Broadway Breakdown

BONUS: Matt on Behind the Awards

Matt Koplik — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:08:46 GMT

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!!!

Submit Your Q's for Matt's A's (get your mind out of the gutter!)

Matt Koplik — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:15:19 GMT

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

Patreon Preview: The Top 50 Opening Numbers

Matt Koplik — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:21:25 GMT

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 ;)

Deep Dive: NEXT TO NORMAL w/ Brian Nash

Matt Koplik — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:41 GMT

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:

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?”

Deep Dive: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA w/ Adam Elsberry

Matt Koplik — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:01:32 GMT

“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:

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?”

Broadway Breakdown: Some News

Matt Koplik — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:50:41 GMT

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:

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??”

Matt Reviews: HEATED RIVALRY THE (UNAUTHORIZED) PARODY MUSICAL

Matt Koplik — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:50 GMT

“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:

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

Lessons from This Broadway Season w/ Sean Nyberg

Matt Koplik — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:32:37 GMT

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?”

"Where are the New Musicals?"

Matt Koplik — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:47:06 GMT

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?”

Deep Dive: SHE LOVES ME w/ Leah Horowitz

Matt Koplik — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:26:46 GMT

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:

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?!?!”

2026 Tony Awards: Recap and Reaction w/ John Wascavage

Matt Koplik — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:52:41 GMT

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?”

2026 Tony Awards: Final Predictions w/ Richie Grasso and Jeff Malone

Matt Koplik — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:01:12 GMT

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:

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?!?!?!”

Tony Awards: Then, Now & What to Learn w/ Robbie Rozelle (Bonus Chat w/ Carey Renee Sharp)

Matt Koplik — Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:39 GMT

Pudding season is almost over. But before we can do final predictions, we need to look back at Tony Awards of the past to make sense of our Tony Awards future. Friend of the pod Robbie Rozelle (@divarobbie) returns to drum up some fun Tony trivia and discuss patterns and evolutions of Tony Award wins. PLUS! A fun interview with the star and co-creator of Blood/Love Carey Renee Sharp! Check it out!!

Important Links:

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Intro

0:40 - Discussion w/ Robbie Rozelle

1:14:37 - Interview w/ Carey Renee Sharp

Listener Discussion Questions:

“Do you think a Legacy Win is real? Who would you say has won it?”

“Do you think this is a year where nostalgia will be rewarded or uncertain future?”

“Do you determine a revival’s success on the quality of the material being revived?”

Making Sense of the 2026 Tonys w/ Alan Seales

Matt Koplik — Thu, 21 May 2026 04:01:25 GMT

Matt is joined by longtime theater podcaster Alan Seales for a wide-ranging conversation attempting to make sense of one of the messiest and most unpredictable Tony seasons in recent memory. Together, they unpack how narratives form, why certain shows over-perform while others stall, and what this year’s nominations reveal about the current state of Broadway. From voter psychology to industry hype cycles to the emotional chaos of awards season itself, the episode balances sharp analysis with genuine love for theater and the people who obsess over it.

Guest Information
Alan Seales is the creator and host of The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales, one of the leading interview podcasts focused on Broadway artists and creatives. Known for thoughtful, actor-centered conversations and deep industry insight, Alan has become a trusted voice within the theater community through years of interviewing performers, writers, directors, and behind-the-scenes creatives across stage and screen.

Important Links

Listener discussion questions

Do Tony Awards narratives shape the industry too heavily, or are they simply part of what makes Broadway exciting?
Which nominated show or performance do you think audiences and voters are responding to for completely different reasons?
In an increasingly crowded entertainment landscape, what should the Tony Awards prioritize most: artistry, commercial viability, innovation, or cultural impact?

Matt Ranks (almost) Every Show of the 2025/2026 Season

Matt Koplik — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:56:40 GMT

After a full Broadway season of transfers, star vehicles, ambitious new musicals, baffling misfires, and surprise favorites, Matt finally attempts the impossible: ranking (almost) every show from the 2025/2026 season. From major Tony contenders to chaotic curiosities, he revisits what worked, what didn’t, and which productions lingered long after curtain call. Along the way, the episode becomes less a definitive “best to worst” list and more a snapshot of a season defined by big swings, divided reactions, and wildly different ideas of what Broadway should be right now.

Important Links

Time Stamps

0:00 – Intro + ranking criteria explanation
4:27 – #50
6:05 – #49
9:05 – #48
12:57 – #47
16:27 – #46
18:40 – #45
21:51 – #44
24:58 – #43
27:36 – #42
29:37 – #41
32:50 – #40
36:57 – #39
39:33 – #38
43:12 – #37
44:55 – #36
47:06 – #35
48:27 – #34
50:49 – #33
54:36 – #32
57:21 – #31
58:58 – #30
1:00:52 – #29
1:03:13 – #28
1:05:52 – #27
1:09:50 – #26
1:11:45 – #25
1:13:10 – #24
1:16:02 – #23
1:22:17 – #22
1:27:07 – #21
1:29:52 – #20
1:32:07 – #19
1:35:35 – #18
1:41:15 – #17
1:42:55 – #16
1:48:23 – #15
1:50:11 – #14
1:52:38 – #13
1:56:45 – #12
1:59:17 – #11
2:02:14 – #10
2:04:43 – #9
2:07:52 – #8
2:10:32 – #7
2:14:17 – #6
2:16:44 – #5
2:19:17 – #4
2:22:25 – #3
2:25:51 – #2
2:27:35 – #1 + final reflections on the season

Listener discussion questions

“What was your personal favorite show of the 2025/2026 Broadway season—and did critical consensus line up with your own ranking?”
“Which production do you think will age the best over time, regardless of awards success?”
“Are there shows this season you admired more than you actually enjoyed—and how do you separate those two reactions?”

2026 Tony Awards: Nomination Reactions w/ The Theater Lovers!

Matt Koplik — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:17:31 GMT

Matt is joined by passionate theater voices Rachael Anderson and Will Anderson for an immediate, no-filter reaction to the 2026 Tony Award nominations. From expected frontrunners to shocking omissions, the trio breaks down what the nominations reveal about this season’s shifting narratives—and what they might signal for the winners.

Important Links

Guest Info
Rachael Anderson and Will Anderson are avid theater fans and commentators known for their sharp takes and deep engagement with the Broadway community (@thetheaterlovers), bringing both enthusiasm and thoughtful critique to awards season conversations.

Listener Discussion Questions

“Which nomination (or omission) surprised you the most this year—and why?”
“Do the nominations reflect the best of the season, or the strongest narratives?”
“Based on these nominations, which races feel locked—and which are still wide open heading into the ceremony?”

2026 Tony Awards: Big Swings, Loud Pleas and Final Predictions

Matt Koplik — Sun, 03 May 2026 04:01:17 GMT

Matt gathers a panel of trusted Tony obsessives for one last, no-holds-barred conversation before nominations: big swings, chaotic predictions, and the kinds of industry narratives that can quietly shape outcomes. Together, they unpack how momentum, perception, and voter psychology are colliding in a particularly unpredictable season—where no category feels fully locked. It’s part strategy session, part group therapy, and part theatrical wish-casting, as everyone makes their case for what should happen… and what actually might.

Important Links

Guest Info
Comedian and podcaster Casey Balsham (It’s Broadway Bitch), theater commentator Juan Ramirez (Theatrely), awards analyst Sam Eckmann (GoldDerby), and critics/content creators Connor MacDowell and Dylan MacDowell (Drama w/ Connor and Dylan) join Matt to break down the race from every angle—industry insight, fan perspective, and pure gut instinct.

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro
4:33 – Casey Balsham
20:16 – Juan Ramirez
59:18 – Sam Eckmann
1:24:13 – Connor and Dylan MacDowell

Listener Discussion Questions

“What’s your personal ‘big swing’ prediction this season—something unlikely that you think could genuinely happen?”
“Do you think Tony voters tend to play it safe, or are they more willing to surprise us than we give them credit for?”
“Which category feels the most wide open to you right now, and what narrative do you think will ultimately decide it?”

Matt Reviews: THE LOST BOYS

Matt Koplik — Fri, 01 May 2026 04:01:11 GMT

Matt dives into The Lost Boys, the musical adaptation of the cult-favorite film. Matt unpacks its dark, teen-vampire energy and how (or if) it succeeds on stage. He explores the show’s tonal balancing act—camp vs. sincerity, nostalgia vs. reinvention—and whether the material sustains itself as a full-fledged musical. Along the way, Matt highlights standout performances and considers where the show fits into the current Tony Awards conversation.

Important Links

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro + episode setup
6:00 – Plot setup (no spoilers): world, characters, and central conflict
19:00 – Performances: standout cast members and character dynamics
28:00 – Book issues: structure, pacing, and emotional stakes
35:30 – Design elements: sets, costumes, and atmosphere
41:30 – Tony Awards chances: nominations vs. long-term impact

Listener discussion questions

What makes a cult film like The Lost Boys ripe (or not) for musical adaptation?
How important is tonal consistency when blending camp, horror, and sincerity onstage?
In a crowded Broadway season, do nostalgic adaptations have an advantage—or are audiences craving something more original?

Matt Reviews: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE & THE BALUSTERS

Matt Koplik — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:01:26 GMT

Matt takes on two plays operating at very different registers: a revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and the sharp, contemporary satire The Balusters. One is a richly layered American classic exploring identity, history, and spiritual belonging; the other, a biting ensemble piece dissecting privilege, power, and social performance. Matt unpacks how each production handles tone, acting, and directorial vision—plus whether either has the momentum to factor into this year’s Tony Awards race.

Important Links

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro + Drama Desk noms

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

9:40 - Recap and Review
30:14 – Tony Awards outlook for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

The Balusters

31:50 – Recap and Review
48:43 – Tony Awards outlook + comparison between both shows

Listener discussion questions

What makes a revival of a classic like Joe Turner’s Come and Gone feel urgent and necessary today?
How far can satire push discomfort before it risks alienating its audience, as in The Balusters?

Matt Reviews: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW & THE FEAR OF 13

Matt Koplik — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:01:26 GMT

Matt dives into two wildly different theatrical experiences: The Rocky Horror Show and The Fear of 13. One leans into camp and audience participation, the other a stark, psychological portrait rooted in real-life events. Matt explores how each production navigates tone, performance demands, and audience engagement—plus whether either has a meaningful path in this year’s Tony Awards race.

Important Links

Timestamps

2:30 – Early awards season check-in: Outer Critics Circle Awards
6:30 – Drama League Awards + impact on the Tony race

The Rocky Horror Show

10:14 – Context + legacy
24:30 – Performances + standout casting choices
35:54 – Tony Awards outlook

The Fear of 13

37:43 – Premise + real-life inspiration
48:51 - Tony Awards outlook + comparison

Listener discussion questions

What makes a revival like The Rocky Horror Show feel fresh rather than purely nostalgic?
Re: The Fear of 13—how does a commercial Broadway venture steer clear of “Trauma Tourism:?
Which type of theatrical experience resonates more with you right now: communal, participatory fun or intimate, psychologically driven storytelling?