Adolf Philipp and Ethnic Musical Comedy in New York's Little Germany

By John Koegel

The German immigrant stage flourished in New York City from its beginnings in 1840 through 1918, parallel to its english-language counterpart. Many German amateur dramatic groups were active from 1840 onward, and between 1853 and 1918 at least one professional troupe offered an extensive season as a resident company in a fixed theater in Manhattan. Between 1879 and 1918 there were usually two and sometimes three professional companies active at the same time. After the German American stage resumed regular activity in a reduced state following World War I, it moved frequently between commercial theaters and German social clubs throughout New York City's metropolitan area.