Best Matt Koplik Podcasts (2025)

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Deep Dive: NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Part 1) w/ Natalie Walker 1:32:42

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7h ago1:32:42

1:32:42

Matt and guest Natalie Walker (The Big Gay Jamboree, Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse) blast off into the glittering, vodka-drenched universe of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812—Dave Malloy and Rachel Chavkin’s electro-pop opera spun from a 70-page slice of War and Peace. Together they trace the show’s evolution from Ars Nova experiment to Bro…

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Matt Reviews: Punch, Waiting for Godot, ART, Bat Boy & More 1:40:08

4h ago1:40:08

1:40:08

Matt returns with a packed roundup of New York’s latest plays and musicals — from existential despair to gay country catharsis. In this marathon of opinions, he weighs in on everything from Keanu Reeves’ Beckett turn to Matt Rodin’s star power and whether Bat Boy might finally fly again. Resources & Links Broadway Breakdown, A Cabaret Now: Tix Broa…

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Matt Reviews: KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN (2025) w/ Ali Gordon 1:32:49

12d ago1:32:49

1:32:49

Cinema in the Cell Block In this episode, Matt and returning Pod Mother Ali Gordon dive into the latest movie musical: Kiss of the Spider Woman. Adapted from the Tony-winning musical, Spiderwoman follows homosexual window dresser, Molina, and revolutionary Valentin. The two are cellmates in an Argentinian prison at the height of the country’s milit…

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Deep Dive: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Part 2) w/ Preston Max Allen 1:12:16

20d ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Deep Dive: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Part 2) The Gospel of Glam Rock In Part 2 of this Deep Dive, Matt continues to unpack the gender-bending punk musical confessional that is Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Continuing the journey with Matt is writer and composer Preston Max Allen (We Are the Tigers, Caroline). Broadway Breakdown Links: Broadway Breakd…

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Deep Dive: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Part 1) w/ Preston Max Allen 1:31:20

20d ago1:31:20

1:31:20

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Part 1): Gender, Glam, and the Birth of a Cult Classic Broadway Breakdown kicks off its latest deep dive with Hedwig and the Angry Inch—the downtown rock musical that redefined what Broadway could be. Host Matt Koplik and guest Preston Max Allen unpack how John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s creation blurred the lin…

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Deep Dive: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE w/ Eli Rallo 1:27:01

21d ago1:27:01

1:27:01

This episode dives into the unlikely rise of The Drowsy Chaperone—a show that started as a wedding gag and became one of Broadway’s most beloved meta-musicals. Matt traces its origins, Tony-winning triumph, and enduring legacy, before sitting down with writer and cultural commentator Eli Rallo to unpack why this fizzy 1920s spoof still resonates (a…

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Deep Dive: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (w/ Kevin Zak) 1:40:46

1M ago1:40:46

1:40:46

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Broadway’s Darkest Comedy of Marriage Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? isn’t just a play — it’s a three-act battlefield where truth, illusion, and liquor collide. In this episode, host Matt Koplik and returning guest Kevin Zak (Ginger Twinsies) unpack the razor-sharp brilliance of Albee’s 1962 masterp…

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Deep Dive: DREAMGIRLS (Part 2) w/ Jason Veasey 1:27:34

1M ago1:27:34

1:27:34

Dreamgirls, Part 2: Revivals, the Film, and the Divas Who Define It Broadway Breakdown Links: Broadway Breakdown Substack Broadway Breakdown Discord A Cabaret Now: Tix Broadway Breakdown continues its deep dive into Dreamgirls, the musical that reshaped Broadway with its relentless staging, powerhouse vocals, and thinly veiled Motown parallels. In …

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Deep Dive: DREAMGIRLS (Part 1) w/ Jason Veasey 2:00:00

2M ago2:00:00

2:00:00

Dreamgirls: Broadway’s Motown Epic and the Tony Race of 1982 In this two-part deep dive, host Matt Koplik and guest Jason Veasey (Broadway’s A Strange Loop, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building) revisit Dreamgirls, the groundbreaking 1981 musical that blended Motown-inspired storytelling with Michael Bennett’s cinematic staging. Part One explores th…

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Matt Reviews HEATHERS & More 1:17:14

2M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

Broadway Breakdown Announcements, Heathers Off-Broadway Return + Ron Fassler on Broadway’s Juiciest Replacement Stories This episode kicks off a new season of Broadway Breakdown with some big announcements, followed by a double feature: Matt’s in-depth review of the Heathers revival at New World Stages, followed by a conversation with actor, writer…

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Broadway Breakdown- New Season! 1:20

2M ago1:20

1:20

Broadway Breakdown is back to cut through the surface-level theater chit chat with a new season and some podcast updates! Each week brings something new—reviews of the latest shows, sharp Tony Award predictions, or deep dives into the musicals and plays that shaped Broadway history. This season features explorations of Dreamgirls, Hedwig and the An…

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I WAS THERE w/ David Loud 1:08:04

5M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

"Behold, the hills of tomorrow..." Get a taste of what's to come with this pilot episode of a new series "I Was There" talking with Broadway artists with long and rich careers, telling us their stories. First up! Conductor/Music Director/Supervisor David Loud! David has worked on such incredible productions as She Loves Me (1993), Ragtime, Master C…

1
Sleep Out: Stage and Screen for Covenant House w/ David Hovey 23:28

5M ago23:28

23:28

SURPRISE! Bonus ep! Matt talks with David Hovey about the work happening at Covenant House, as well as the starry event on August 10th Sleep Out: Stage and Screen event. Learn more about Covenant House Here! https://www.covenanthouse.org/ Donate to Matt's Fundraising Page Here! https://www.sleepout.org/participants/61110 Learn more about Sleep Out:…

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Matt Reviews CALL ME IZZY 44:46

5M ago44:46

44:46

"Blue..." The 2025-2026 Broadway season kicks off with icon Jean Smart's one woman show CALL ME IZZY. Plus a production of MACHINAL, which launches the first season of the brand new New York Theatre Company. What did Matt think? Well...take a listen... Join the Broadway Breakdown Substack here! https://bwaybreakdown.substack.com/ Or the Broadway Br…

1
The 2025 Tony Awards w/ Robert W. Schneider 3:06:12

5M ago3:06:12

3:06:12

"And what did YOU think of that performance...?" The 2024-2025 Broadway season has come to a close and with it, the Tony Awards. Daddy of the pod Robert W. Schneider returns to Breakdown to discuss with Matt the highs of the ceremony, debate some winners, and some tea Matt got from the Maybe Happy Ending after party! KICK IT! Wanna join the Broadwa…

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2025 Tonys: Predictions and Personal Picks w/ Sam Eckmann 2:07:42

6M ago2:07:42

2:07:42

"What I expect...what I want...and what I dream..." The 2025 Tony Awards are ALMOST HERE! This means it's time for a final, FINAL prediction episode with Awards Expert Sam Eckmann (GoldDerby). Unfortunately this has been a chaotic race and thus, Matt and Sam find themselves talking in circles convincing each other of what might happen and what they…

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The Tony Awards: Myths and Trends 1:53:43

6M ago1:53:43

1:53:43

"Ever hear about...?" Matt goes through the last couple of decades of winners to debunk and clarify some ol' Tony Awards myths...as well as discover some trends! Take a listen and win your Tony pool! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/RDs2Bz47 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a…

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West End Shows/London Trip (w/ Mom!) 1:45:56

6M ago1:45:56

1:45:56

BIG NEWS! MATT GOT A NEW MIC! But he isn't quite sure if he's figured it out yet. So be patient this episode. Oh! And Matt went to London again with his mom and sister! Matt's mom joins for the first half to discuss their London adventures as well as the 5 shows they took in while staying in Fitzrovia for the week: -The Comedy About Spies, Oliver!,…

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Ranking All 42 Broadway Shows This Season (22-1) 2:30:24

6M ago2:30:24

2:30:24

And just like that...we finished! Matt wraps up his *unofficial* ranking of every Broadway show for the 2024-2025 Broadway Season. Was it worth it??? Join the fun at the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here! https://discord.gg/UTGVBprYtr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to…

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Ranking All 42 Broadway Shows This Season (42-23) 2:41:40

6M ago2:41:40

2:41:40

And episode so long...we have to split it in two! Matt saw Every. Single. Broadway. Show. This. Season. And my God is he gonna do the Lord's work and rank it all for you. Because why the F**K NOT?! Enjoy Part 1! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here! https://discord.gg/UTGVBprYtr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho…

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Matt Reviews REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, OLD FRIENDS and DEAD OUTLAW 1:43:02

7M ago1:43:02

1:43:02

And a few other shows, actually... Matt saw a whole bunch of stuff. Not just what's in the title. He also saw WONDERFUL TOWN at Encores, the final performance of ZORBA at J2 Spotlight and had a second viewing of DEATH BECOMES HER. It's a lot! Maybe he said some coherent things? Let's see! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here!: https://d…

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Tony Nominations are Here!!! (2025) w/ The Theater Lovers 2:40:12

7M ago2:40:12

2:40:12

"Where's the pudding at?!" The 2025 Tony nominations have arrived! And boy are there THOUGHTS. Joining Matt is Breakdown friends Rachael and Will Anderson aka The Theater Lovers!! Listen to their thoughts on the whole slew of nominations, Taylor Swift lore, and a new series of movies Matt plans to make. Enjoy! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Ch…

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2025 Tony Nominations: FInal Predictions 1:30:33

7M ago1:30:33

1:30:33

'Cause why the f**k not?! Let's be bold and brave with the Tony nominations before the big announcement day! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/bbcbvZau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to…

1
Matt Reviews FLOYD COLLINS, PIRATES! & JUST IN TIME 1:31:31

7M ago1:31:31

1:31:31

"This is IT!" Matt saw SOOOO much Broadway this week, he couldn't fit it all into one episode. So, he's chosen to cover LCT's revival of FLOYD COLLINS, Roundabout's revisal of PIRATES and 54 Below's...sorry, Broadway's JUST IN TIME. Listen! Discuss! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here!!! https://discord.gg/bbcbvZau Learn more about you…

1
2025 Tony Noms: Listener Predictions 1:08:44

7M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

"And what do YOU think of pudding?" Matt scans the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel to get a sense of what listeners feel are likely to get nominated at the 2025 Tony Awards. And the responses are something!! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/FqnJwJrr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice…

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Matt Saw Broadway's Expensive Shows, But... 1:13:10

7M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

...were they worth it? Matt went and saw GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, STRANGER THINGS, GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK and OTHELLO and talks briefly about all of them, but more importantly what their very existence means for Broadway. Plus! Two Off-Broadway musicals that might've restored his faith. *Might* have. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here!:…

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Matt Reviews PURPOSE & JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN 1:06:19

7M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

"To quote Taylor Swift..." Matt sees the latest work by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, PURPOSE, as well as the Broadway premiere of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN. Was JOHN *actually* Matt's nightmare? Which actor in PURPOSE gave Matt life? Find out!! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE Learn more about your ad choi…

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Matt Reviews SMASH 57:18

8M ago57:18

57:18

"Fade in on a girl..." Matt has returned from SMASH and is here to talk about what he thought did and didn't work about the new Comedy about a Musical! Enjoy! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here! https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to dis…

1
Matt Reviews BOOP & THE LAST 5 YEARS 1:09:29

8M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

"I can do better than that..." Matt goes to see the new comic musical BOOP and has a *lot* of suggestions, plus the first Broadway production of THE LAST 5 YEARS and...well, has thoughts on that as well. Take a listen! (L5Y review starts around 40:00 ) Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel (and the Tony fun) Here: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE …

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New 2025 Tony Award Predictions w/ Half Hour 1:56:00

8M ago1:56:00

1:56:00

"OK, now we know..." It's been two months since Matt made some bold predictions for the 2025 Tony nominations. So it's time to make some new ones!! Matt is joined by Richie Grasso and Jeff Maline (Half Hour) to discuss the latest of the season and where everyone sees nominations heading this year. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: …

1
Matt Reviews: LOVE LIFE & THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY 52:54

8M ago52:54

52:54

"I would give my soul for that..." Matt took a trip back to Encores to see the little-known LOVE LIFE and saw one of the final previews for THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY! What did Matt think of the weird Lerner/Weill show often cited as the "first concept musical"? And did Matt agree or disagree with Jesse Green abut DORIAN GRAY's screens? Let's find …

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Birthday Breakdown: Answering Your Questions 2:50:30

8M ago2:50:30

2:50:30

It's Matt's birthday! 35! And now that he's old enough to play Bobby in COMPANY, he's celebrating by doing a Good Ol' Fashioned Q&A. Make sure to join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this wi…

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Matt Reviews: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB and OPERATION MINCEMEAT 1:12:56

8M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

"We do what we can..." Matt had a nice week of theatre before flying to judge the Florida State Thespian Festival. First: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB and the Tony chances of Natalie Venetia Belcon. Next: OPERATION MINCEMEAT and whether it's "Too British" or if Matt liked it better on Broadway. For those who don't want spoilers: BUENA VISTA review start…

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Ranking Tony Winners: An Experiment (and What I Learned) 3:48:02

8M ago3:48:02

3:48:02

Matt took to social media to try something out...what IS the legacy of a Tony winner? Find out! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Here! https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit…

1
ANGELS IN AMERICA (Final Episode) w/ Robert W. Schneider 1:59:39

8M ago1:59:39

1:59:39

"I wish I was an octopus..." We've come to the end of ANGELS IN AMERICA and, as it happens, Grab Bag!! Friend of the pod Robert W. Schneider (Broadway Bound) stops by the Breakdown to discuss his history with the play, the weirdness of the 1993 Tony Awards, and which character Matt's ex could play. REJOICE! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Chann…

1
Bonus! SIX w/ Kelsie Watts 1:04:09

9M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

"You can build me up, you can tear me down..." Oooohhh It's a March BONUS episode! SIX's new Jane Seymour, Kelsie Watts, stops by the Breakdown to do a mini-deep dive on the British pop sensation that's still rocking it on Broadway. Matt and Kelsie talk about the complexity of 16th century womanhood, navigating vocal challenges, and re-introducing …

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ANGELS IN AMERICA (2nd Episode) w/ Ali Gordon 2:55:16

9M ago2:55:16

2:55:16

"Nothing's lost forever..." We're back with some more ANGELS! Podmother Ali Gordon returns to the Breakdown to discuss with Matt why Joe Pitt is her favorite character, her undying friendship with Matt, and why love needs to be in all dramatic scenes. LET'S DO IT! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE Learn …

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ANGELS IN AMERICA (1st Episode) w/ Alex Weisman 2:42:42

9M ago2:42:42

2:42:42

"F**k you, I'm a Prophet!" We're wrapping up GRAB BAG with the Big One. A play so big we can't possibly contain it to one episode. So friend Alex Weisman (HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD) comes back to the Breakdown to talk all things ANGELS IN AMERICA. The two also discuss the repetition of history, the privilege of self-preservation and being s…

1
THE WIZ (Movie) w/ Kaisha Huguley 1:10:37

9M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

"Don't nobody bring me No. Bad. News." We're starting to close out Grab Bag and so we're bringing on a new friend, Kaisha Huguley (@kaishacreates) to come on and discuss the last musical selected: THE WIZ. The Movie, that is. Matt and Kaisha discuss their ties to the movie as well as to The Wizard of Oz lore, plus what makes a movie musical work an…

1
Matt Reviews: REDWOOD 40:42

9M ago40:42

40:42

"Just me...and the trees." Idina Menzel is BACK on BROADWAY baby! In a musical about a tree! And trauma! And stuff. So what did Matt think of it? Find out! TRIGGER WARNING: This musical discusses difficult subject matter like mental health, substance abuse and s*icide. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/VRdR4bvZ Le…

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LIVE: BroadwayCon 2025 (w/ Grey Henson) 56:00

9M ago56:00

56:00

"It's live!!!" Broadway Breakdown was at BroadwayCon and did another Grab Bag with Miss Sally Bowl. Grey Henson (ELF, MEAN GIRLS) comes along to pick a musical and gab for a whole hour. Which musical? Find out!! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/VRdR4bvZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic…

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Matt Reviews: Betty Gilpin in OH MARY & URINETOWN at Encores 49:39

10M ago49:39

49:39

"I see a river..." OH MARY has a new leading lady! Encores has begun its latest season! How do they fare? Matt is here to talk about it. And what makes acting ridiculous so hard. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/VRdR4bvZ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If y…

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COME FROM AWAY w/ Lauren Nicole Chapman 1:52:03

10M ago1:52:03

1:52:03

"Welcome to the Rock..." GRAB BAG continues with the Tony winning Canadian Feel Good Musical COME FROM AWAY. Good friend and gal Lauren Nicole Chapman (FROZEN, KINKY BOOTS) joins the Breakdown to discuss the wonderfulness of intermissionless shows, married life, and the controversial play Matt saw on a second date. Join the Broadway Breakdown Disco…

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Matt Reviews: ENGLISH, TEETH, ALL IN and Something DIfferent... 1:23:07

10M ago1:23:07

1:23:07

"Expand what you think you know..." Matt sees the first new Broadway show of 2025: ENGLISH and discusses how the Pulitzer winning play fares at Roundabout. Plus, a post-mortem on TEETH, a look back on ALL IN and a fascinating one man show that's still in development... Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/96eFupmY L…

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2025 Tony Awards: WAY Too Early Predictions (w/ David J. Lynch) 2:59:14

10M ago2:59:14

2:59:14

"Think of the Pudding" Producer and friend of the Breakdown David Lynch is back to do WAY too early predictions for the 2025 Tony Awards. Matt and David discuss what can make a Featured Actor/Actress break through, who you don't bet against, and what musicals are rising to the top. Follow the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord…

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Matt Revisited GYPSY: Now What? 1:01:20

11M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

"What did I do it for...?" Matt went back to see how GYPSY has changed since the reviews all came out. And the answer might surprise you...or maybe it won't. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord HERE: https://discord.gg/WZQsq2vq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this…

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Broadway 2024-2025 (So Far): Rankings and Tony Noms 1:54:02

11M ago1:54:02

1:54:02

"Goodbye 2024, Hello 2025...you're the same season." Matt recaps the Broadway season so far as well as some of his thoughts on productions this past year and what he's looking forward to in 2025. Plus Matt goes into what he'd personally nominate for Tony Awards! And there are SHOCKERS! You can still watch Matt's play YOURS, TRULY here: https://www.…

1
Matt Reviews CULT OF LOVE and EUREKA DAY 47:50

11M ago47:50

47:50

"She's very open minded. We met her at Burning Man..." Matt saw CULT OF LOVE and EUREKA DAY and has now seen EVERY production of the 2024-2025 season so far! Matt talks about how both shows are quite alike and what they can also learn from each other. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here!: https://discord.gg/5NBMyymB Learn more about yo…

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NINE w/ Kevin Duda 3:32:42

11M ago3:32:42

3:32:42

"Be Italian..." The music...the fashion...the women...the plot...? We're talking NINE! Kevin Duda (BOOK OF MORMON, BEAUTIFUL) returns after a long absence to discuss with Matt all things Maury Yeston, Tommy Tune and Anita Morris. The two discuss why the movie adaptation failed, being too seduced by the musical's glamour, and some tumultuousness wit…

1
Matt Reviews GYPSY 1:03:22

11M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

"I had a dream..." Matt has wanted this to happen for years. And now it's finally here: GYPSY. Directed by George C. Wolfe. Choreographed by one of his favorite current choreographers, Camille A. Brown. Starring the one and only AUDRA. But...is it what he dreamed it would be? Hoped it would be? Or is it...something else? Join the Broadway Breakdown…