"The heat is on..." To cover a giant show with giant controversy...you need a giant episode. Yup: it's MISS SAIGON. James Seol (COME FROM AWAY, KPOP) makes his Breakdown debut to discuss the last of the British mega-musicals with Matt. The two discuss a LOT: a mutual belief that Chris is the show's villain, how Kim is actually a survivalist genius and how for a show with so much sex, MISS SAIGON might be one of the least sexy musicals of all time. Come along on the helicopter!
Jan 11, 2024•3 hr 39 min
"What's your damage?" CONTENT WARNING: This episode covers a show that contains and discusses suicide, sexual assault, and mental illness. Please listen with caution. We're venturing back to Off-Broadway with the musical that launched a thousand nodes and a million TikTok accounts...we're talking HEATHERS, y'all. The musical based on the classic cult 80's film has a dedicated fanbase...and plenty of ruffled feathers. Longtime friend and icon Chelsea Williams (MAMMA MIA, IN TRANSIT) makes her Bre...
Jan 04, 2024•2 hr 16 min
"If I loved you..." Oh Boy. It's the one listeners of BREAKDOWN have been waiting for. It's Matt's favorite musical. It's perhaps the most famous "problematic" musical. That's right...it's CAROUSEL, BABY!! Theatre critic Juan A. Ramirez (Theatrely, The New York Times) joins the pod to discuss all things Rodgers and Hammerstein. Juan and Matt discuss the show's horniness, debate the merits of the 2018 revival (Juan is pro, Matt is con), and what exactly that infamous line of dialogue means. Join ...
Dec 28, 2023•2 hr 48 min
"All we see is sky for forever..." STORY TIME! Due to reasons, Broadway Breakdown is covering DEAR EVAN HANSEN in two parts...with the second part coming sometime between now and later. Journalist and podcaster Ruthie Fierberg (Why We Theater) joins the Breakdown to lay out her reasonings as to why DEAR EVAN HANSEN is NOT problematic (with no question mark!) The two also discuss grief, depression, and an updated look at the current Broadway season!! Strap in your cast and let's get to it!
Dec 21, 2023•2 hr 19 min
"I'll never fall in love again..." It's turkey lurkey TIME, people! Guncle of the Pod Adam Elsberry returns to talk about one of the hottest shows of the 1960's: PROMISES, PROMISES. Based on the Oscar-winning film THE APARTMENT, it's a show that got HAMILTON level reviews...and wasn't heard from again for a very long time. Matt and Adam discuss the difference between 1962 and 1968, being in love and it being terrible, and the double edged sword of sexual agency. Join in!!!
Dec 14, 2023•2 hr 51 min
"...you are a fundamentally evil person..." CONTENT WARNING: Before listening, be advised that this episode discusses a play that deals with troubling subject matter (primarily sexual abuse and suicide). The Breakdown is discussing perhaps the most complex and troubling play NYC has seen in years: DOWNSTATE, by Pulizter Prize winning playwright Bruce Norris (CLYBOURNE PARK). Joined by Etai Benson (COMPANY, THE BAND'S VISIT), Matt discusses his own difficult past with abuse, the limitations of em...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 56 min
"Shall I tell you what I think of you...?" It's the first Rodgers and Hammerstein on Broadway Breakdown! And NOT the one you think! Corey Lubowich (Team Starkid) makes his Breakdown debut to discuss the much loved and much debated R&H classic THE KING AND I. Matt and Corey discuss the joint gumption and prejudice of the show's main characters, the sloppiness of Tuptim, and the Tesori/Hwang inverse piece SOFT POWER. Shall we dance inDEED? Watch and listen to more content on the Patreon: https...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 30 min
"It's time to dance..." Welcome back to Broadway Breakdown!! And our new series Problematic(?) covering shows that at some point in their legacy have been met with controversy or backlash. Matt is joined by Breakdown legend Ali Gordon to talk about a lighthearted musical that somehow made a few people angry...THE PROM. And no, not because of the on-air kiss. The two discuss the show's tone, question how quickly someone can go from bigoted to tolerant, and Matt's major gripe with a major characte...
Nov 23, 2023•2 hr 1 min
"But first: let's stretch." Before launching into our new season of "Problematic(?)" Broadway Breakdown returns with a warm up episode. Rob Schneider (Behind the Curtain) joins the pod to talk with Matt about the upcoming Broadway season, shows that are rumored to come in, Matt's thoughts on HELL'S KITCHEN and how sweetness is killing creativity. Let's DISH! New episodes of "Problematic (?)" begin Thursday 11/23 :)
Nov 16, 2023•2 hr 15 min
"Are you *actually* calling Gloria Steinem a skank?" Hey Kids!! Broadway Breakdown isn't TOTALLY back yet. BUT! To tide you over: here's an amazing conversation with Tony nominee Heather Hach, book writer for LEGALLY BLONDE and co-screenwriter of the 2003 FREAKY FRIDAY. Matt and Heather discuss how Heather got into writing, the challenges of adapting a beloved movie into a musical, and Heather's new book "The Trouble with Drowning." You can Pre-Order "The Trouble With Drowning" here: https://www...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 9 min
"You're in a tough chapter...but the book is long." Whoo boy. It's the big one. The play that we've been waiting for: SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Guncle of the Pod Adam Elsberry returns to dive deep into one of the most painfully personal plays Matt has ever witnessed. The two discuss the complex friendships between gay men and straight women, plus the magnificence of Gideon Glick's performance and unloading some tough personal stories of their own. Plus that time Matt and Adam saw the MATILDA movie and ...
Jul 20, 2023•3 hr 13 min
"96,000..." Lights up on the Broadway debut of one of musical theatre's biggest names: Lin-Manuel Miranda. Yup, we're talking IN THE HEIGHTS baby!!!! After Matt *just* said he couldn't find anyone to cover this show, along comes Broadway's Philippe Arroyo (& JULIET, ALADDIN) swopping in and making an iconic episode with Matt. The two discuss Lin's score that's almost entirely "no skips," questions about character's backstories and what role from the movie can be added to the show so Matt can...
Jul 13, 2023•2 hr 58 min
"Die, Vampire..." It's two guys on a podcast talking about a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical...it's a snake, it's a vortex, it's a Full Tilt Original Musical! It's TITLE OF SHOW! Social Media Icon Tyler Joseph Ellis stops by the Breakdown to discuss with Matt all things Theatre Nerdom, Gay Friendships and Full Throated Belting. Plus, Matt drags a whole bunch of things. Let's find our way back to then, dudes! If ya like the episode, enjoy our Patreon: htt...
Jul 06, 2023•2 hr 15 min
"Life is pandemonium..." THE BIG MOVE IS BACK! With a brand new episode covering the musical that brought William Finn back to the Broadway and held the longest run at the Circle in the Square Theatre. That's right: SPELLING BEE! Broadway cast member Todd Buonopone (also CINDERELLA and GREASE) stop by the Breakdown to spill with Matt secrets from the Broadway production, how he got the job and what happened when an audience member misspelled a word they needed to get right. Matt talks about the ...
Jun 29, 2023•2 hr 51 min
"I want it that way..." A special treat for our Breakdown-ers!! & JULIET's Tony nominated orchestrator/arranger/music director Dominic Fallacaro stops by the pod to chat with Matt about the secrets and insights of Broadway's latest hit. The two also discuss Dominic's instant crash course on Broadway and the benefits of having time when creating. Take a listen!!!
Jun 26, 2023•50 min
"For the mothers, the fathers, and the children of the world..." Surprise, Girlfriend!! It's a special episode! Matt gets to talk about his *other* favorite musical this season: TITANIQUE! Songstress and Celine lover Courtney Bassett (TITANIQUE, GREAT COMET) stops by the Breakdown to discuss with Matt the joys of performing the most ingeniously silly show in NYC as well as the tricks to being Celine Dion and why we want the Weirdos to Win. SHALL WE GO FOR IT?! Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.c...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 43 min
And Just like That...Pudding Season was over. The Tonys happened!! And they...weren't a sh*t show?? Matt is tired, y'all but he's still gonna go through all of your Hot Takes (and some weird personal questions) about this year's Tony Awards. The winners, the performances, the DIVAS. It's a moment! And the moment is us. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BroadwayBreakdown
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 38 min
"And the award goes to..." We're coming to the end of Pudding Season y'all!! Good Judy Jonathan Hoover (aka Inappropriate Patti) stops by to make some final Tony Award predictions with Matt. Matt also spills some tea after having attended the Drama Desk, Theatre World and Drama League Awards. Who's hot, who's tepid and who doesn't understand when to stop the running joke. Take a listen! For more Matt content, check out the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BroadwayBreakdown
Jun 08, 2023•2 hr 21 min
"It's an honor just to be ignored..." Friend of the pod and Network Ben Rimalower (Giants in the Sky) comes back to discuss with Matt their most egregious snubs in Tony history. Everyone knows two big ones for Matt...but there are a few that Matt and Ben disagree on!!!! Plus they discuss Forbidden Broadway, Patti Lupone's thoughts on women and which Tony nominated star left us too soon. JOIN IN! Link to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BroadwayBreakdown
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 45 min
"And I am telling you..." The 2023 Tony Awards are fast approaching! And so friend of the pod Sutton Lee Seymour returns to discuss with Matt all the amazing performances that have been on the telecast. The two bond over obvious historical turns (Dreamgirls, Evita, Promises Promises) and shock each other with some deeper dives (Sutton did *not* expect one of Matt's picks). The two also discuss what was happening to Barbara Harris the night she won for The Apple Tree, the glory of big orchestras ...
May 25, 2023•2 hr 24 min
"Let's talk about it." Famous Broadway ally PJ Adzima (BOOK OF MORMON) stops by the Breakdown to discuss with Matt the latest on the Tonys vs. the WGA Strike, the Broadway Ecosystem, what needs to change and how we all can be smarter audiences. For the video of the full, unedited episode (released this weekend): Subscribe to the Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/BroadwayBreakdown
May 18, 2023•2 hr 5 min
"I chose right..." Matt takes a break from predictions and analysis to look back fondly on the times when the Tony Awards got it right! Writer Peter Duchan (DOGFIGHT) stops by the Breakdown to share some of his favorite choices as well as the first ceremony to make an impression on him. The two also discuss category fraud, Divas, and the b*tchy thing Gwen Verdon said about Donna Mckechnie. To quote Jean Stapleton: "DAAAAAMN YAAANKEES!"
May 11, 2023•2 hr 47 min
It's time. To compare. Apples and Bacon. The 2023 Tony nominations are HERE and Matt has some egg on his face, some dreams that became realities, and some realizations after seeing CAMELOT the night before. Friend of the pod Kyle Marshall (Putting it Together) returns to the Breakdown to discuss this year's crop of nominees: who we're happy about, sad about, and confused about. And! The status of Matt's shoe. Did he throw it? HAPPY PUDDING SEASON!!!!
May 04, 2023•1 hr 56 min
It's Pudding Season!! The Theatre Lovers are BACK to make one last big swing for Tony nomination predictions before the big day: May 2. Matt and the duo also discuss some opinions on newly seen shows and Matt reads Rachel and Will for filth on some of their predictions (and vice versa). Happy Tonys, Everyone!!!
Apr 28, 2023•1 hr 43 min
It's Pudding Season!! Matt goes solo and reads your Tony Predictions! Well...mostly your Tony predictions. A couple of personal questions snuck in there somehow... What do YOU think is making it in this year??
Apr 20, 2023•1 hr 15 min
It's Pudding Season! And Matt's seen more stuff!! Guncle Adam Elsberry returns to shake up some predictions with Matt. Matt also gives some takes after having seen SWEENEY TODD, SHUCKED, FAT HAM and LIFE OF PI. And also spills a little tea about the current reputation of a Broadway director!! Let's have fun!!
Apr 06, 2023•2 hr 25 min
"It's an honor just to be *pretend* nominated..." Pudding Season is almost upon us! That's right, it's time to start talking TONY AWARDS!!! Will and Rachael Anderson aka The Theater Lovers stop by the Breakdown to do some wild Tony nomination predictions. The three also discuss Bad Cinderella, being an ally, Feminism and which major stars could find themselves shut out! Let's get WILD y'all!!!
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 59 min
"When life gives you lemons..." It's a special episode y'all!! Breakdown is taking a rest from the planned lineup to do a bonus cross over episode from Tesori Hour. That's right: it's KIMBERLY AKIMBO!! Returning guest Peter Koplik aka MATT'S DAD sits down to discuss the two's thoughts on the musical and all things family. The two also talk about the glory of Victoria Clark, the rudeness of adolescents, and the phrase Matt says that leaves his father gobsmacked. Tune in! No one gets a second time...
Mar 23, 2023•2 hr 9 min
"It's the bitch of living..." Are you ready for some drama? Connor and Dylan MacDowell of the hit podcast DRAMA stop by the Breakdown to discuss with Matt all things Spring Awakening. The three also discuss toxic fandom, the importance of transparency, what "Purple Summer" is, and the majesty of Jonathan Groff's butt. Touch me!!
Mar 16, 2023•2 hr 20 min
"I will DO what needs to be DONE!" Do you have doubts? Do you have parables? Do you have DOUBT: A PARABLE?! 'Cause Godmother of the Pod Ali Gordon is back to discuss all things nuns, priests, Catholic school and having no real life experience with any of it. Matt and Ali also discuss failing in acting class, the importance of casting weirdos in your plays, and why mothers tend to be right. Cut your fingernails, kids, it's DOUBT!
Mar 09, 2023•2 hr 9 min
