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
275episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Matt Reviews: HEATED RIVALRY THE (UNAUTHORIZED) PARODY MUSICAL
Today00:39:39Summary ready“I’m coming to the cottage.”Whether that line means something to or not, you should pay attention: HEATED RIVALRY is one of the best, if not THE best, new musical playing in New York. Smart, stupid, sexy, sassy, with a load of well crafted musical theater songs, Matt is taken aback by just how much he loves this tiny show than can. Important Links:* Broadway Breakdown Discord: Join the group!* Broadway Breakdown Substack* Broadway Breakdown Youtube!Time Stamps:* 0:00 – Introduction, Apple Podcast review, and episode setup* 5:20 – Spoiler-free reaction: Why Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Parody Musical is an unexpected triumph and Matt’s overall recommendation* 11:45 – Story breakdown: From the TV series and novels to the musical adaptation (spoiler discussion begins)* 22:15 – Performances: Jay Armstrong Johnson, Jimin Moon, Ryann Redmond, Cherry Torres, Ryan Duncan, the ensemble, and standout comedic moments* 29:45 – Writing: Dylan Marcaurele’s book, score, lyrics, adaptation choices, audience participation, and why the parody works beyond fan service* 35:15 – Design: The McKittrick staging, Off-Broadway aesthetic, and why the production value fits the material* 37:45 – Overall thoughts: Final recommendation and the future of the podcast 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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Lessons from This Broadway Season w/ Sean Nyberg
1w ago01:33:55Summary readyThe 2025-2026 Broadway season may be over, but there are still lessons to learn as we plunge into the 2026-2027 season. And that’s why we have Sean Nyberg with us! Sean, a longtime fan of the Breakdown, makes his podcast debut to discuss his first season as a producer: what he’s learned, what he’s cherished, and what he and Matt both want listeners to consider as the new Broadway season comes round. Take a listen!Important Links:Broadway Breakdown: DiscordBroadway Breakdown: SubstackBroadway Breakdown: YoutubeListener Questions:“Do you think just because a show is successful elsewhere, it has to come to Broadway?”“How else can producers set expectations for paying audiences during previews?”“What do you think will be the big Broadway event of this upcoming season?” 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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"Where are the New Musicals?"
2w ago01:14:39Summary readyMatt was gonna take a week off but Michael Paulson decided to write an article.Matt goes into the latest NY Times “Doom and Gloom” piece about the state of Broadway musicals and what it gets right…and what it leaves out. Is the Broadway musical doomed? Or is this a turning point? Matt looks at this past season, the seasons before it, and last week’s grosses to figure out where we go from here. Tune in :)Important Links:Broadway Breakdown: DiscordBroadway Breakdown: SubstackBroadway Breakdown: YoutubeListener Questions:“Is this the end of the Broadway musical? Or is this a turning point?”“When was the last time a Broadway musical was the center of culture?”“What kind of lessons can Broadway take from the new wave of Hollywood hits?” 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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Deep Dive: SHE LOVES ME w/ Leah Horowitz
3w ago01:52:34Summary readyOh boy! We’re back with a good old fashioned Deep Dive. And it just so happens to be on one of the best, most under-appreciated, musicals of all time: SHE LOVES ME! Matt is joined by Broadway actress Leah Horowitz (Thoroughly Modern Millie, La Cage Aux Folles, Les Miserables) to discuss the brilliance and joy of one of the last great Golden Age musicals. Matt and Leah also discuss their personal histories with She Loves Me, the rarity of a well-rounded soprano role, and the beauty of the underdogs. Candy, Ice Cream, and Sounds While Selling, baby!Guest Information:Leah Horowitz has performed in numerous shows on Broadway, Encores!, regionally and is also an established voice over artist! You can hear Leah perform “One More Kiss” on the 2011 recording of Follies with Rosalind Elias. Instagram: @theleahreport .Important Links:* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Youtube* Broadway Breakdown: SubstackListener Question Discussion:“Why do you think SHE LOVES ME has never broken through to major commercial success?”“What do you think is Georg’s reasoning for his actions at the End of Act 1 in the cafe with Amalia?”“Can Ilona read?!?!” 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: Recap and Reaction w/ John Wascavage
Jun 901:56:30Summary readyIt was QUITE the Tony telecast ladies and germs. And Matt is here to discuss it all with a longtime friend and backstabbing assailant John Wascavage!Matt and John get into that immediately legendary opening number, winners they were thankful for, and unaware hypocrisy in the theater community. It’s a ride!!!Guest Information:John Wascavage is an actor, writer and comedian. He’s worked Off-Broadway as well as across the country in countless productions and has brought his niche sense of Broadway humor to viral acclaim on numerous occasions. More importantly, he is the original co-founder of Breakdown and will be bringing his usual messy sass to the proceedings.Breakdown Links:Broadway Breakdown: DiscordBroadway Breakdown: YoutubeBroadway Breakdown: SubstackTime Stamps:0:00 - Hello and Housekeeping (And a new review!!!)4:25 -Tonys recapListener Questions:“How did this ceremony compare to the past few? Should the Tonys be more open to non-Broadway folks like Pink hosting?”“What was the most upsetting loss for you?”“What Tony wins from this year will we look back on and disagree with?” 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: Final Predictions w/ Richie Grasso and Jeff Malone
Jun 402:32:53Summary readyIt’s finally…almost over. The 79th Annual Tony Awards are in a few days, which means we gotta hunker down and make our FINAL predictions on this year’s winners. Coming back full circle with us is friends of the Breakdown Richie Grasso and Jeff Malone (HALF HOUR w/ JEFF AND RICHIE). Jeff and Richie discuss with Matt personal favorites, what they’d hope to have win and ultimately what they think will win. Spoiler alert: it’s not always the same answer. And Matt finally discusses the behind the scenes turmoil that got Ragtime to the stage.Important Links:* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: Youtube* Half Hour w/ Jeff and RichieGuest Information:Jeff Malone and Richie Grasso are the co-hosts of the popular podcast Half Hour w/ Jeff and Richie. Together, they review shows On and Off Broadway throughout the theatre season, as well as interview the artists that made it all happen. Their concise and thoughtful insights bring a well-rounded perspective to the theatre discourse, making them perfect regular guests on Broadway Breakdown.Time Stamps:0:00:00 -Intro/Updates0:03:55 -Sound Design of a Play0:7:05 -Sound Design of a Musical0:09:55 -Direction of a Musical0:23:35 -Lighting Design of a Play0:25:25 -Lighting Design of a Musical0:32:05 -Direction of a Play0:39:00 -Costume Design of a Play0:41:30 -Costume Design of a Musical0:48:00 -Leading Actress in a Musical0:57:26 -Orchestrations1:01:32 -Score1:16:55 -Scenic Design of a Play1:21:00 -Scenic Design of a Musical1:24:25 -Choreography1:29:50 -Book of a Musical1:35:50 -Revival of a Play1:37:00 -Featured Actor in a Play1:42:00 -Featured Actress in a Musical1:49:49 -Featured Actress in a Play1:54:10 -Featured Actor in a Musical1:59:55 -Play2:01:10 -Leading Actor in a Musical2:03:00 -Leading Actor in a Play2:07:05 -Leading Actress in a Play2:13:40 -Revival of a Musical2:20:05 -MusicalListener Discussion Questions:“What category are you most confident in predicting this year? What category are you least?”“How important is it to look at past trends in order to predict future winners?”“How is PINK gonna do as a host?!?!?!” 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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Tony Awards: Then, Now & What to Learn w/ Robbie Rozelle (Bonus Chat w/ Carey Renee Sharp)
May 2801:31:13Summary readyPudding season is almost over. But before we can do final predictions, we need to look back at Tony Awards of the past to make sense of our Tony Awards future. Friend of the pod Robbie Rozelle (@divarobbie) returns to drum up some fun Tony trivia and discuss patterns and evolutions of Tony Award wins. PLUS! A fun interview with the star and co-creator of Blood/Love Carey Renee Sharp! Check it out!!Important Links:* Broadway Breakdown Live: Green Room 42 Tix!* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeTime Stamps:0:00 - Intro0:40 - Discussion w/ Robbie Rozelle1:14:37 - Interview w/ Carey Renee SharpListener Discussion Questions:“Do you think a Legacy Win is real? Who would you say has won it?”“Do you think this is a year where nostalgia will be rewarded or uncertain future?”“Do you determine a revival’s success on the quality of the material being revived?” 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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Making Sense of the 2026 Tonys w/ Alan Seales
May 2101:30:05Summary 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
May 1402:33:47Summary 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!
May 502:58:30Summary 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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