Broadway Breakdown: Matt Reviews PURPOSE & JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
Episode Release Date: April 15, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik delves deep into his reviews of two compelling Broadway productions: Purpose by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins and John Proctor Is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower. Known for his passionate and unfiltered take on the theater world, Matt offers insightful analysis, critiques, and commendations, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps to guide listeners through his evaluations.
Review of Purpose by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins
Overview and Themes
Purpose is a thought-provoking play that centers around the Jasper family, a prominent African American family residing in Washington D.C. The narrative explores the family's dynamics, legacy, and the broader implications of African American heritage in contemporary society. Matt introduces the play as a microcosm that reflects societal mirrors, allowing audiences to draw parallels between the stage and real-life issues.
Key Quote:
“Brandon Jacobs Jenkins does very well is taking a microcosm...and really making us find our own mirror to what's going on on stage as well as...the mirror of society.” – Matt Koplik [05:30]
Cast and Performances
- Nazareth Jasper (John Michael Hill): The narrator and central character who grapples with his family's legacy versus his personal journey.
- Solomon Jasper (Harry Lennox): A revered civil rights activist grappling with his past and present.
- Claudine (Latonya Richardson Jackson): A lawyer-turned-housewife managing her husband's legal affairs.
- Aziza (Sojourner Brown): Formerly played by Carrie Young, she represents complexity in relationships and identity.
- Junior Jasper (Glenn Davis): Recently released from prison, adding layers of tension within the family.
- Morgan Jasper (Alana Arenas): The resilient wife facing betrayal and seeking her own path.
Matt particularly praises Alana Arenas for her portrayal of Morgan, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotional turmoil with nuanced performances.
Key Quote:
“Alana Arenas just...does so much with so little. Fires bazookas when she needs to, but just is.” – Matt Koplik [35:20]
Direction and Production
Directed by Phylicia Rashad, Purpose boasts a beautifully designed set that portrays the grandeur of the Jasper family mansion. Rashad's direction is lauded for its strong ensemble work and her ability to infuse small nuances that enhance character depth and scene dynamics.
Criticisms and Analysis
Despite its strengths, Matt offers constructive criticism regarding the play's use of narration, feeling it sometimes detracts from the natural flow of the scenes. He suggests that reducing the amount of internal monologue could enhance the play's pacing and emotional impact.
Key Quote:
“The narration in purpose absolutely stops the action...it takes away a lot of the power of what could be unsaid.” – Matt Koplik [28:45]
Additionally, Matt compares Purpose to classics like Steel Magnolias, noting that while it excels in character development and ensemble performance, it could benefit from tighter dialogue and more economical scene transitions.
Tony Nominations Potential
Matt expresses confidence in Purpose's prospects during the Tony Awards season, anticipating nominations in categories such as Play, Director, and Scenic Design. He also highlights the standout performances by the cast, particularly Alana Arenas and Glenn Davis.
Key Quote:
“If that is my only real major note for purpose, then they're playing with house money as far as I'm concerned.” – Matt Koplik [42:10]
Review of John Proctor Is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower
Overview and Themes
John Proctor Is the Villain reimagines Arthur Miller's classic The Crucible, setting it in a modern high school environment amidst the rise of the MeToo movement. The play follows four female friends navigating personal turmoil while establishing a feminism club, ultimately questioning the integrity of their favorite teacher, Gabriel Ebert.
Key Quote:
“John Proctor is the villain isn't what they promote it as. That's not what it's about.” – Matt Koplik [50:15]
Cast and Performances
- Shelby (Sadie Sink): A complex character whose past actions and mental state drive the central conflict.
- Raelyn (Amalia Yu): A religious and demure student grappling with her sexuality and past relationships.
- Nell (Unnamed): The new girl from Atlanta striving to fit into the existing friend group.
- Beth (Finestrasa): The type-A, straight-A student deeply connected to the teacher, Gabriel Ebert.
- Gabriel Ebert (Gabriel Ebert): The charismatic teacher whose hidden misconduct becomes the focal point of tension.
Matt commends the entire ensemble, with particular praise for Finestrasa’s portrayal of Beth and Amalia Yu’s intense performance as Raelyn. While he acknowledges Sadie Sink’s strong emotional delivery, he notes a slight stiffness likely due to her recent focus on film and television.
Key Quote:
“Alana has such disdain for everyone in the room, but she's also going through a lot of pain.” – Matt Koplik [55:40]
Direction and Production
Directed by Donya Taymor, the production is celebrated for its dynamic lighting and intricate set design that effectively captures the high school environment. Taymor’s direction is notable for its seamless scene transitions and the ability to highlight individual characters’ emotional journeys.
Criticisms and Analysis
Matt expresses reservations about Gabriel Ebert’s character development, feeling his transformation into a villain happens too abruptly. He critiques the play for relying heavily on insinuations rather than gradual character revelations, which undermines the dramatic impact.
Key Quote:
“Adding more piling other innuendo from this guy's past...just feels like an easy road to go down.” – Matt Koplik [01:20:30]
Despite this, Matt appreciates the play’s exploration of power dynamics, toxic relationships, and the challenges faced by Gen Z regarding consent and autonomy. He draws parallels to real-world issues, emphasizing the play’s relevance and authenticity in portraying contemporary youth struggles.
Tony Nominations Potential
Matt is optimistic about the play’s Tony chances, particularly highlighting Donya Taymor’s direction and the ensemble’s robust performances. He anticipates nominations in categories such as Play, Direction, and lighting and scenic design, given the play's technical prowess and thematic depth.
Key Quote:
“If that is my only real major note for purpose, then they're playing with house money as far as I'm concerned.” – Matt Koplik [01:35:10]
Conclusion
Matt Koplik’s reviews of Purpose and John Proctor Is the Villain offer a comprehensive and insightful look into contemporary Broadway’s ongoing narratives. While he lauds the strong performances, direction, and thematic relevance of both plays, his critiques on narrative devices and character development provide valuable perspectives for theater enthusiasts. Both productions stand out as significant contributions to modern American theater, poised to make a considerable impact during the Tony Awards season.
Notable Closing Quote:
“Because anything could happen...when we go into every show with an open mind at arm's length.” – Matt Koplik [01:55:50]
Further Engagement
Listeners are encouraged to follow Matt on Instagram (@attcoplek), join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel for ongoing Tony predictions, and engage with the podcast through comments and questions. Matt emphasizes the importance of approaching each show with an open mind, acknowledging that initial impressions can evolve with deeper exposure.
End of Summary