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Broadway Breakdown

Matt Kopliksoundcloud.com
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!!
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Episodes

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

"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

Jan 24, 20251 hr 27 min

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

"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.gg/QssGH9KE

Jan 16, 20253 hr 9 min

Matt Revisited GYPSY: Now What?

"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

Jan 09, 20251 hr 5 min

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

"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.youtube.com/watch?v=x23enXtcNHY (Starts at the 8:00 min mark) Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE

Dec 26, 20242 hr

Matt Reviews CULT OF LOVE and EUREKA DAY

"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

Dec 23, 202451 min

NINE w/ Kevin Duda

"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 with the revival...get into it!!! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/dbwMZjTb

Dec 20, 20243 hr 44 min

Matt Reviews GYPSY

"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 Discord Here: https://discord.gg/dbwMZjTb

Dec 19, 20241 hr 7 min

THE WOMEN w/ Adam Elsberry

"JUNGLE RED!!!!" Ooooooohhh it's a juicy catfight at the Breakdown as Guncle of the Pod Adam Elsberry returns to discuss the 30's hit THE WOMEN. Matt and Adam discuss the legacy of a play that is both quotable, iconic...and not very good? And a movie version that is even more quotable, more iconic...and actually QUITE good? The two also discuss drag queen artistry, Jennifer Simard and Roald Dahl sexual innuendos. Let's hear them out! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://dis...

Dec 12, 20242 hr 29 min

So. Let's Talk WICKED (PART 1) w/ Joel Guerrero-Sparks

"It just says 'Road' to me..." I don't know if you heard...but the WICKED movie came out! And after much discussion on the Discord Channel, Matt has agreed to cover it. But not without his trusty friend: Joel Guerrero-Sparks! Matt and Joel tackle all the questions from the Broadway Breakdown Discord, as well as share their origins with the stage musical, Oscar chances and what they hope to see in Part 2. We could melt!! Join the Broadway Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/PNXRwynp

Dec 02, 20242 hr 10 min

PASSION w/ Ali Gordon

"I wish I could forget you..." Podmother Ali Gordon is back to talk about one of the most divisive shows from a divisive artist: PASSION. Matt and Ali talk about the difference between love and passion, the drag queen elements of Fosca, and why a show shouldn't have to tell you what it's saying. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here! https://discord.gg/qtN5AqNp

Nov 28, 20243 hr 19 min

Matt Reviews: ELF, TAMMY FAYE, SWEPT AWAY & DEATH BECOMES HER

"Enjoy...the ground." Matt did a reading of his play, then immediately went and saw some shows! He also reads some new reviews of the podcast and discusses when it's appropriate to give people feedback on their work. REVIEW TIME STAMPS (depending on commercial length): Elf: 10:10 Tammy Faye: 26:00 Swept Away: 45:50 Death Becomes Her: 1:01:30 Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/TzqNUKPm

Nov 24, 20241 hr 30 min

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER w/ Elliot and Harry White

"I am standing here with poison in my pocket..." INDUBITABLY! Calling all Anglophiles: it's the GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE episode! Producing team and brothers Elliot and Harry White (Foster Cat Productions) stop by the Breakdown to discuss with Matt the extraordinarily British musicale. The group also discusses the benefits of slow-burn comedy, what makes a great musical theatre score, and the 2014 Tony Awards. Join in the fun! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here! https://discord.gg/tFBDvjF...

Nov 21, 20242 hr 38 min

FAT HAM w/ Jayson Kerr

"Ay, there's the rub." What if HAMLET...wasn't a tragedy? But...a celebration?!?! New friend of the Breakdown Jayson Kerr stops by to talk about the Pulitzer winning play FAT HAM, plus the benefits of choosing joy, the dangers of repressing, and the line of dialogue that broke Matt. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord!: https://discord.gg/tFBDvjFR

Nov 14, 20242 hr 48 min

Matt Reviews: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, A WONDERFUL WORLD & MCNEAL

Matt saw some shows! And read some of your reviews! Matt talks about seeing MAYBE HAPPY ENDING from two different angles, the MEMENTO-ness of MCNEAL and the Tony winning musical that A WONDERFUL WORLD could learn from. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here! https://discord.gg/dauswSEN Donate to Matt's Play Here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=8JAJ724MGR8LW

Nov 13, 20241 hr 24 min

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS w/ Sutton Lee Seymour

"Feed Me..." A perfect musical needs the perfect guest to have the perfect discussion. Friend of the pod Sutton Lee Seymour returns to discuss all things parody, pathos and talent aliens. Join in the fun!! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Here: https://discord.gg/tFBDvjFR Donate to Matt's fundraiser Here: https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly

Nov 07, 20243 hr 11 min

Matt Reviews: RAGTIME, LEFT ON TENTH & SH*T. MEET. FAN.

"The people called it..." Matt saw a play! And an Encores! And another play! What did he think of RAGTIME at Encores? SH*T. MEET. FAN? LEFT ON TENTH? Find out! Donate to Matt's Fundraiser Here! https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Here! https://discord.gg/qtN5AqNp

Nov 03, 20241 hr 37 min

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE w/ Juan A. Ramírez

"Hey STELLAAAAA!!!!!" Friend and Zaddy of the Pod Juan A. Ramírez returns to discuss the sexy play that's actually not all that sexy: A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Juan and Matt discuss sexual tension, method acting, what makes a good Blanche Dubois and how STREETCAR birthed the Jessica Lange we know now. Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/tFBDvjFR Fundraiser for Matt's Play: https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly If you wanna see the NYC Gay Men's Chorus holiday concert, use the code BREAKDOW...

Oct 31, 20242 hr 51 min

Matt Reviews: ROMEO + JULIET, THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA & Off-Broadway

"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou...line?" Matt saw ROMEO + JULIET, THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA (with a new third act), and 3 Off-Broadway shows! And he's gonna TALK about 'em DAMMIT! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Here! https://discord.gg/tFBDvjFR or Help Donate to Matt's Fundraise Here! https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly

Oct 27, 20241 hr 18 min

WEST SIDE STORY (2021 Movie) w/ Margaret Hall

"A boy like that..." Who doesn't love the chance to talk about a Spielberg musical? Friend of the pod Margaret Hall is back to talk about the 2021 remake of WEST SIDE STORY. Together, Margaret and Matt discuss and debate what works, what doesn't, what the movie's legacy is and if it's possible for financially stable people to fall in love at first sight. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord: https://discord.gg/VQWSrW5b Contribute to Matt's Play before it gets broadcast!: https://www.paypal.com/do...

Oct 24, 20243 hr 15 min

JEKYLL & HYDE w/ Cooper Howell

"This is the moment..." It's all a facade. It's all in his eyes. It's all a dangerous game. It's all JEKYLL & HYDE, babyyyyyy. Cooper Howell (CATS: JELLICLE BALL) joins the Breakdown to discuss all the ways the murderous cult musical fails and yet...succeeds? Cooper and Matt can't make up their minds. Can you? Donate to Matt's Play: https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord: https://discord.gg/VQWSrW5b

Oct 17, 20243 hr 9 min

Matt Reviews: SUNSET BOULEVARD, OUR TOWN & THE ROOMMATE

"Silent music starts to play..." Matt saw 3 Broadway shows. And even though it's late, he's gonna talk about them. YOURS, TRULY fundraiser: https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/VQWSrW5b

Oct 16, 20241 hr 12 min

AMERICAN PSYCHO w/ Jeff Malone & Richie Grasso

"Oh my God, Patrick, COLLEGE?!" Char the Mahi Mahi and rent some videotapes because we're talking AMERICAN PYSCHO. Fellow BPN'ers Richie Grasso and Jeff Malone (Half Hour) join the Breakdown to discuss the concepts of success, goodness, and what it means to be human. They also go on for a LONG time about defining your personality over the love of one show...does Matt know anything about that? Make sure to donate to Matt's fundraiser, so his play can get performed in November: https://www.paypal....

Oct 10, 20242 hr 52 min

Reviewing Shows and Remembering Artists

Matt reviews YELLOW FACE, THE BIG GAY JAMBOREE and GROUNDED at the Met (most of it). And a conversation about loss and remembrance within the theatre community. Some Mentioned Links: Discord Channel: https://discord.gg/7wkJpY3P Yours, Truly (Matt's play) Fundraising Page: https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly

Oct 05, 20241 hr 35 min

SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT (w/ Marcus Scott)

"ALL THE BALDWINS ARE DEAD?!" It's the launch of the new Grab Bag series and we're starting off with a bang: SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER AND UNCUT. Frequent Breakdown guest Marcus Scott comes back to talk with Matt about all the ways this movie is a perfect musical masterpiece. The two also talk about the dangers of censorship, the need for accountability and how this movie has one of the best depictions of a toxic relationship. It's long, it's meandering, it's filthy. Get into it! Join the Broad...

Oct 03, 20243 hr 4 min

Matt's Play and Chad Beguelin's Book (w/ Tony Nominee Chad Beguelin)

It's time... Matt makes a MAJOR announcement about the development of his play and 6-Time-Tony-Nominee Chad Beguelin (ALADDIN, THE PROM, ELF) stops by to discuss his new book SHOWMANCE...and other Broadway things. Link to YOURS, TRULY fundraising page: https://www.millironstudios.com/yours-truly Link to YOURS, TRULY Pitch Deck: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGQdXq6weA/TxCLeAIqtkKDdLDaSwzC1w/view?utm_content=DAGQdXq6weA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor Link t...

Sep 29, 20242 hr 1 min

Let's Try to Understand Broadway Grosses

"Numbers are so HARD..." The week before a big announcement, and two weeks before the start of GRAB BAG, Matt takes a look at the Broadway grosses for the week ending 9/15 and tries to help you and himself understand them. Let's gab! To join the Discord Channel, Click: https://discord.gg/7wkJpY3P

Sep 19, 20241 hr 51 min

The Broadway Season: 2024-2025 w/ Robbie Rozelle!

"Who's it gonna be...?" The 2024-2025 Season has BEGUN. And friend of the pod Robbie Rozelle is HERE to discuss it! In a few weeks, we begin "Grab Bag"! Make sure to join the DIscord in order to submit your questions and concerns for future episodes: https://discord.gg/jez6sDwB

Sep 12, 20242 hr 17 min

Announcing: Broadway Breakdown's Lineup for 2024

You submitted the shows and movie musicals you wanted Broadway Breakdown to discuss and now the winners are here and ready to be announced!! Find out what the rest of 2024 has in store for the pod! AND AFTER YOU DO: subscribe to the BB Discord Channel to keep making your voice heard on the podcast! https://discord.gg/jez6sDwB

Sep 01, 202443 min

Listen Now - The Magical Making of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph. Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the chall...

Aug 19, 202417 min

Matt Reviews: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. Yay, Nay or Meh?

JOIN THE BROADWAY BREAKDOWN DISCORD CHANNEL and talk about all your feelings on theatre, the podcast and random life stuff. It's a fun community! https://discord.gg/jez6sDwB "Sensitivity..." ONCE UPON A MATTRESS has transferred to Broadway from Encores! Is it different? The same? Better? Worse? Well...Matt went and he can tell you what he felt. For what it's worth.

Aug 15, 20241 hr 11 min
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