Michael Riedel

Michael Riedel
Name	Michael Riedel
Birth date	1966
Birth place	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Occupation	Theater critic, columnist, author, broadcaster
Employer	New York Post
Years active	1990s–present

Michael Riedel

Michael Riedel is an American theater critic, columnist, author, and broadcaster known for his long tenure as the drama critic and a chief gossip columnist at the New York Post. He became prominent in the New York theatrical community for his coverage of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and the commercial theater industry, and for his books and radio programs about theatrical life. Riedel's work intersects with prominent figures and institutions in American theater, generating both influence and controversy.

Early life and education

Riedel was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in a family connected to Midwestern cultural life, attending public schools before pursuing higher education. He studied at University of Michigan, where he engaged with student theater and campus publications, and later continued studies at Columbia University where he intersected with New York theatrical circles. During his formative years he encountered influences from figures associated with The New York Times theater coverage, Village Voice journalism, and Broadway producers such as Cameron Mackintosh and David Merrick, setting a foundation for a career centered on theatrical reporting.

Career

Riedel began his professional life working in publishing and theatrical publicity, including internships and early roles linked to institutions like Lincoln Center and production offices for shows connected to producers such as Harold Prince and Tommy Tune. He joined the New York Post in the 1990s, rising to prominence as the paper's theater columnist and later its chief theater critic, interacting frequently with theatrical organizations including The Broadway League, Roundabout Theatre Company, and Manhattan Theatre Club. Riedel's journalism has covered major Broadway openings such as revivals and premieres involving creative teams like Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Julie Taymor, and Tom Stoppard. His reporting often referenced commercial partnerships and investors such as Nederlander Organization and Shubert Organization, and he has written about theater-related institutions including The Public Theater, American Conservatory Theater, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Writing and publications

Riedel is the author of books and numerous columns addressing theatrical history, memoir, and gossip, publishing long-form work that engages with personalities like Jerry Herman, Carol Channing, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, and Chita Rivera. His books discuss major productions and behind-the-scenes dynamics involving shows associated with Oklahoma!, The Phantom of the Opera, and Hamilton (musical), and explore interactions among producers, directors, and stars such as Hal Prince, Bob Fosse, Sergio Trujillo, and Michael Bennett. He has contributed essays and forewords for volumes connected to organizations including New York City Center and archives such as the Billy Rose Theatre Division at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Riedel's print work has appeared alongside or in response to coverage from outlets like Variety (magazine), The New Yorker, and Playbill, and he has chronicled episodes involving awards and institutions including the Tony Awards, Olivier Awards, and Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Broadcasting and media appearances

Riedel has hosted and appeared on radio and television programs, collaborating with networks and platforms such as SiriusXM, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and WNYC. He has been a frequent guest on theater-focused broadcasts and panels alongside critics and commentators from The New York Times, Deadline Hollywood, Entertainment Weekly, and The Hollywood Reporter. Riedel has participated in talk shows and interviews with personalities like Stephen Colbert, James Corden, Bryan Cranston, and directors including Mike Nichols and Sam Mendes, and has moderated discussions at venues such as Lincoln Center Festival and New York Theatre Workshop.

Critical reception and controversies

Riedel's work has elicited praise and criticism; supporters cite his deep knowledge of Broadway economics, historical knowledge of theatrical producers like Florenz Ziegfeld and David Belasco, and his insider access to institutions such as Broadway League and American Theatre Wing. Critics and subjects have accused him of partisanship and of blurring lines between reporting and advocacy, citing disputes with figures including Marin Mazzie, Julie Taymor, and producers linked to The Shubert Organization. He has been central to contentious items involving commercial strategies, casting controversies, and artistic disputes tied to productions like Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and revivals of West Side Story, prompting responses from unions such as Actors' Equity Association and cultural commentators at outlets like The Guardian and The Atlantic. Debates over journalistic ethics, conflicts of interest, and the role of gossip in arts coverage have followed his columns in forums including panels at Columbia Journalism School and conferences hosted by The Drama Book Shop.

Personal life and philanthropy

Riedel lives in New York City and has been involved with philanthropic activities supporting theatrical training and archival preservation, engaging with institutions such as The Actors Fund, The New York Public Library, and educational programs at Juilliard School and Tisch School of the Arts. He has participated in fundraising events and benefit galas alongside major donors and patrons connected to Lincoln Center and Roundabout Theatre Company, and has served on or advised boards linked to arts advocacy groups and theater history projects.

Category:American theater critics Category:Writers from Detroit Category:People associated with Broadway