Podcast
Broadway Breakdown
Hosted by Matt Koplik · EN
Matt Koplik is the most opinionated, foul-mouthed, and passionate theatre geek with access to a mic. Every week, Matt and a guest explore Broadway history by diving into the careers of the artists who shaped it. Whether discussing Sondheim and Sweeney or Herman and Dolly, Matt is sure to give you fun facts, deep analysis, and lots of four letter words. Tune in!!
bwaybreakdown.substack.com
bwaybreakdown.substack.com
268episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Making Sense of the 2026 Tonys w/ Alan Seales
6d ago01:30:05Summary readyMatt is joined by longtime theater podcaster Alan Seales for a wide-ranging conversation attempting to make sense of one of the messiest and most unpredictable Tony seasons in recent memory. Together, they unpack how narratives form, why certain shows over-perform while others stall, and what this year’s nominations reveal about the current state of Broadway. From voter psychology to industry hype cycles to the emotional chaos of awards season itself, the episode balances sharp analysis with genuine love for theater and the people who obsess over it.Guest InformationAlan Seales is the creator and host of The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales, one of the leading interview podcasts focused on Broadway artists and creatives. Known for thoughtful, actor-centered conversations and deep industry insight, Alan has become a trusted voice within the theater community through years of interviewing performers, writers, directors, and behind-the-scenes creatives across stage and screen.Important Links* Broadway DropShop* Broadway Breakdown Live: The (Slightly Early) Tony Awards Show Tix!* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown YoutubeListener discussion questions* Do Tony Awards narratives shape the industry too heavily, or are they simply part of what makes Broadway exciting?* Which nominated show or performance do you think audiences and voters are responding to for completely different reasons?* In an increasingly crowded entertainment landscape, what should the Tony Awards prioritize most: artistry, commercial viability, innovation, or cultural impact? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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Matt Ranks (almost) Every Show of the 2025/2026 Season
2w ago02:33:47Summary readyAfter a full Broadway season of transfers, star vehicles, ambitious new musicals, baffling misfires, and surprise favorites, Matt finally attempts the impossible: ranking (almost) every show from the 2025/2026 season. From major Tony contenders to chaotic curiosities, he revisits what worked, what didn’t, and which productions lingered long after curtain call. Along the way, the episode becomes less a definitive “best to worst” list and more a snapshot of a season defined by big swings, divided reactions, and wildly different ideas of what Broadway should be right now.Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live: Green Room 42 Tix! * Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeTime Stamps* 0:00 – Intro + ranking criteria explanation* 4:27 – #50* 6:05 – #49* 9:05 – #48* 12:57 – #47* 16:27 – #46* 18:40 – #45* 21:51 – #44* 24:58 – #43* 27:36 – #42* 29:37 – #41* 32:50 – #40* 36:57 – #39* 39:33 – #38* 43:12 – #37* 44:55 – #36* 47:06 – #35* 48:27 – #34* 50:49 – #33* 54:36 – #32* 57:21 – #31* 58:58 – #30* 1:00:52 – #29* 1:03:13 – #28* 1:05:52 – #27* 1:09:50 – #26* 1:11:45 – #25* 1:13:10 – #24* 1:16:02 – #23* 1:22:17 – #22* 1:27:07 – #21* 1:29:52 – #20* 1:32:07 – #19* 1:35:35 – #18* 1:41:15 – #17* 1:42:55 – #16* 1:48:23 – #15* 1:50:11 – #14* 1:52:38 – #13* 1:56:45 – #12* 1:59:17 – #11* 2:02:14 – #10* 2:04:43 – #9* 2:07:52 – #8* 2:10:32 – #7* 2:14:17 – #6* 2:16:44 – #5* 2:19:17 – #4* 2:22:25 – #3* 2:25:51 – #2* 2:27:35 – #1 + final reflections on the seasonListener discussion questions* “What was your personal favorite show of the 2025/2026 Broadway season—and did critical consensus line up with your own ranking?”* “Which production do you think will age the best over time, regardless of awards success?”* “Are there shows this season you admired more than you actually enjoyed—and how do you separate those two reactions?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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2026 Tony Awards: Nomination Reactions w/ The Theater Lovers!
3w ago02:58:30Summary readyMatt is joined by passionate theater voices Rachael Anderson and Will Anderson for an immediate, no-filter reaction to the 2026 Tony Award nominations. From expected frontrunners to shocking omissions, the trio breaks down what the nominations reveal about this season’s shifting narratives—and what they might signal for the winners. Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live: The (Slightly Early) Tony Awards Show Tix!* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeGuest InfoRachael Anderson and Will Anderson are avid theater fans and commentators known for their sharp takes and deep engagement with the Broadway community (@thetheaterlovers), bringing both enthusiasm and thoughtful critique to awards season conversations.Listener Discussion Questions* “Which nomination (or omission) surprised you the most this year—and why?”* “Do the nominations reflect the best of the season, or the strongest narratives?”* “Based on these nominations, which races feel locked—and which are still wide open heading into the ceremony?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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2026 Tony Awards: Big Swings, Loud Pleas and Final Predictions
3w ago01:56:47Summary readyMatt gathers a panel of trusted Tony obsessives for one last, no-holds-barred conversation before nominations: big swings, chaotic predictions, and the kinds of industry narratives that can quietly shape outcomes. Together, they unpack how momentum, perception, and voter psychology are colliding in a particularly unpredictable season—where no category feels fully locked. It’s part strategy session, part group therapy, and part theatrical wish-casting, as everyone makes their case for what should happen… and what actually might.Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live! Green Room 42 Tix* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeGuest InfoComedian and podcaster Casey Balsham (It’s Broadway Bitch), theater commentator Juan Ramirez (Theatrely), awards analyst Sam Eckmann (GoldDerby), and critics/content creators Connor MacDowell and Dylan MacDowell (Drama w/ Connor and Dylan) join Matt to break down the race from every angle—industry insight, fan perspective, and pure gut instinct.Timestamps* 0:00 – Intro * 4:33 – Casey Balsham* 20:16 – Juan Ramirez* 59:18 – Sam Eckmann* 1:24:13 – Connor and Dylan MacDowellListener Discussion Questions* “What’s your personal ‘big swing’ prediction this season—something unlikely that you think could genuinely happen?”* “Do you think Tony voters tend to play it safe, or are they more willing to surprise us than we give them credit for?”* “Which category feels the most wide open to you right now, and what narrative do you think will ultimately decide it?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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Matt Reviews: THE LOST BOYS
4w ago00:45:14Summary readyMatt dives into The Lost Boys, the musical adaptation of the cult-favorite film. Matt unpacks its dark, teen-vampire energy and how (or if) it succeeds on stage. He explores the show’s tonal balancing act—camp vs. sincerity, nostalgia vs. reinvention—and whether the material sustains itself as a full-fledged musical. Along the way, Matt highlights standout performances and considers where the show fits into the current Tony Awards conversation.Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live!: Green Room 42 Tix* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeTimestamps* 0:00 – Intro + episode setup* 6:00 – Plot setup (no spoilers): world, characters, and central conflict* 19:00 – Performances: standout cast members and character dynamics* 28:00 – Book issues: structure, pacing, and emotional stakes* 35:30 – Design elements: sets, costumes, and atmosphere* 41:30 – Tony Awards chances: nominations vs. long-term impactListener discussion questions* What makes a cult film like The Lost Boys ripe (or not) for musical adaptation?* How important is tonal consistency when blending camp, horror, and sincerity onstage?* In a crowded Broadway season, do nostalgic adaptations have an advantage—or are audiences craving something more original? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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Matt Reviews: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE & THE BALUSTERS
4w ago00:51:47Summary readyMatt takes on two plays operating at very different registers: a revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and the sharp, contemporary satire The Balusters. One is a richly layered American classic exploring identity, history, and spiritual belonging; the other, a biting ensemble piece dissecting privilege, power, and social performance. Matt unpacks how each production handles tone, acting, and directorial vision—plus whether either has the momentum to factor into this year’s Tony Awards race.Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live!: Green Room 42 Tix* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeTimestamps* 0:00 – Intro + Drama Desk nomsJoe Turner’s Come and Gone* 9:40 - Recap and Review* 30:14 – Tony Awards outlook for Joe Turner’s Come and GoneThe Balusters* 31:50 – Recap and Review* 48:43 – Tony Awards outlook + comparison between both showsListener discussion questions* What makes a revival of a classic like Joe Turner’s Come and Gone feel urgent and necessary today?* How far can satire push discomfort before it risks alienating its audience, as in The Balusters? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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Matt Reviews: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW & THE FEAR OF 13
4w ago00:54:03Summary readyMatt dives into two wildly different theatrical experiences: The Rocky Horror Show and The Fear of 13. One leans into camp and audience participation, the other a stark, psychological portrait rooted in real-life events. Matt explores how each production navigates tone, performance demands, and audience engagement—plus whether either has a meaningful path in this year’s Tony Awards race.Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live!: Green Room 42 Tix* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeTimestamps* 2:30 – Early awards season check-in: Outer Critics Circle Awards* 6:30 – Drama League Awards + impact on the Tony raceThe Rocky Horror Show* 10:14 – Context + legacy* 24:30 – Performances + standout casting choices* 35:54 – Tony Awards outlook The Fear of 13* 37:43 – Premise + real-life inspiration* 48:51 - Tony Awards outlook + comparisonListener discussion questions* What makes a revival like The Rocky Horror Show feel fresh rather than purely nostalgic?* Re: The Fear of 13—how does a commercial Broadway venture steer clear of “Trauma Tourism:?* Which type of theatrical experience resonates more with you right now: communal, participatory fun or intimate, psychologically driven storytelling? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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Matt Reviews: PROOF, BECKY SHAW & EVERY BRILLIANT THING
Apr 2601:07:07Summary readyMatt tackles a trio of plays that each grapple—very differently—with intellect, identity, and emotional survival: the revival of Proof, the biting dark comedy Becky Shaw, and the intimate, audience-driven Every Brilliant Thing. From questions of legacy and authorship to razor-sharp social satire and deeply personal storytelling, Matt unpacks what makes each production tick—and where they fall short. Along the way, he highlights standout performances, directorial choices, and whether any of these revivals or productions have a real shot in the Tony Awards conversation.Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live: Green Room 42 Tix!* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeTimestamps* 0:00 – Intro + episode overviewProof* 2:30 – Overview: premise, themes, and revival context* 7:00 – Plot setup (no spoilers): Catherine, Robert, and Hal* 12:00 – Themes: genius, inheritance, and mental health* 17:00 – Performances + character dynamics* 22:00 – Direction, design, and overall effectiveness* 26:30 – Tony Awards outlook for ProofBecky Shaw* 29:30 – Overview: Gina Gionfriddo’s voice and play context* 33:00 – Plot setup (no spoilers): blind date from hell* 38:00 – Tone: dark comedy, discomfort, and audience reaction* 43:00 – Performances + standout roles* 47:30 – Direction and pacing: what lands, what doesn’t* 51:30 – Tony Awards outlook for Becky ShawEvery Brilliant Thing* 54:00 – Overview: concept, structure, and audience interaction* 57:00 – Themes: depression, joy, and communal storytelling* 1:00:00 – Performance demands + intimacy of the piece* 1:03:00 – Direction and staging choices* 1:05:00 – Tony Awards outlook + final thoughtsListener discussion questions* How do you feel about reviving plays like Proof—do they gain new meaning over time, or risk feeling dated without a strong new lens?* Does discomfort enhance a comedy like Becky Shaw, or can it push audiences too far away?* What’s the line between theater and therapy in a piece like Every Brilliant Thing, and does that distinction matter to you as an audience member? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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Matt Reviews: BEACHES & FALLEN ANGELS
Apr 2300:49:57Summary readyMatt takes on a double bill of female friendship on Broadway: the champagne-fueled revival of Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels and the long-gestating new musical Beaches. Matt digs into performance highlights, structural issues, and what—if anything—either show has going for it as the Tony Awards race heats up.Important Links* Broadway Breakdown Live: Green Room 42 Tix!* Broadway Breakdown: Youtube* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: SubstackTimestamps* 0:00 – Intro + podcast review + episode setupFallen Angels* 2:30 – Overview: premise, Coward context, and adaptation choices* 7:00 – Plot breakdown: Julia, Jane, and the return of Maurice* 13:00 – Tone & critique: “pleasant but slight” comedy, lack of stakes* 18:00 – Performances: Kelli O’Hara & Rose Byrne’s comedic chemistry* 22:30 – Design & direction: David Rockwell’s set, pacing issues* 26:00 – Standout moments: drunk scene, physical comedy, audience payoff* 28:30 – Tony Awards outlook: acting locks, design strength, revival chancesBeaches* 31:00 – Overview: from novel to musical, long development history* 34:00 – Plot breakdown: Cece & Bertie’s lifelong friendship* 38:00 – Score & writing critique: generic lyrics, lack of character specificity* 42:00 – Structural issues: weak storytelling, unclear character arcs* 45:00 – Performances: Jessica Vosk (Cece) & Kelli Barrett (Bertie)* 47:30 – Design & staging problems: scale, visuals, and pacing* 49:00 – Tony Awards outlook + final verdict on both showsListener discussion questions* Can a “lightweight” comedy like Fallen Angels still feel essential theater, or does it need stronger stakes to justify a Broadway revival?* What makes a stage musical adaptation succeed where others—like Beaches—struggle to translate emotional impact?* When performances are strong but the material is weak, how much should that factor into awards recognition? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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Matt Reviews: SCHMIGADOON!
Apr 2100:39:27Summary readyMatt takes on the Broadway transfer of Schmigadoon!, unpacking why the stage adaptation works better for him than the original series—while still falling short of greatness. He dives into the show’s Golden Age inspirations, the tension between parody and sincerity, and where the book and score feel frustratingly surface-level. Along the way, he highlights standout performances, sharp design work, and the ongoing question of whether this crowd-pleaser has what it takes to go the distance at the Tony Awards.Important Links* Revue-ing the 2025/2026 Season: Green Room 42 Tix!* Broadway Breakdown Discord* Broadway Breakdown Substack* Broadway Breakdown YoutubeTimestamps* 0:00 – Intro + opening thoughts on Schmigadoon!* 2:30 – Plot breakdown: Josh & Melissa enter the world of musical theater* 5:30 – From screen to stage: adaptation choices + Cinco Paul’s perspective* 9:00 – Golden Age vs. movie musical influence: what the show gets right (and wrong)* 14:30 – Overall reaction: why the stage version works better—but not fully* 17:30 – Standout performances: Isabelle McCalla as MVP* 21:00 – Supporting cast highlights (Sarah Chase, Alex Brightman, ensemble)* 24:00 – Where performances falter: balancing parody vs. sincerity* 27:00 – Score analysis: pleasant but lacking punch* 30:00 – Design appreciation: sets, costumes, and visual storytelling* 32:30 – Direction & choreography: strong movement, uneven comedic staging* 35:00 – Book issues: episodic structure + missed thematic depth* 37:30 – Tony Awards chances: nominations vs. winning potential* 39:00 – Final verdict + closing thoughtsListener discussion questions* Does Schmigadoon! strike the right balance between parody and sincerity, or does it ultimately play things too safe?* How much musical theater knowledge should a show like this expect from its audience to fully land its humor?* In a crowded Tony season, do you see Schmigadoon! as a serious contender—or more of a well-liked nominee? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bwaybreakdown.substack.com
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