Singular Sensation: The Podcast

About Singular Sensation: The Podcast

Join us for an extraordinary deep dive inside the most transformative decade on Broadway through gripping behind-the-scenes accounts of shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Rent, Angels in America, Chicago, The Lion King, and The Producers - shows that changed the history of the American theater. Host Michael Riedel, author of the best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway, has created a companion podcast featuring his never-before-heard, taped audio interviews with legendary artists from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Patti LuPone, and so many more. Michael presents the drama behind the decade’s mega-hits and shocking flops, bringing readers into high-stakes premieres, fraught rehearsals, tough contract negotiations, intense Tony Award battles, and more. From the bitter feuds to the surprising collaborations, all the intrigue of a revolutionary era in the Theater District is packed into Singular Sensation. Broadway has triumphs and disasters, but the show always goes on. Visit http://bpn.fm/singularsensation for early episode access, to learn more, and be sure to get the book here: https://amzn.to/4cNdfO3

Publisher

Broadway Podcast Network

Category

arts · education · history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Apr 2024

Latest episode

20 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Mar 2025

   Chicago #3: “Nowadays” 28 Years Later

   When a scaled down, revival production of Chicago launched a 4-day run at City Center Encores before transferring to Broadway in 1996, no one anticipated that the show would still be running on Broadway after 28 years and over 11,000 performances. It’s the second longest running Broadway show ever after Phantom of the Opera. Producers Fran and Barry Weissler share insider stories with Michael Riedel about how many people in the Broadway community questioned the wisdom behind the launch. Michael also speaks with Joel Grey about playing Amos against normal type casting, and he talks with marketing superstar Drew Hodges about his steamy, minimalist ad campaign for the show. Plus Ann Reinking weighs in on the risky photo shoot. This episode features never-before-heard excerpts from the interviews Michael Riedel recorded while writing his 2020 best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. 

   20 Mar 2025

   Chicago #2: Ann Reinking in a Never-Before-Heard Interview

   Iconic triple-threat, choreographer, and film star, Ann Reinking, speaks with Michael Riedel about choreographing and starring in the 1996 smash hit Chicago revival. That year, Ann Reinking won the Tony Award for Best Choreography, and the show has since gone on to become the longest running revival on Broadway. Ann shares her stories about her relationship with Bob Fosse during the original 1975 production and how she eventually replaced Gwen Verdon in the show. Years later, Ann was approached to choreograph Chicago for Encores and ended up starring as Roxie herself! This episode features never-before-heard excerpts from the interviews Michael Riedel recorded while writing his 2020 best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. 

   20 Mar 2025

   Chicago #1: John Kander & the Making of Chicago

   Legendary composer John Kander (Chicago, Cabaret, Steel Pier, Zorba) shares rarified insider stories with Michael Riedel about the making of Chicago. Kander reminisces about creating epic musical hits with songwriting partner Fred Ebb and collaborating with Director/Choregrapher Bob Fosse. Kander also reveals the secret advice he received from dear friend Liza Minnelli. Chicago opened on Broadway in 1975, and in the shadow of the Tony-winning musical smash A Chorus Line, Chicago was overlooked for years. When Chicago returned to New York’s City Center and transferred to Broadway in 1996, no one would have dreamed that the show would still be running in 2025, making it the longest running musical revival in Broadway history! This episode features never-before-heard excerpts from the interviews Michael Riedel recorded while writing his 2020 best-selling book Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

22 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

79

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Singular Sensation: The Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.