The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built, written by Jack Viertel, takes readers on a journey through the process of creating a Broadway musical. Viertel, a veteran Broadway producer, shares his insights and experiences, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the development of some of the most iconic musicals in history. From the initial idea to the final production, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the creative and collaborative process that goes into making a successful musical.