📖 Overview
Michael Riedel works as a theater critic and columnist for the New York Post, where he covers Broadway productions and industry news. He has reported on theater for over two decades and appears regularly as a co-host on the radio show "Theater Talk."
Riedel authored "Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway," which examines the transformation of New York's theater district during the 1970s and 1980s. The book documents how Broadway evolved from a crime-ridden area into a commercial entertainment hub.
His writing focuses on the business and politics behind Broadway productions rather than traditional theater criticism. Riedel chronicles the power struggles, financial deals, and personalities that shaped modern Broadway.
He gained recognition for his insider access to Broadway figures and his willingness to report on industry conflicts and controversies. His work provides documentation of how real estate development, tourism policies, and corporate interests influenced the theater world.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Riedel's insider knowledge of Broadway and his access to key figures in the theater industry. Many appreciate the detailed research and documentation of how Times Square transformed from urban decay to tourist destination. Readers find the behind-the-scenes stories about producers, politicians, and real estate developers engaging.
The book receives positive feedback for exposing the business machinations that most theatergoers never see. Readers comment that Riedel reveals the financial pressures and political maneuvering that determine which shows get produced and which theaters survive.
Some readers criticize the writing style as gossipy or tabloid-like, finding the tone too informal for the subject matter. Others note that the focus on business dealings sometimes overshadows the artistic aspects of theater. Several reviews mention that the book can feel repetitive when covering similar power struggles across different chapters.
Readers interested in theater history and New York City development respond more positively than those seeking traditional theater criticism or artistic analysis.