I don’t ever remember staying up late to finish a nonfiction book before. I seldom even stay up to finish a mystery or other novel. But, Michael Riedel’s Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway was worth it. Riedel admits in the introduction that the subtitle is ironic. He turned in the manuscript just as the coronavirus was hitting China. He had no idea what COVID-19 would do the United States, New York City, and Broadway.

Although Riedel was the theater columnist for the New York Post until he was laid off due to COVID, this is not his memoir. It’s the story of the 1990s on Broadway, up until it’s reopening following 9/11. Riedel interviewed more than one hundred people. Singular Sensation is the behind-the-scenes, gossipy account of some of the larger-than-life personalities behind the productions on Broadway, the producers more than any others, although, depending on the show, there are chapters about the playwrights or the directors.

I did not start going regularly to Broadway until the last decade, so the stories and accounts from the 1990s were all new to me. But, I certainly recognize the names of plays and musicals covered in the book as Riedel discusses the end of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s reign on Broadway, the new American shows that drew a younger audience, the return of drama to the stage, Rosie O’Donnell’s reign as the middle class ambassador who introduced Broadway to her TV audience. The Lion King is discussed in depth. It’s personalities and behind-the-scenes politics that move this book along.

The book covers the problems with Webber’s Sunset Boulevard. Riedel tells the story of Rent, the revival of Guys and Dolls, Julie Traynor’s dream for The Lion King. Mel Brooks and The Producers are covered in depth. As I said, all shows with recognizable titles, but with stories unknown to those of us with no connection to Broadway, other than a love for it.

I found Singular Sensation fascinating. As I said, I stayed up late to finish it. I also ordered Michael Riedel’s first book, Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway, a book that covers the ’70s and ’80s. As the friend wrote who gave me the book, “Well, you can’t be in the audience on Broadway this year. But, why not go there in this new book!” This glimpse behind-the-scenes was the perfect antidote to Broadway withdrawal.

Singular Sensation : The Triumph of Broadway by Michael Riedel. Avid Reader Press, 2020. ISBN 9781501166631 (hardcover), 336p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received my copy as a gift from a friend.