Broadway Breakdown

Matt Koplik
  • 4.8 (395)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Semiweekly

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

  1. 8h ago

    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

    Deep Dive: NEXT TO NORMAL w/ Brian Nash

  2. Jul 23

    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

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

  3. Jul 16

    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

    Broadway Breakdown: Some News

  4. Jul 9

    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

    Matt Reviews: HEATED RIVALRY THE (UNAUTHORIZED) PARODY MUSICAL

  5. Jul 2

    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

    Lessons from This Broadway Season w/ Sean Nyberg

  6. Jun 25

    "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

    "Where are the New Musicals?"

  7. Jun 18

    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

    Deep Dive: SHE LOVES ME w/ Leah Horowitz

  8. Jun 9

    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

    2026 Tony Awards: Recap and Reaction w/ John Wascavage
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4.8
out of 5
395 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Koplik
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    342
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matt Koplik
  • Show Website
    Broadway Breakdown