a celebrated actress and the King's favorite. The discussion covers Nell's captivating wit, charm, and strategic intelligence that endeared her to the King. The narrative also addresses her experiences as an orange girl, her influence on the monarch, and the political intrigue surrounding her. Following the King's death and Nell's subsequent struggles, her charitable works and lasting impact on theater and society are recounted, painting a vivid picture of a Restoration-era folk hero who remained true to her roots.   00:00 Introduction 00:19 Social Media and Hairstyles 00:44 Dessert and Drinks 02:37 Beverages and Podcast Recording 03:44 Introduction to Nell Gwynn 06:40 Nell Gwynn's Early Life 10:11 Restoration Theatre and Women's Roles 14:26 Nell Gwynn's Rise to Fame 36:30 Nell Gwynn and King Charles II 47:56 Restoration Theater Epilogues 48:27 Nell Gwynn: The First Superstar 48:52 Country Escapes and Windsor Summers 50:09 Nell's Unique Position at Court 0:47 The Birth of Charles and Relationship Dynamics 53:06 Rivalries and Court Intrigues 55:11 Nell's Return to the Stage and Final Performance 56:06 Nell's Devotion and Life as a Lady 01:04:40 Political Intrigues and the Popish Plot 01:05:28 Tragic Losses and Final Years 01:22:38 Nell's Legacy and Final Reflections
1h 32m
27/09/2024

Annie Russell: A Theatrical Haunting

In this episode, actors Olivia, Jen, and Ashley begin with light-hearted introductions, discussing their star signs, hairstyles, the weather, quirky personal details, and favorite desserts. The conversation transitions into a mesmerizing narrative about the haunted Annie Russell Theatre in Winter Park, Florida, offering historical insights about the actress Annie Russell, her career, health, and personal life. The hosts share chilling stories of ghosts and paranormal events within the theatre. The episode briefly teases next week's discussion on actress Nell Gwynn and her royal affair. Additionally, the hosts reveal an upcoming deep dive into the fascinating 'language of the fan,' stirring excitement for future episodes.   00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk 00:25 Meet the Hosts 00:53 Bang Styles and Merch Ideas 01:29 Better Than Sex Restaurant 02:49 The Fan and Menopause 03:50 Spooky Season and Halloween 07:10 Annie Russell Theater History 09:22 Annie Russell's Early Life 12:14 Annie Russell's Acting Career 23:41 Annie Russell's Later Years 37:48 The Haunted Annie Russell Theater 38:37 Theater Ghost Stories 39:25 Annie's Seat and the Golden Retriever 41:43 Disembodied Applause and Other Hauntings 42:58 Annie's Dressing Room and the Open Door 45:13 Apparitions and the Painted Message 48:05 The Electrocution Incident of 1962 52:27 Personal Ghost Encounters 56:41 Dark Spirits and the Hanging Incident 01:01:16 Final Thoughts and Future Topics  
1h 23m
13/09/2024

Evelyn Nesbit: The Crime of the Century

In this inaugural episode of the ‘The Wicked Stage' podcast, hosts Olivia, Jen, and Ashley introduce their true crime series focused on the world of arts and entertainment. With backgrounds in theater and a fascination for true crime, they delve into the life of early 1900s beauty Evelyn Nesbitt, her relationships with architect Stanford White and millionaire Harry Thaw, and the ensuing drama of Stanford White's murder by Thaw. The episode covers the sensational trials of Harry Thaw, the intense public and media scrutiny, and the impact on Nesbitt's life and career, leading to her eventual retreat from the public eye. The story is set against the vibrant backdrop of New York's theater scene and includes reflections on its broader cultural and historical significance.   00:00 Welcome to the Wicked Stage Pod   00:32 Meet the Hosts: Olivia, Ashley, and Jen   02:24 The Confusion of Identity   06:34 The Origin of 'Life Upon the Wicked Stage'   10:54 Introducing Evelyn Nesbitt   16:47 Evelyn's Early Life and Rise to Fame   20:04 The Dark Side of Fame: Stanford White   35:25 The Assault and Its Aftermath   41:51 Ignoring Unwanted Advances   42:13 Jack the Feminist Chihuahua   42:34 The Fear of Women's Safety   43:29 True Crime and Education   44:24 Evelyn Nesbitt's Complicated Relationships   50:01 Harry Thaw's Troubled Past   01:05:22 The Murder of Stanford White   01:08:52 The Aftermath and Trials   01:15:41 Evelyn Nesbitt's Later Life   01:22:23 Conclusion and Reflections  
1h 41m