Broadway Breakdown: Matt Reviews SMASH
Host: Matt Koplik | Release Date: April 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Broadway Breakdown, host Matt Koplik delves into his comprehensive review of the Broadway production SMASH. Known for his unapologetic passion and candid insights, Matt provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the show's strengths and shortcomings, interwoven with his personal experiences and broader observations about the current state of musical theater.

Podcast Ratings and Listener Feedback

Before diving into the review, Matt takes a moment to acknowledge the podcast's progress and solicits further support from listeners.

• Matt Koplik [05:30]:
  "We're trying to get over 300 ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts. Any new ratings on Spotify or wherever are always helpful as we eventually submit Broadway Breakdown to the Broadway League to be on official press lists."

He highlights a recent 5-star review, praising the structured approach to Tony predictions, but also notes areas for improvement.

• Listener 'Van' [07:15]:
  "The only critique would be when they do Tony predictions, they do it in a more structured order like other awards podcasts do. Start with lower categories and end with the big awards. Much easier to follow along that way."

Matt appreciates the constructive criticism and discusses plans to implement a more organized format in future episodes.

Overview of SMASH

Matt introduces SMASH as a musical inspired by the NBC TV series, aiming to capture the essence of Broadway's creative process through the lens of developing a new musical about Marilyn Monroe.

• Matt Koplik [10:45]:
  "SMASH is supposed to be a TV show about the makings of a Broadway musical. By the time the musical is complete on the TV show, it's slated to premiere on Broadway."

He outlines the show's premise, key characters, and the central conflict revolving around casting Marilyn Monroe.

Detailed Review

Plot and Structure

Matt provides a thorough summary of the show's narrative, highlighting the tumultuous journey of creating the musical "Bombshell."

• Matt Koplik [15:20]:
  "The struggle of the first season revolves around writing a musical about Marilyn Monroe, constantly questioning who will portray her—be it Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee, or Uma Thurman."

He critiques the plot's convoluted twists and the show's inability to balance serious drama with campy elements, leading to a disjointed narrative.

• Matt Koplik [22:10]:
  "The show got campier and campier because it took itself so seriously but didn't know how to create an actual dramatic television series."

Character Development

Matt examines the depth and evolution of key characters, noting particularly Robin Herder's portrayal of Ivy Lynn.

• Matt Koplik [35:50]:
  "Robin Herder is a genuine triple threat—beautiful, graceful dancer, strong singer, intuitive and smart actress with charisma."

He praises Herder's performance despite the underwritten nature of her character, Ivy Lynn, who struggles with both external pressures and internal conflicts.

• Matt Koplik [58:30]:
  "Ivy starts as a down-to-earth, pragmatic person but spirals into diva behavior under the influence of Susan Proctor, portrayed by Kristine Nielsen."

Matt highlights the lack of character arcs for supporting roles, such as Carolyn Bowman's Karen, who remains largely static throughout the production.

Music and Choreography

The musical score receives mixed reviews. Matt appreciates the catchy and well-structured songs but laments their limited use within the narrative.

• Matt Koplik [45:00]:
  "A lot of the songs are very catchy and well-structured. 'Let Me Be Your Star' and '20th Century Fox Mambo' stand out as particularly effective numbers."

He criticizes the frequent interruptions of musical numbers, preventing full appreciation of the compositions.

• Matt Koplik [50:25]:
  "We only get a full-scale opening number, and everything else feels shortchanged. This can really rile up fans who adore certain songs."

Choreography, though energetic and visually appealing, often feels repurposed from the TV show, lacking originality.

• Matt Koplik [70:10]:
  "The choreography is very energetic, repurposing a lot of Josh Borghesi's work from the TV show but feels frenetic without a coherent build."

Design and Staging

Matt commends the production design for its creativity and functionality, seamlessly transitioning between rehearsal spaces and Broadway stages.

• Matt Koplik [80:45]:
  "The design is fine for what it is, with moments of creativity in the staging that enhance the storytelling."

However, he notes that while the visual elements are strong, they occasionally overshadow the narrative's need for depth and coherence.

Comparisons to Other Productions

Matt draws comparisons between SMASH and other notable Broadway shows and TV series, assessing where it stands in the modern landscape of musical theater.

• Matt Koplik [95:00]:
  "Unlike 'Guys and Dolls,' which thrives on solid storytelling and character integrity, 'SMASH' falls short by not prioritizing story over spectacle."

He references Elaine May's approach to comedy, emphasizing the importance of truth and character development over mere joke delivery.

• Matt Koplik [100:30]:
  "Elaine May always emphasized truth and story over punchlines. 'SMASH' lacks this integrity, making it feel like fan fiction rather than a genuine musical."

Tony Predictions and Eligibility

Matt speculates on the show's potential accolades, evaluating its eligibility for various Tony categories based on its strengths.

• Matt Koplik [120:15]:
  "If SMASH's choreography by Bert Gacy is eligible, they might get a nod for Best Choreography. Costumes and orchestrations also stand a chance due to their well-executed designs."

He remains skeptical about the score's eligibility but remains hopeful for performances recognition, particularly for Brooks Ashmanskas and Robin Herder.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matt wraps up his review by reiterating his overall impression of SMASH—acknowledging its talented cast and strong musical elements but criticizing its fragmented storytelling and lack of character depth.

• Matt Koplik [130:40]:
  "SMASH is not atrocious and has its moments of brilliance, especially musically. However, it fails to coalesce into a compelling narrative, leaving much to be desired."

He encourages listeners to form their own opinions and engage with the show personally.

• Matt Koplik [135:50]:
  "If you do go see it, go with an open mind. Maybe you'll love it if you were on the fence about seeing it and this made you come up with a decision."

Closing Remarks

Matt invites listeners to join the podcast's community through Discord, share their thoughts, and stay tuned for future episodes, including more Tony predictions and retrospectives.

• Matt Koplik [140:00]:
  "Please, if you do go see it, go with an open mind. Maybe you'll love it if you were on the fence about seeing it and this made you come up with a decision."

He expresses admiration for Robin Herder and looks forward to her future projects post-SMASH.

• Matt Koplik [145:20]:
  "I look forward to seeing where Robin Herder goes in her career once she's finished her journey with SMASH. I think that'll be a nice ride to be a part of."

Notable Quotes

• Matt Koplik [15:20]:
  "The struggle of the first season revolves around writing a musical about Marilyn Monroe, constantly questioning who will portray her."

• Van [07:15]:
  "Start with lower categories and end with the big awards. Much easier to follow along that way."

• Matt Koplik [58:30]:
  "Krystal Rodriguez is such an actress with attitude and conviction and grit on her side."

• Matt Koplik [130:40]:
  "SMASH is not atrocious and has its moments of brilliance, especially musically. However, it fails to coalesce into a compelling narrative."

Final Thoughts

Matt Koplik's review of SMASH offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the production's artistic merits while critically examining its narrative and character development flaws. His honest and detailed commentary serves both Broadway enthusiasts and casual theatergoers, providing valuable insights into what works and what doesn't in contemporary musical theater.

For more discussions and detailed analyses, join the Broadway Breakdown community on Discord and stay updated with upcoming episodes focusing on Tony predictions and Broadway retrospectives.

Note: All timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript.