Jack Viertel has retired as senior vice president of Jujamcyn Theaters after 34 years with the company.
Viertel, who was Jujamcyn’s creative director before becoming senior vice president, stepped down from the role at the end of 2021. He is credited with bringing many productions to Jujamcyn, including “Angels in America,” the 1992 revival of “Guys and Dolls,” “The Secret Garden,” “Jelly’s Last Jam” and the 1996 revival of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
Viertel produced the 2008 revival of “Gypsy,” starring Patti LuPone, and the 2009 revival of “Finian’s Rainbow.” He is credited as the dramaturg of “Hairspray.” “The Prom” was developed from his original concept, and he conceived of the concepts for “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” and “After Midnight.”
From 2000 to 2020, Viertel served as artistic director of the Encores! series at New York City Center.
As part of his retirement, Viertel will continue working on several independent projects and on a new book.
“My career at Jujamcyn was a dream come true,” Viertel said. “Working first under Rocco Landesman and then under Jordan Roth, I had as much fun as anyone can have in the theater, got an education every day, and the company, I’m proud to say, has continued to innovate in every aspect of production and presentation. I am very glad to have been a part of it.
