FOLLIES is a Stephen Sondheim musical about looking in the mirror. What might you see? A theater? Or a parking lot?

Here to discuss this complex show is the very definition of a multi-hyphenate. Jack Viertel is a producer-writer-artistic director who was not only the force behind hit musicals like Smokey Joe's Cafe and The Prom but oversaw twenty years at New York City Center Encores! He's seen more theatre than most of us put together, and today he brings context and life experience to a show filled with, well, context and life experience. Add to that a double helping of "pastiche," and we've got an episode not to be missed!

Order Jack's new book Broadway Melody, filled with ghosts of Broadway past. You can also follow him on X at @jackviertel1.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out our COMPANY episode featuring Nikki Renee Daniels and Teri Ralston: Broadway Podcast Network - COMPANY with Nikki Renee Daniels & Teri Ralston

Support "A Musical Theatre Podcast" by giving us a nice review and rating! You can also subscribe to PATREON! for only $1 a month to receive bonus episodes. For more great content, follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Don't forget our TeePublic Store where our original designs benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

More than anything, thank you for being part of this wonderful podcasting community!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices