Ep411 - Jack Viertel: The Secret Architect of Broadway Hits

Jack Viertel has quietly shaped Broadway for decades, guiding landmark productions from behind the scenes while rarely stepping into the spotlight himself. In this conversation, he opens up about the art and the business of theatre, reflecting on how shows get chosen, how failures and successes both shape a career, and why Broadway has always been in a cycle of decline and rebirth. We also wander into the bigger picture — what the industry is doing right, where it stumbles, and what it will take to keep live theatre thriving for future generations.

Of course, Jack’s influence isn’t limited to the stage. He’s also a writer with a brand-new crime thriller, The Glass Eel, co-written with his son Josh. Described as “Breaking Bad on the coast of Maine,” the novel dives into the murky world of baby eels, environmental stakes, and the dark edges of human ambition. Jack shares how the story came to life, what it was like to collaborate with family, and why storytelling — in any form — remains at the heart of his work.

Jack Viertel served for decades as Senior Vice President and Creative Director at Jujamcyn Theaters, helping shepherd productions including Into the Woods, M. Butterfly, Angels in America, The Producers, Book of Mormon, and Dear Evan Hansen to Broadway. He was also Artistic Director of New York City Center’s Encores! series, and is the author of The Secret Life of the American Musical, Broadway Melody, and now The Glass Eel, co-written with his son.

Connect with Jack:

• Website: jackviertel.com
• Book site: jjviertel.com

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