Broadway Breakdown: Broadway 2024-2025 (So Far): Rankings and Tony Noms
Hosted by Matt Koplik
Episode Overview
In the December 26, 2024, episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik delves into the 2024-2025 Broadway season, providing a comprehensive ranking of the eligible shows and offering predictions for the upcoming Tony Awards. Known for his candid and passionate take on Broadway, Matt navigates through a myriad of productions, evaluating their performances, design elements, and overall impact on both critics and audiences.
Listener Review Highlight
Timestamp: [04:30]
Matt begins by sharing a heartfelt review from listener Joe Joe Hardy:
"Matt's perspective honest and accurate... a terrific balance of commentary, history, and humor... Eureka Day and the Outsiders were some of my favorites."
Matt expresses gratitude for the feedback, emphasizing the importance of listener engagement and how it fuels his passion for discussing theater.
Season Rankings
Matt presents his meticulously crafted rankings of the Broadway shows for the 2024-2025 season. Below is a detailed breakdown of his evaluations:
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Hills of California
Matt praises its avant-garde approach and seamless transition from London to Broadway, highlighting the refined third act. -
Oh Mary
A surprising hit, Matt commends its tight structure and the strong performances from its lead actors. -
Maybe Happy Ending
Noted for its inventive staging and strong musical score, Matt considers it a standout. -
Cult of Love
Applauded for its intense character studies and sharp dialogue, Matt finds it engaging. -
Eureka Day
Recognized for Jessica Hecht's phenomenal performance, Matt appreciates the supporting cast's strength. -
Yellowface
A smart and humorous play with a strong ensemble, Matt values its intimate portrayal. -
Sunset Boulevard
Though mixed in his view, Matt acknowledges its successful homage to the classic film with Nicole Scherzinger's standout performance. -
Elf
A delightful adaptation of the beloved movie, Matt commends its faithful yet creative staging. -
Death Becomes Her Again
Featuring Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, Matt appreciates the comedic and spectacular elements. -
Job
Praised for its technical prowess and strong central performances by Sidney Lemon and Peter Friedman.
... (Ranking continues down to show number 21: Left on 10th, which Matt labels as the worst of the season.)
Notable Quote:
"Left on 10th is 1000% the worst thing of the season... it's hemorrhaging money and is kind of embarrassing."
— Matt Koplik [12:45]
Tony Awards Predictions
As the Tony Awards loom, Matt provides insightful predictions based on his rankings and observations of the season's progression:
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Best Musical Revival:
Predicted Nominees: Sunset Boulevard, Elf, Gypsy, Our Town
*Matt leans towards Sunset Boulevard due to its faithful adaptation and star performances. -
Best Musical:
Predicted Nominees: Maybe Happy Ending, Death Becomes Her
*Matt is particularly bullish on Maybe Happy Ending for its fresh score and innovative production. -
Best Play:
Predicted Nominees: Hills of California, Oh Mary, Cult of Love, Eureka Day
Hills of California stands out as Matt's top pick, highlighting its emotional depth and refined staging. -
Acting Categories:
Featured Actress in a Musical: Jordan Tyson for Gypsy, Jenny Harding Fleming for A Wonderful World, Darlesia Circe for A Wonderful World
Featured Actor in a Play: James Scully for Omari, Francis Jew for Yellowface
Notable Quote:
"Hills of California is a rare case where something from London actually improves on Broadway. It's a testament to the creative team's dedication."
— Matt Koplik [45:10]
Trends and Personal Reflections
Matt reflects on the fluctuating quality of the season, noting a mix of high expectations and surprising outcomes. He expresses disappointment with certain shows like Tammy Faye and Romeo and Juliet, yet remains optimistic about the second half of the season with promising entries like Hills of California and Oh Mary.
Notable Quote:
"It's been an interesting year so far... Maybe Happy Ending absolutely surprised me. It was just so genuinely lovely and well crafted."
— Matt Koplik [55:20]
Future Episodes and Engagement
Looking ahead, Matt teases upcoming episodes focused on deep dives into specific shows like Come From Away and continued discussions on Tony Awards predictions. He encourages listeners to join the Discord Channel for ongoing conversations and interactions.
Notable Quote:
"Join our Discord Channel to discuss the season, ask questions, and share your thoughts. It's a great community for theater lovers."
— Matt Koplik [01:10:00]
Closing Thoughts
Matt wraps up the episode with anticipation for the remaining Broadway season, balancing skepticism with hope for quality productions to emerge. He thanks his listeners for their continued support and looks forward to engaging with them in future episodes.
Conclusion
This episode of Broadway Breakdown offers an in-depth analysis of the current Broadway season, blending critical assessments with personal insights. Matt Koplik's passionate and unfiltered commentary provides a valuable resource for theater enthusiasts navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Broadway.
For more detailed discussions and updates, tune in to future episodes of Broadway Breakdown on the Broadway Podcast Network.