EP 511: Michael Riedel on Broadway's Recent History and Uncertain Future

New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel shares his thoughts on Broadway's uncertain future, what New York theatre may look like whenever it emerges from the pandemic, and some hopeful lessons from Broadway’s dramatic recovery in the wake of the attacks on 9/11.  He says he didn't intend for the title of his new book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway to be ironic, but a tribute to boom in American theatre in the 90s and the enduring influence of one of America's greatest cultural exports.  He recalls the disastrous Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that put an end the so called British Invasion of the 80s and how a little musical called Rent took the world by storm and changed our idea of what a Broadway musical could be.  We talk about how the musical Chicago went from a flop in the 70s to a massive hit in the 90s, how revivals of classic musical comedies like Guys and Dolls paved the way for Mel Brooks’ The Producers, and the real life story of the flashy Broadway showman who turned out to be a conman!

Order Michael Riedel's book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway on Amazon, Audible, or wherever books are sold.  Listen to The Len Berman and Michael Riedel in the Morning show on W.O.R. radio in New York City, look for his column in the New York Post, and follow him on Twitter at @MichaelRiedelNY.