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: YoutubeListener 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

“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 YoutubeListener 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

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: YoutubeListener 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

“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

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: DiscordBroadway Breakdown: SubstackBroadway Breakdown: YoutubeListener 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

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: DiscordBroadway Breakdown: SubstackBroadway Breakdown: YoutubeListener 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

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: SubstackListener 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

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: DiscordBroadway Breakdown: YoutubeBroadway Breakdown: SubstackTime Stamps:0:00 - Hello and Housekeeping (And a new review!!!)4:25 -Tonys recapListener 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

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 RichieGuest 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/Updates0:03:55 -Sound Design of a Play0:7:05 -Sound Design of a Musical0:09:55 -Direction of a Musical0:23:35 -Lighting Design of a Play0:25:25 -Lighting Design of a Musical0:32:05 -Direction of a Play0:39:00 -Costume Design of a Play0:41:30 -Costume Design of a Musical0:48:00 -Leading Actress in a Musical0:57:26 -Orchestrations1:01:32 -Score1:16:55 -Scenic Design of a Play1:21:00 -Scenic Design of a Musical1:24:25 -Choreography1:29:50 -Book of a Musical1:35:50 -Revival of a Play1:37:00 -Featured Actor in a Play1:42:00 -Featured Actress in a Musical1:49:49 -Featured Actress in a Play1:54:10 -Featured Actor in a Musical1:59:55 -Play2:01:10 -Leading Actor in a Musical2:03:00 -Leading Actor in a Play2:07:05 -Leading Actress in a Play2:13:40 -Revival of a Musical2:20:05 -MusicalListener 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

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:* Broadway Breakdown Live: Green Room 42 Tix!* Broadway Breakdown: Discord* Broadway Breakdown: Substack* Broadway Breakdown: YoutubeTime Stamps:0:00 - Intro0:40 - Discussion w/ Robbie Rozelle1:14:37 - Interview w/ Carey Renee SharpListener 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?” 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