ArtsPerforming ArtsSociety & CultureExplicit

Broadway Breakdown

Matt Koplik

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

Play

Open in

31 episodes
Avg 1 hr 19 min
English

Episodes 31

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Today · 37 min
Matt Reviews: SCHOOL GIRLS (or THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY)
So. Mean. Such School. Much Girl. Matt reviews the latest show at Manhattan Theatre Club: SCHOOL GIRLS or THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY. Spoiler alert: he absolutely loooved it. Matt goes into the brilliance of the performances, the magic of playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s writing, and what exactly he means by “how to use Patina Miller.” Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Green Room: Patreon * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Listener Questions: “Can a comedy also make a statement? Should they just try to entertain?” “What is a character in theater who started hateful and ended sympathetic?” “What role would you cast Patina Miller in?” 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
Friday · 29 min
Matt Reviews: BILLY CRYSTAL 860 (w/ Grandma!)
One of the most likable men in theater reviews the latest show by one of the most likable men in Hollywood. And with the assistance of his grandmother! Matt saw BILLY CRYSTAL 860 and discusses the trickiness of being intimate without being revealing, the balancing act of pain and humor, and how Ben Vereen stole Robert Morse’s Tony (according to some). Get a kick out of Sally! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Green Room: Patreon * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube 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
Thursday · 29 min
THEY’RE PICKED! Our New Deep Dive Series
It’s time! It’s here! You submitted, Sally Bowl received, and Matt withdrew 12 random selections (plus one Matt pick) for the next series of Broadway Breakdown Deep Dives. Classic movie musicals! Less class movie musicals! Iconic Broadway plays and musicals…notorious flops. It’s all here for the next 13 Deep Dives. Take a listen and find out what we got!!! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown: Green Room (Patreon) * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube 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
October 22 · 1 hr 44 min
Matt Reviews: MIDNIGHT, SLAM FRANK + Sooo Much Off-Broadway
Matt’s a Drama Desk Voter, have ya heard? Which means he sees SO much theatre. YAY! But also that means he doesn’t have as much time to record. BOO! Solution for now? A giant Review Round Up Episode covering over a dozen different performances!! What came out on top? What was forgettable? And what evening made Matt weep from start to finish? Also…how exactly does Elizabeth Holmes play into all of this?? Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown: THE GREEN ROOM (Patreon) * Broadway Breakdown: DISCORD * Broadway Breakdown: SUBSTACK * Broadway Breakdown: YOUTUBE Time Stamps: 0:00 Hello and a New Review 2:20 Shuffle Along Reunion Concert 7:54 Garry Starr Classic Penguins 11:57 Music City 12:52 Truly, Howard Hughes 14:02 In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat 15:44 Arias with a Twist 17:56 Delirium 22:00 Pre-Existing Condition 27:30 A Ghost in Your Ear 30:09 Anon 36:20 Soon 49:20 Slam Frank 1:02:50 Midnight Listener Questions: “Is being controversial synonymous with being important?” “Are there story ideas that are actually off-limits?” “Should we cater to shorter attention spans or do we need to challenge them?” 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
October 15 · 38 min
Patreon Preview: JUKEBOX THAT MUSICAL Lady Gaga w/ Ali Gordon and John Wascavage
Fame, humanity...DEMONS?!?!? We’re reviving Jukebox That Musical!! And who better to bring it back than Bio Mother John Wascavage and Podmother Ali Gordon? Matt, John and Ali go through the catalogue of Lady Gaga (thanks to your votes) and come up with a bonkers musical that’s part social commentary, part lusty monster mash. We’d say more but you should hear it to believe it. DONATELLA! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Discord: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Green Room (Patreon): Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Substack: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Youtube: Join Here 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
October 10 · 2 hr 4 min
Matt’s London Trip (aka WE’RE BACK!)
Matt went to London and saw 8 shows. Also…we’re back!!!! Take a journey as Matt struggles to travel anywhere and wipes himself out seeing more shows than he had days in England. Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Discord: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Green Room (Patreon): Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Substack: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Youtube: Join Here Time Stamps: 2:00 Voting for the next Deep Dives 5:30 Matt and London: A History 9:54 Midnight at the never Get 25:30 Avenue Q 35:33 Sinatra 52:42 How the Other Half Loves 1:06:21 Cats 1:15:13 Kimberly Akimbo 1:25:02 The Producers 1:35:48 Thelma and Louise 1:59:40 What’s Next 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
September 6 · 27 min
Patreon Preview: FANTASY DRAFT (Best Actress in a Musical Tony Winners)
Full Episode Here: The Broadway Breakdown Green Room INTRODUCING! The debut of the Broadway Breakdown FANTASY DRAFT! It’s like Fantasy Football. Except without the pesky football. And without a cash prize. Just all of your opinions on what we picked. Breakdown regulars Adam Elsberry (@adamels), Margaret Hall (@itsmargarethall), Rob W. Schneider (@robwschneider) and newcomer Steve Tipton (@stevetiptonnyc) all stop by the Green Room for a new Round Table. Drafting the Tony winners for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical!!! Who gets Patti in Gypsy? Did someone choose Mary Martin in South Pacific? And what of Diahann Carroll in No Strings or Barbara Harris in The Apple Tree? FIND OUT!!! . Let us know YOUR Fantasy Draft Picks as well! Categories: One and Done (One nomination/One win. Nothing else) Second Wins (Second win in THIS category, not overall) Singularly Anointed (Only actress out of many to win for this role) Contentious Untouched/Iconic Soap Box Final Girl (The performance you just can’t NOT pick) 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
September 3 · 1 hr 34 min
Matt Reviews: Summer Drama Desk Shows & theater.games w/ Matt Rodin!
Matt is a fancy Drama Desk voter now, which means he has to see a LOT more shows! It’s quiet on Broadway right now, so Matt’s been seeing a whole bunch of Off-Broadway productions and he’s coming back early on the Breakdown to do a Summer Review Wrap Up! Followed up by a talk with Matt Rodin (@whoismattrodin) about his new site theater.games and how it’s combining fun and education for theater lovers everywhere!!! Broadway Breakdown Links: * The Broadway Breakdown Green Room (Patreon!) * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube 02:32 - A Walk on the Moon 08:40 -An American Daughter 14:36 - Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo 22:47 - The Winter’s Tale 26:58 - The Circuit 28:28 - The Pass 32:55 - Disruption 36:06 - Are You Mad at Me? 38:53 - The Maids 42:05- The Saviors 46:24 - Birthright 52:50 - Talk w/ Matt Rodin 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
August 30 · 1 hr 9 min
BONUS: Matt on Behind the Awards
While you’re waiting for Broadway Breakdown to come back in full, enjoy this crossover bonus episode of Matt on the podcast Behind the Awards. Once again talking all things Fall Broadway!!! 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
August 13 · 9 min
Submit Your Q's for Matt's A's (get your mind out of the gutter!)
New episodes will be coming again before you know it, but until that happens check into the Broadway Breakdown Green Room and submit your question’s for our first exclusive Q&A! Plus some other updates about how Matt’s Drama Desk voter-ship will effect the podcast. Join the Green Room and Submit Your Questions Here! Broadway Breakdown: Discord 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
August 6 · 17 min
Patreon Preview: The Top 50 Opening Numbers
It’s our first Patreon exclusive!!!! Take a listen and decide if you want to get inside the Broadway Breakdown Green Room: Join Us Here! Friends of the pod Robbie Rozelle (@divarobbie), Rachael Anderson and Will Anderson (@the_theater_lovers) have come along to compile a list (with some help of other Breakdown friends) of the top 50 opening numbers in musical theater history and rank them! It’s messy. It’s analytical. In short: what you’ve come to expect from Broadway Breakdown. Welcome to the Green Room, kidz ;) 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
July 30 · 2 hr 27 min
Deep Dive: NEXT TO NORMAL w/ Brian Nash
WARNING: This episode deals with discussions of mental health and su*cide. Caution before listening. And with that, Matt’s Picks has come to a close with the final choice: NEXT TO NORMAL. Former guest Brian Nash (@brianjnash) returns to discuss the Tony/Pulitzer winning musical and many (though not nearly ALL) of its intricacies: mental health, complex relationship dynamics, and banging music. The two also discuss differences between the Broadway and London productions, fandoms, and how to perfect a Broadway diva imitation. Have a good August! @mattkoplik JOIN THE PATREON! Become a Company Member of The Broadway Breakdown Green Room for early episodes and exclusive content! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Listener Discussion Questions: “How do you feel NEXT TO NORMAL handles mental health and treatment? What would you say is its attitude towards medication and therapy?” “How would you describe the character of Gabe and is agency in the musical?” “Does this show need danger in its performances in order to fully register with audiences?” 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
July 23 · 2 hr 57 min
Deep Dive: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA w/ Adam Elsberry
“It’s a new old world and we are FINALLY here!!” After years of playing the overture for listeners, Matt is FINALLY getting the chance to do a deep dive on what--he believes--is the best musical theatre score of the 21st century: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. And who better to discuss this romantic, sumptuous show with than Guncle Adam Elsberry (@adamels) ? Together, Matt and Adam discuss the show’s complicated storyline, casting woes, and why sometimes the more information we get, the worse it is. AIUTAMI! AND! Join our new PATREON right here: The Broadway Breakdown Green Room !!! Other Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown Youtube Listener Discussion Questions: “What is the difference between a sexual connection and a romantic one? Can. the two be confused?” “Does PIAZZA create a contradictory concept of Clara’s mental capacity, or is it intentionally vague?” “Do you find the ending-along with Margaret’s “Fable”-to be an optimistic or pessimistic finale?” 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
July 16 · 18 min
Broadway Breakdown: Some News
2 more weeks before we go dark for the month. And once you’ve finished listening to the news…GO TO OUR BRAND NEW PATREON! * Broadway Breakdown PATREON LINK!!! WOOHOO!!! Other Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Listener Discussion Questions: “What kind of content would you wanna see on the Patreon?” “Will you be able to handle a full month of no Deep Dives and Reviews??” 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
July 9 · 39 min
Matt Reviews: HEATED RIVALRY THE (UNAUTHORIZED) PARODY MUSICAL
“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
July 2 · 1 hr 33 min
Lessons from This Broadway Season w/ Sean Nyberg
The 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: Discord Broadway Breakdown: Substack Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Listener 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
June 25 · 1 hr 14 min
"Where are the New Musicals?"
Matt 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: Discord Broadway Breakdown: Substack Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Listener 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
June 18 · 1 hr 52 min
Deep Dive: SHE LOVES ME w/ Leah Horowitz
Oh 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: Substack Listener 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
June 9 · 1 hr 56 min
2026 Tony Awards: Recap and Reaction w/ John Wascavage
It 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: Discord Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Broadway Breakdown: Substack Time Stamps: 0:00 - Hello and Housekeeping (And a new review!!!) 4:25 -Tonys recap Listener 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
June 4 · 2 hr 32 min
2026 Tony Awards: Final Predictions w/ Richie Grasso and Jeff Malone
It’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 Richie Guest 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/Updates 0:03:55 -Sound Design of a Play 0:7:05 -Sound Design of a Musical 0:09:55 -Direction of a Musical 0:23:35 -Lighting Design of a Play 0:25:25 -Lighting Design of a Musical 0:32:05 -Direction of a Play 0:39:00 -Costume Design of a Play 0:41:30 -Costume Design of a Musical 0:48:00 -Leading Actress in a Musical 0:57:26 -Orchestrations 1:01:32 -Score 1:16:55 -Scenic Design of a Play 1:21:00 -Scenic Design of a Musical 1:24:25 -Choreography 1:29:50 -Book of a Musical 1:35:50 -Revival of a Play 1:37:00 -Featured Actor in a Play 1:42:00 -Featured Actress in a Musical 1:49:49 -Featured Actress in a Play 1:54:10 -Featured Actor in a Musical 1:59:55 -Play 2:01:10 -Leading Actor in a Musical 2:03:00 -Leading Actor in a Play 2:07:05 -Leading Actress in a Play 2:13:40 -Revival of a Musical 2:20:05 -Musical Listener 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

Showing 1–20 of 31 episodes