Podcast Summary: And That's Why We Drink – Episode E430: "Opening Night Haunts and Scamaroonies"

Introduction

In Episode E430 of And That's Why We Drink, hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz bring their unique blend of true crime and paranormal storytelling to a live audience at The Brooklyn Bell House in Brooklyn, NY. Released on May 4, 2025, this episode delves into chilling ghost stories from Broadway theaters and explores the notorious scams of George C. Parker, New York City's most infamous con man. The lively banter between Christine and Em sets a convivial yet eerie tone, inviting listeners to grab their favorite beverages and immerse themselves in tales where murder meets the supernatural.

Ghost Stories from Broadway

New Amsterdam Theater and the Haunting of Olive Thomas

Em begins the ghostly tales by focusing on the New Amsterdam Theater, highlighting its most active spirit, Olive Thomas. "The most active ghost on Broadway is at the New Amsterdam Theater, and her name is Olive Thomas" (06:02). Olive, a chorus girl from the 1915 Follies, tragically died after accidentally consuming her husband's mercury pills in Paris. Her restless spirit remains intertwined with the theater, often appearing during renovations and significant events.

Notable sightings include Olive wearing a green beaded dress and sash, carrying an empty blue pill bottle. "After people started seeing her everywhere, the vice president of operations put pictures of her at every entrance of the theater so that people could say hi or goodbye to her" (11:16). This ritual has helped manage her activity, ensuring her presence is acknowledged without causing fear.

Em shares various encounters, such as:

• Disembodied Footsteps and Appearances: "Sometimes a woman, or sometimes only disembodied feet climbing up the stairs" (13:16).
• Interactions with Staff: Olive is often seen interacting with male staff members, exhibiting flirtatious behavior. "Men have reported smelling perfume and hearing a woman whisper 'hi, fella' into their ears" (15:07).
• Unexplained Phenomena: From lights flickering to objects moving on their own, the theater regularly experiences eerie occurrences attributed to Olive and other spirits.

Belasco Theater and the Spirits of David Belasco

Transitioning to the Belasco Theater, Em introduces the original owner, David Belasco, known as the "Bishop of Broadway" or the "Monk." "People have heard a piano playing by itself in the middle of the night" (31:59). Belasco's spirit is described as tall with messy hair, often appearing in his monk priest outfit.

Key hauntings include:

• Apparitions and Physical Interactions: "Belasco is known to actually physically shake hands with actors, telling them they did a fine job after a performance" (35:46).
• Environmental Changes: "Candles blowing out and then melting entirely while others remain untouched" (31:49).
• Community Rituals: "If Belasco appears in the theater on opening night of a show, the show is blessed" (35:55). Conversely, his displeasure leads to chaos if a show falters.

Additional spirits, like the Blue Lady—a dancer who died by suicide—add to the theater's haunted reputation. She is often seen as a blue mist, sharing hallways with Belasco, suggesting a spectral friendship. "She appears in the stairs and in the dressing room, and people sometimes feel her sadness" (37:10).

Scamaroonies: The Legend of George C. Parker

Shifting from the supernatural to the sinister, Christine narrates the story of George C. Parker, arguably the greatest con man in New York City's history. Born in March 1860, Parker became infamous for selling landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Madison Square Garden to unsuspecting victims.

Key Highlights of Parker's Cons:

• Initial Scam: "In 1883, when he was in his early 20s, the Brooklyn Bridge was completed... Parker decided on a whim to see if he could sell it to an unsuspecting tourist" (46:34).
• Expansion of Schemes: Adopting aliases such as James O'Brien and Warden Kennedy, Parker targeted immigrants at Ellis Island, convincing them they owned prestigious landmarks. "He would present himself as the proud yet overly stressed and desperate to sell owner of The Brooklyn Bridge" (51:10).
• Operational Tactics: Parker's operations were meticulous. He bribed boat workers to identify wealthy immigrants and tailored his pitches based on the victims' perceived affluence. "He accepted payment installments if his victims didn't have enough cash up front" (56:15).
• Longevity and Evasion: Despite multiple arrests, Parker managed to evade long-term imprisonment until his final conviction in 1928. "After his third conviction, on December 17, 1928, he was sentenced to life in prison at Sing Sing" (57:32).
• Cultural Impact: Parker's legacy persists, embedding phrases like "I have a bridge to sell you" into popular vernacular, symbolizing futile or absurd propositions.

Christine emphasizes the vulnerability of Parker's victims—primarily immigrants unfamiliar with American laws and enticed by promises of prosperity. Her recounting underscores the blend of charisma and manipulation that fueled Parker's deceptions.

Notable Quotes:

• Christine closes Parker's story with a poignant quote from Will Rogers: "They may call me a rube and a hick, but I'd a lot rather be the man who bought the Brooklyn Bridge than the man who sold it" (64:11).
• Em adds humorously, "Well, hearing that, it's not something you should do, but it's fascinating" (64:56).

Conclusion

Episode E430 of And That's Why We Drink masterfully intertwines tales of hauntings and high-stakes cons, offering listeners a captivating exploration of New York City's haunted theaters and legendary scams. Christine and Em's engaging storytelling, complemented by their dynamic interactions and timely quotes, create an immersive experience. Whether recounting ghostly apparitions in historic theaters or the audacious frauds of George C. Parker, the hosts deliver a compelling narrative that underscores the city's rich and often eerie history.

Listeners are left with a chilling reminder of the past's lingering spirits and the cunning that can infiltrate even the most iconic landmarks. As always, Christine and Em invite their audience to reflect on the shadows that dance both in the spotlight and beyond the veil.

Notable Quotes:

• Em: "When you don't want to see Olive, Olive finds you" (20:18).
• Christine: "It was technically a crime story, but it's just a fucking doozy" (46:14).
• Em: "Believe it or not, this is how it happened" (07:14).

Timestamps:

• 00:23-03:15: Opening Banter and Drinking Game Introduction
• 05:18-20:18: Ghost Stories from New Amsterdam Theater
• 20:51-44:16: Interspersed Advertisements (Skipped in Summary)
• 44:16-66:46: Scamaroonies and George C. Parker's Story
• 66:37-66:46: Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments, particularly those featuring Eva's promotions for pillowcases and CBD gummies, have been omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the episode's primary content.