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Spooky Sickness! Ghosts and Corsets! Wigs and Jump Scares! That’s right, we’re talking Moliere and haunted homes. Matt reviews two plays that are scaring Broadway (in two very different ways): PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and THE IMAGINARY INVALID. Answering questions like: how do you instill fear into a 1200 seat house? Why do conflicting acting styles ruin comedy? Do actors make good directors? Find out!! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Green Room: Patreon * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Time Stamps: 00:55 Paranormal Activity 20:55 The Imaginary Invalid Listener Questions: “Is it possible to truly scare a Broadway audience for a full length play? When was the last time that happened?” “Why do modern creatives have trouble translating Moliere?” “What does it take to make centuries-old pieces succeed?” 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

So. Mean. Such School. Much Girl. Matt reviews the latest show at Manhattan Theatre Club: SCHOOL GIRLS or THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY. Spoiler alert: he absolutely loooved it. Matt goes into the brilliance of the performances, the magic of playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s writing, and what exactly he means by “how to use Patina Miller.” Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Green Room: Patreon * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube Listener Questions: “Can a comedy also make a statement? Should they just try to entertain?” “What is a character in theater who started hateful and ended sympathetic?” “What role would you cast Patina Miller in?” 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

One of the most likable men in theater reviews the latest show by one of the most likable men in Hollywood. And with the assistance of his grandmother! Matt saw BILLY CRYSTAL 860 and discusses the trickiness of being intimate without being revealing, the balancing act of pain and humor, and how Ben Vereen stole Robert Morse’s Tony (according to some). Get a kick out of Sally! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Green Room: Patreon * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube 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 time! It’s here! You submitted, Sally Bowl received, and Matt withdrew 12 random selections (plus one Matt pick) for the next series of Broadway Breakdown Deep Dives. Classic movie musicals! Less class movie musicals! Iconic Broadway plays and musicals…notorious flops. It’s all here for the next 13 Deep Dives. Take a listen and find out what we got!!! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown: Green Room (Patreon) * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube 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’s a Drama Desk Voter, have ya heard? Which means he sees SO much theatre. YAY! But also that means he doesn’t have as much time to record. BOO! Solution for now? A giant Review Round Up Episode covering over a dozen different performances!! What came out on top? What was forgettable? And what evening made Matt weep from start to finish? Also…how exactly does Elizabeth Holmes play into all of this?? Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown: THE GREEN ROOM (Patreon) * Broadway Breakdown: DISCORD * Broadway Breakdown: SUBSTACK * Broadway Breakdown: YOUTUBE Time Stamps: 0:00 Hello and a New Review 2:20 Shuffle Along Reunion Concert 7:54 Garry Starr Classic Penguins 11:57 Music City 12:52 Truly, Howard Hughes 14:02 In Honor of Jean-Michel Basquiat 15:44 Arias with a Twist 17:56 Delirium 22:00 Pre-Existing Condition 27:30 A Ghost in Your Ear 30:09 Anon 36:20 Soon 49:20 Slam Frank 1:02:50 Midnight Listener Questions: “Is being controversial synonymous with being important?” “Are there story ideas that are actually off-limits?” “Should we cater to shorter attention spans or do we need to challenge them?” 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

Fame, humanity...DEMONS?!?!? We’re reviving Jukebox That Musical!! And who better to bring it back than Bio Mother John Wascavage and Podmother Ali Gordon? Matt, John and Ali go through the catalogue of Lady Gaga (thanks to your votes) and come up with a bonkers musical that’s part social commentary, part lusty monster mash. We’d say more but you should hear it to believe it. DONATELLA! Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Discord: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Green Room (Patreon): Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Substack: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Youtube: Join Here 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 went to London and saw 8 shows. Also…we’re back!!!! Take a journey as Matt struggles to travel anywhere and wipes himself out seeing more shows than he had days in England. Important Links: * Broadway Breakdown Discord: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Green Room (Patreon): Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Substack: Join Here * Broadway Breakdown Youtube: Join Here Time Stamps: 2:00 Voting for the next Deep Dives 5:30 Matt and London: A History 9:54 Midnight at the never Get 25:30 Avenue Q 35:33 Sinatra 52:42 How the Other Half Loves 1:06:21 Cats 1:15:13 Kimberly Akimbo 1:25:02 The Producers 1:35:48 Thelma and Louise 1:59:40 What’s Next 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

Full Episode Here: The Broadway Breakdown Green Room INTRODUCING! The debut of the Broadway Breakdown FANTASY DRAFT! It’s like Fantasy Football. Except without the pesky football. And without a cash prize. Just all of your opinions on what we picked. Breakdown regulars Adam Elsberry (@adamels), Margaret Hall (@itsmargarethall), Rob W. Schneider (@robwschneider) and newcomer Steve Tipton (@stevetiptonnyc) all stop by the Green Room for a new Round Table. Drafting the Tony winners for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical!!! Who gets Patti in Gypsy? Did someone choose Mary Martin in South Pacific? And what of Diahann Carroll in No Strings or Barbara Harris in The Apple Tree? FIND OUT!!! . Let us know YOUR Fantasy Draft Picks as well! Categories: One and Done (One nomination/One win. Nothing else) Second Wins (Second win in THIS category, not overall) Singularly Anointed (Only actress out of many to win for this role) Contentious Untouched/Iconic Soap Box Final Girl (The performance you just can’t NOT pick) 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 is a fancy Drama Desk voter now, which means he has to see a LOT more shows! It’s quiet on Broadway right now, so Matt’s been seeing a whole bunch of Off-Broadway productions and he’s coming back early on the Breakdown to do a Summer Review Wrap Up! Followed up by a talk with Matt Rodin (@whoismattrodin) about his new site theater.games and how it’s combining fun and education for theater lovers everywhere!!! Broadway Breakdown Links: * The Broadway Breakdown Green Room (Patreon!) * Broadway Breakdown: Discord * Broadway Breakdown: Substack * Broadway Breakdown: Youtube 02:32 - A Walk on the Moon 08:40 -An American Daughter 14:36 - Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo 22:47 - The Winter’s Tale 26:58 - The Circuit 28:28 - The Pass 32:55 - Disruption 36:06 - Are You Mad at Me? 38:53 - The Maids 42:05- The Saviors 46:24 - Birthright 52:50 - Talk w/ Matt Rodin 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

While you’re waiting for Broadway Breakdown to come back in full, enjoy this crossover bonus episode of Matt on the podcast Behind the Awards. Once again talking all things Fall Broadway!!! 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

New episodes will be coming again before you know it, but until that happens check into the Broadway Breakdown Green Room and submit your question’s for our first exclusive Q&A! Plus some other updates about how Matt’s Drama Desk voter-ship will effect the podcast. Join the Green Room and Submit Your Questions Here! Broadway Breakdown: Discord 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 our first Patreon exclusive!!!! Take a listen and decide if you want to get inside the Broadway Breakdown Green Room: Join Us Here! Friends of the pod Robbie Rozelle (@divarobbie), Rachael Anderson and Will Anderson (@the_theater_lovers) have come along to compile a list (with some help of other Breakdown friends) of the top 50 opening numbers in musical theater history and rank them! It’s messy. It’s analytical. In short: what you’ve come to expect from Broadway Breakdown. Welcome to the Green Room, kidz ;) 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

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

“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

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