Jack Viertel is a human encyclopedia of musical theater. He’s the producer of hit Broadway shows like “Hairspray,” “Kinky Boots,” and “The Producers.” And he’s also the artistic director of Encores, a New York series that resurrects vintage musicals.

Viertel’s book “The Secret Life of the American Musical—How Broadway Shows are Built,” reveals the essential elements of a musical. 

This spring, he joined Kurt in the studio to give us all a master class in the genre.

(Originally aired April 21, 2016)

More of Kurt’s favorite conversations of 2016 can be found here.

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