Riedel, a frequent Taboo detractor in his New York Post column, taped an interview with Taboo star and composer George O'Dowd (aka Boy George) Nov. 21. The interview followed a statement O'Dowd made in the New York Times, saying the Post columnist would lose in a battle of wits. Riedel responded with an open invitation, printed in the Post, for O'Dowd to appear on Riedel and co-host and producer Susan Haskin's PBS talk show, "Theater Talk."

With a score by Boy George and a new book by Charles Busch, Taboo concerns the lives of two larger-than-life personalities involved in the eighties London club scene: the Kent-born singer Boy George, who rose to fame and international acclaim via the pop group Culture Club; and performance artist Leigh Bowery, who became known for his outlandish costumes and make-up before an early death from AIDS. Their stories are told against the background of the London club Taboo, which featured an array of self-proclaimed "freaks."

Taboo began previews at the Plymouth Theatre Oct. 24 and officially opened Nov. 13. Tickets, priced between $80 and $100, are available through Telecharge, (212) 239- 6200.

For more information about the musical, visit www.tabooonbroadway.com.