Detailed Summary of The Dollop Episode 694 – "John Considine – Live"

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Hosts: Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Podcast: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Produced by: All Things Comedy

Introduction

In Episode 694 of The Dollop, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds embark on a lively exploration of John Considine’s life, a pivotal yet tumultuous figure in American theater and vaudeville during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This episode, styled as a “live” performance, blends historical narration with dynamic and humorous interactions between Dave and Gareth, providing listeners with both informative content and entertaining banter.

Early Life and Move to Seattle

John Considine was born in Chicago on September 29, 1868, to Irish immigrants Mary and John William Considine (02:50). Raised in a devout Roman Catholic household, John attended Catholic schools and later St. Mary’s College in Kansas. After a brief stint as a police officer in Chicago, his passion for acting and showmanship led him to join a traveling acting company. By 1889, at the age of 21, Considine had relocated to Seattle, marking the beginning of his influential career in the Pacific Northwest’s burgeoning entertainment scene (04:04).

Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony: "John Considine was born in Chicago in 1868 to Irish immigrants Mary and John William." [02:50]

Managing the People's Theater and Box Houses

Upon settling in Seattle, Considine took over the management of the People’s Theater. During this era, Seattle’s theater scene was a blend of highbrow performances and more dubious entertainments. Considine revolutionized the establishment by introducing "box houses"—saloon-integrated theaters that doubled as brothels (08:04-34:38). This innovative business model drew substantial crowds by combining live theatrical performances with vice activities, making the People’s Theater a lucrative but controversial enterprise.

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds: "We're just going to have women who are actual performers do a show, and then those guys go, fuck a lady." [35:43]

Conflict with Chief William Meredith and Corruption

Considine’s success soon attracted unwanted attention from Chief William Meredith, the corrupt police chief of Seattle. Meredith was deeply entrenched in the vice operations of the city, accepting protection money and enabling activities like gambling and prostitution (34:38-55:08). When Considine attempted to expose Meredith's corrupt practices, including accusations that Meredith had ruined young performers like Mammy Jenkins—a 17-year-old contortionist—the tension between them escalated dramatically (56:43-57:43).

Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony: "Meredith was alive but helpless and on the ground after Tom cracked him on the head with the revolver." [71:57]

The Violent Confrontation and Aftermath

The conflict reached its climax in a dramatic shootout at a Seattle drugstore. Meredith attempted to assassinate Considine but missed, inadvertently injuring another patron (57:43-65:46). Considine and his brother Tom intervened, leading to a fierce confrontation where Tom ultimately subdued Meredith, resulting in Meredith’s fatal injuries (65:46-70:03).

Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony: "When the shot went into his heart, Meredith said, 'Oh.'" [70:03]

Despite the violence, Considine maintained his innocence, claiming self-defense. The subsequent trial was highly publicized, polarizing public opinion between those supporting open vice operations and those advocating for law and order. Ultimately, Considine was acquitted of all charges, though Meredith's death cast a long shadow over Seattle’s moral landscape (70:03-73:11).

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds: "Are you gonna call Everett a city? Yeah, see that? They exist." [44:19]

Expansion into Vaudeville and Rivalry with Alexander Pantages

Post-trial, John Considine expanded his influence into the broader vaudeville circuit by forming the Sullivan Considine Vaudeville Circuit in partnership with Tammany boss Big Tim Sullivan (47:44-83:11). This move positioned Considine as a major player in the national entertainment industry. However, his rise was met with fierce competition from Alexander Pantages, another titan of the vaudeville world.

Pantages, known for his business acumen and ability to attract popular acts, engaged in underhanded tactics to undermine Considine’s efforts. This rivalry included sabotaging performances and enticing Considine’s contracted performers with better deals, intensifying their competition for supremacy in vaudeville (76:00-80:11).

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds: "We are the Blue Man Group xylophone trio." [78:49]

Later Years and Legacy

Despite initial successes, Considine's empire eventually faced financial strain due to overexpansion and the impacts of World War I. In 1914, he sold his vaudeville chain to Marcus Low for $4.5 million, intending to pay it off gradually. However, economic downturns and the war's disruptions led to the eventual collapse of his theater holdings. By 1929, just before the stock market crash, Considine sold his remaining assets to Radio-Keith-Orpheum (RKO) for $20 million, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.

In his later years, Considine maintained a cordial relationship with Alexander Pantages, exemplified by familial ties when Pantages' daughter married Considine’s son. This union symbolized the intertwined destinies of two of vaudeville’s foremost figures. John Considine transitioned into motion picture producing before passing away on February 11, 1943 (81:08-83:13).

Notable Quote:
Dave Anthony: "In Los Angeles, where both families lived." [82:43]

Conclusion

John Considine's journey from a humble Chicago-born immigrant to a dominant force in American theater and vaudeville encapsulates the vibrant and often volatile nature of the entertainment industry during his time. Through innovation, relentless drive, and complex relationships with rivals, Considine left an indelible mark on Seattle’s cultural landscape and the broader vaudeville circuit.

Notable Quote:
Gareth Reynolds: "That's crazy. I can't believe that it was. It feels like we just covered 200 years." [83:12]

Sources

• Murray Morgan, Skid – An informal portrait of Seattle.

Additional Notes

• Live Show Elements: Throughout the episode, Dave and Gareth engage in a series of comedic interruptions and improvised skits, including faux advertisements and humorous dialogues about trapdoors and other antics. While entertaining, these elements were set aside in this summary to focus on the substantive historical content.

• Notable Speaker Interactions: The dynamic between Dave and Gareth adds a layer of humor and relatability, making complex historical narratives engaging for listeners.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of The Dollop’s exploration of John Considine’s life, blending historical facts with the hosts’ signature humor. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a fan of comedic storytelling, this episode offers a captivating look into a lesser-known yet significant figure in American entertainment history.