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 ofEncores, 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.