Jack Viertel

Broadway Producer to Present UA Lecture on Musicals

Jack Viertel
Jack Viertel

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Noted theatrical producer Jack Viertel, who has shepherded numerous shows to Broadway including “The Piano Lesson,” “Angels in America,” “City of Angels” and “M. Butterfly,” will speak about “The Secret Life of the American Musical” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the Marian Gallaway Theatre on The University of Alabama campus. The lecture is free and open to the public.

“Jack Viertel’s book ‘The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows are Built’ was a New York Times best-seller earlier this year,” said Bill Teague, chair of the department of theatre and dance. “That’s unusual for a specialized, nonfiction work, but it got there because Viertel is supremely knowledgeable. He’s a man who knows the show business world inside out — and he’s a terrific storyteller. No one with an interest in musical theatre or the Broadway scene will want to miss this talk.”

During the lecture, musical theatre students will perform some of the songs that Viertel references, Teague said. It’s a lecture and a show.

“Viertel’s visit comes at an opportune time,” Teague said. “UA has lately been in the Broadway news: One of our recent grads is the alternate lead in ‘Hamilton.’ Another is a frequently appearing understudy for the lead in ‘Kinky Boots.’ And last year, we premiered the bound-for-Broadway show ‘The Countess of Storyville.’  We eagerly await this talk by a leading figure in the theatrical world.”

Viertel, who has been in  theatre for three decades, is the senior vice president of Jujamcyn Theatres. He conceived the musicals “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “After Midnight,” and he served as dramaturg for “Hairspray,” helping to develop the characters and edit the playwriting.

As the artistic director of the New York City Center “Encore” series, he also presents concert revivals of musicals. Viertel also teaches at New York University, educating students about how musicals are built and what makes them work.

Copies of “The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows are Built” will be on sale in the lobby of the Marian Gallaway Theatre. After the lecture, Viertel will be available for signings.

 

 

Contact

Courtney Corbridge, courtney.a.corbridge@ua.edu, 205/348-8539

Source

Bill Teague, wteague@ua.edu, 205/348 5283