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Matt Reviews: The Queen of Versailles (both of ‘em), Ragtime & A Conversation with Teale Dvornik

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Manage episode 522594889 series 1525928
Content provided by Matt Koplik. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Matt Koplik or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Episode Summary

Matt dives into two major musical events: Broadway’s divisive, new bio-musical The Queen of Versailles and its two different leading ladies, as well as the long-awaited revival of Ragtime. He breaks down the productions’ strengths, stumbles, creative choices, and star performances before welcoming Broadway content creator and author Teale Dvornik for a candid conversation about audience culture, the changing ecosystem around modern theater and her new book History Hiding Around Broadway.

Timestamps

00:00 – Opening & Episode Setup Matt tees up the week’s reviews and previews what’s ahead.

02:10 – The Queen of Versailles A breakdown of the musical’s glossy aesthetic, technical elements, score, staging, and script; Matt’s take on Kristin Chenoweth’s performance; questions about tone, satire, and emotional center; comparisons to other wealth-focused musicals.

23:00 – Ragtime Initial expectations vs. what the production delivers; performances, orchestrations, pacing, and the challenge of modernizing a massive period musical; where this revival succeeds, where it pulls back, and how it reframes the material for 2025 audiences.

45:00 – Interview: Teale Dvornik A thoughtful, candid conversation about Broadway marketing, social-media influence, community behavior, and how digital audiences impact ticket sales, show reputation, and performer well-being. Teale offers insight from inside the industry — and clears up several misconceptions about influencers, access, and online discourse.

Key People Mentioned

The Queen of Versailles

* Kristin Chenoweth, Sherie Rene Scott, Stephen Schwartz, Lindsey Ferrentino, Michael Arden

Ragtime

* Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, Terrence McNally, E.L. Doctorow

Interview

* Teale Dvornik

Resources & Links

Broadway Breakdown: Discord

Broadway Breakdown: Substack

Buy History Hiding Around Broadway

Listener Discussion Questions

* What do you think would make The Queen of Versailles work? And could time be kinder to it down the line?

* How should a modern revival approach a large, politically charged musical like Ragtime?

* Has an individual performance changed your opinion on a show?


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
  continue reading

310 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 522594889 series 1525928
Content provided by Matt Koplik. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Matt Koplik or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Episode Summary

Matt dives into two major musical events: Broadway’s divisive, new bio-musical The Queen of Versailles and its two different leading ladies, as well as the long-awaited revival of Ragtime. He breaks down the productions’ strengths, stumbles, creative choices, and star performances before welcoming Broadway content creator and author Teale Dvornik for a candid conversation about audience culture, the changing ecosystem around modern theater and her new book History Hiding Around Broadway.

Timestamps

00:00 – Opening & Episode Setup Matt tees up the week’s reviews and previews what’s ahead.

02:10 – The Queen of Versailles A breakdown of the musical’s glossy aesthetic, technical elements, score, staging, and script; Matt’s take on Kristin Chenoweth’s performance; questions about tone, satire, and emotional center; comparisons to other wealth-focused musicals.

23:00 – Ragtime Initial expectations vs. what the production delivers; performances, orchestrations, pacing, and the challenge of modernizing a massive period musical; where this revival succeeds, where it pulls back, and how it reframes the material for 2025 audiences.

45:00 – Interview: Teale Dvornik A thoughtful, candid conversation about Broadway marketing, social-media influence, community behavior, and how digital audiences impact ticket sales, show reputation, and performer well-being. Teale offers insight from inside the industry — and clears up several misconceptions about influencers, access, and online discourse.

Key People Mentioned

The Queen of Versailles

* Kristin Chenoweth, Sherie Rene Scott, Stephen Schwartz, Lindsey Ferrentino, Michael Arden

Ragtime

* Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, Terrence McNally, E.L. Doctorow

Interview

* Teale Dvornik

Resources & Links

Broadway Breakdown: Discord

Broadway Breakdown: Substack

Buy History Hiding Around Broadway

Listener Discussion Questions

* What do you think would make The Queen of Versailles work? And could time be kinder to it down the line?

* How should a modern revival approach a large, politically charged musical like Ragtime?

* Has an individual performance changed your opinion on a show?


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
  continue reading

310 episodes

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