Broadway Breakdown: Matt Reviews FLOYD COLLINS, PIRATES! & JUST IN TIME

Episode Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Matt Koplik

Introduction

In this episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik delves into a comprehensive review bundle, analyzing three distinct Broadway productions: Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center Theater, The Pirates! musical at Roundabout Theatre Company, and Just in Time, a Bobby Darin musical starring Jonathan Groff at Circle in the Square. As the season approaches its end, Matt aims to provide listeners with insightful critiques to aid in their theatrical choices and upcoming Tony predictions.

Listener Reviews

Matt begins by highlighting the overwhelming support from listeners, who have been actively enhancing the podcast’s presence on Apple Podcasts. He shares three standout reviews:

1. Old Twink:
   "I've listened to most of the Broadway podcasts out there and this is the only one I keep coming back for... it feels like catching up with a friend when you listen."
   (Timestamp: [05:30])

2. Call Me by Your Shame:
   "I feel like I am amongst kindred spirits who also possess so much unnecessary Broadway knowledge. Unnecessary? Necessary."
   (Timestamp: [06:15])

3. Actor to Attorney Pipeline:
   "Matt is incredibly insightful and presents incredibly thoughtful opinions that clearly illustrate his deep love and respect for theater as an art form."
   (Timestamp: [07:45])

Matt expresses his gratitude for these supportive reviews, emphasizing their importance in gaining recognition from the American Theatre Wing.

Review 1: Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center Theater

Matt Reviews FLOYD COLLINS, PIRATES! & JUST IN TIME

Overview:
Floyd Collins is a musical debuting on Broadway, written by Adam Gettel and Tina Landau. Originally premiered in 1996 at Playwrights Horizons, the show tells the story of Floyd Collins, a cave explorer trapped in a Kentucky cave in 1825.

Design and Staging:
Matt praises Tina Landau’s visual prowess, noting the “beautiful tableaus” and effective use of the Vivian Beaumont Theater’s versatile space. He highlights the innovative set design by the collective design team, Dots, which transforms the stage into various environments, from the cave’s darkness to chaotic towns influenced by media frenzy.

Performance Highlights:

• Jeremy Jordan as Floyd Collins:
  Matt lauds Jordan’s portrayal, describing it as “commanding, captivating, and extremely impressive”. He notes Jordan's ability to infuse the role with “raw honesty” and praises his emotional range throughout the performance.
  “Floyd Collins is the focal point and the support of this entire show rests on his shoulders, and he's so very right in it.”
  (Timestamp: [18:50])

• Taylor Trench as Skeets Miller:
  Taylor receives commendation for his acting prowess, particularly his ability to “mine for comedy” and maintain the show’s cohesion during quieter moments.

Critiques:
Matt voices concerns over the casting of Lizzie McAlpine as Nellie and Jason Gauthe as Homer. He feels that their performances, while vocally strong, lack the necessary warmth and emotional depth essential for their characters. Additionally, he points out structural issues in the script, finding Act One “slow and can feel a little tedious”, and critiques Tina Landau’s direction for sometimes making the staging “clunky”.

Conclusion:
Despite its flaws, Matt highly recommends Floyd Collins, especially praising its score and Jordan’s standout performance. He places it favorably in his personal rankings, acknowledging that the musical “hits some pretty extraordinary highs” that compensate for its slower moments.

Review 2: The Pirates! at Roundabout Theatre Company

Overview:
This production is a revisal of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta Pirates of Penzance, reimagined with a New Orleans twist by Rupert Holmes. The musical retains its classic humor and charm but infuses a jazzy, bluesy flavor to the score.

Design and Staging:
Matt appreciates the creative set design that transforms the Roundabout Theatre into a vibrant New Orleans setting. The incorporation of jazz and blues elements into the score is highlighted as a modern sensibility that refreshes the classic.

Performance Highlights:

• David Hyde Pierce as Modern Major General:
  Pierce’s performance is lauded for maintaining the integrity of the character with “solid staging” and impeccable delivery of lines.
  “Warren Carlisle does a really great job with the choreography there.”
  (Timestamp: [35:20])

• Nick Barish as Frederick and Samantha Williams as Mabel:
  Both actors are praised for their vocal performances and chemistry on stage, though Matt notes that Samantha's portrayal of Mabel could benefit from a more dynamic arrangement in certain numbers.

• Ramin Karimlou as Pirate King and Jinx Monsoon as Ruth:
  Karimlou is critiqued for lacking the comedic flair essential for the Pirate King, contrasting him with Kevin Kline’s more effective portrayal in a previous revival. Monsoon receives praise for her comedic timing, though Matt feels her musical parts didn't fully capitalize on her strengths.

Critiques:
Matt criticizes the show’s attempt to “shoehorn in ideals” such as diversity and feminism in a manner that feels forced and disconnected from the story’s core. He expresses frustration with the finale, describing it as “gimmicky and pandering”, undermining the musical’s overall impact.

Conclusion:
While The Pirates! boasts strong design elements and entertaining performances, Matt finds its message delivery and certain character portrayals lacking in authenticity. He reflects on missed opportunities to embrace the chaotic and zany spirit that Pirates of Penzance is known for, ultimately ranking it lower than he had hoped.

Review 3: Just in Time – The Bobby Darin Musical at Circle in the Square

Overview:
Just in Time is a biographical jukebox musical centered on Bobby Darin, famed for his contributions to music and film in the 1950s and 60s. The musical explores his rise to fame, personal struggles, and untimely death at 37.

Design and Staging:
Matt commends the production for its stunning transformation of Circle in the Square into a nightclub atmosphere. The environmental design by Alex Timbers is praised for its creativity and effective use of space, enhancing the storytelling through dynamic set pieces and immersive lighting.

Performance Highlights:

• Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin:
  Groff’s performance is described as “impressive on a scale of physicality” with a “phenomenal” vocal display. However, Matt criticizes Groff for not fully embodying Bobby Darin’s persona, arguing that Groff's portrayal feels more like “a Jonathan Groff showcase” rather than a true depiction of Darin.
  “He is very much just being Jonathan Groff.”
  (Timestamp: [70:45])

• Gracie Lawrence as Connie Francis:
  Lawrence receives high praise for her impeccable vocal performance and charming stage presence. Matt expresses hope for her to receive Tony nominations, noting her ability to “chart her progression” effectively within the show's narrative.

• Erika Henningson as Sandra Dee:
  While Henningson is acknowledged for her strong performance, Matt feels that her character’s storyline is underdeveloped and overshadowed by Bobby Darin’s narrative focus.

Critiques:
Matt addresses the genre of bio jukebox musicals, expressing skepticism about their capacity to convey deeper emotional truths. He points out that Just in Time often prioritizes showcasing Jonathan Groff’s talents over authentically portraying Bobby Darin’s life. The rapid pacing of Darin’s personal struggles and relationships is seen as glossing over significant emotional depth, resulting in a lack of impactful storytelling.

Conclusion:
Just in Time stands out for its vibrant design and strong cast performances, particularly Lawrence’s. However, Matt finds the musical falls short in delivering a nuanced biographical portrayal, leaning too heavily on Groff’s star power instead of authentically embodying Darin’s legacy. Despite these shortcomings, Matt believes it holds creative merit and could be a contender in Tony nominations for technical categories and standout performances.

Final Thoughts

Matt Koplik wraps up the episode by reiterating his appreciation for the supportive listener base and emphasizing the importance of nuanced storytelling in musicals. He looks forward to the final Tony predictions and the upcoming discussions with theater enthusiasts reacting to the official nominations.

“If you have an idea for a show that you would want us to cover, just email us@amusicalpodcastmail.com or you can always contact us on Twitter.”
(Timestamp: [95:10])

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Conclusion

This episode of Broadway Breakdown offers a thorough exploration of three unique Broadway productions, providing listeners with Matt’s unfiltered opinions and detailed analyses. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to Broadway, Matt’s insights serve as a valuable guide to navigating the vibrant world of American theater.