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Artwork for Broadway Breakdown

Broadway Breakdown

Matt Koplik
Broadway
Tony Awards
Theater
Musical Theater
Cabaret
Gypsy
Angels In America
Merrily We Roll Along
Sondheim
Ragtime
Audra Mcdonald
Death Becomes Her
Dreamgirls
Maybe Happy Ending
Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet Of 1812
Les Misérables
Hell's Kitchen
Wicked
Hamilton
SUFFS

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes334Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsPerforming ArtsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Broadway Breakdown

Latest Episodes

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 Malo... more

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... more

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Matt is joined by longtime theater podcaster Alan Seales for a wide-ranging conversation attempting to make sense of one of the messiest and most unpredictable Tony seasons in recent memory. Together, they unpack how narratives form, why certain show... more

YouTube

After a full Broadway season of transfers, star vehicles, ambitious new musicals, baffling misfires, and surprise favorites, Matt finally attempts the impossible: ranking (almost) every show from the 2025/2026 season. From major Tony contenders to ch... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Alan Seales
Host of The Theatre Podcast
Theatre Podcast
Episode: Making Sense of the 2026 Tonys w/ Alan Seales
Juan Ramirez
Chief theatre critic for Theatrely
Theatrely
Episode: 2026 Tony Awards: Big Swings, Loud Pleas and Final Predictions
Lorenzo Pisoni
Movement consultant for Marcel on the Train at Classic Stage Company
Marcel on the Train creative team
Episode: BACKSTAGE PASS: Designing Marcel on the Train
Brandon Stirling Baker
Lighting designer for Marcel on the Train
Studio Luna
Episode: BACKSTAGE PASS: Designing Marcel on the Train
Jill BC Du Boff
Sound designer for Marcel on the Train
Guthrie, Yale, etc. (guest educator)
Episode: BACKSTAGE PASS: Designing Marcel on the Train
Sarah Laux
Costume designer for Marcel on the Train
Drama Desk nominee
Episode: BACKSTAGE PASS: Designing Marcel on the Train
Ethan Slater
Actor, star of Marcel on the Train
Marcel on the Train (Classic Stage Company)
Episode: BACKSTAGE PASS: Creating Marcel on the Train w/ Ethan Slater & Marshall Pailet
Marshall Pailet
Director and co-author of Marcel on the Train
Marcel on the Train (Classic Stage Company)
Episode: BACKSTAGE PASS: Creating Marcel on the Train w/ Ethan Slater & Marshall Pailet
Jill Rafson
Producing Artistic Director at Classic Stage Company
Classic Stage Company
Episode: BACKSTAGE PASS: Premiering Marcel on the Train w/ Jill Rafson

Host

Matt Koplik
Host of Broadway Breakdown

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 607 ratings
  • Great Broadway Guide

    I am a high school drama teacher and I am bringing 114 students to NYC the week after the Tonys. I book group tickets really early to get good pricing and it’s always a gamble (I try to pick a wide variety of shows). It is so fun listening to your in depth reviews that give me things to talk about with students. I like how when you approach your reviews you still focus on things that work even if it wasn’t your favorite. I look forward to seeing a new episode I can listen to when I drive to... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Clin Eaton
    United Statesa month ago
  • My new favorite podcast

    I recently found this podcast and it’s become an instant favorite. I’ve become a college instructor of theater this year and this podcast helps keep me tuned in to Broadway current events. It helps that Matt is sweet, funny and handsome :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JackGreenwood97
    United Statesa month ago
  • Essential listening for any theatre lover

    Matt is part dramaturg/historian, part critic, part fan, part educator - and yet somehow, this show isn’t intimidating or stuffy. Rather, it feels like having the most intellectually stimulating chat with your funniest and most brilliant friend. In a world when apathy for the arts seems to abound, it’s life-affirming to hear Matt’s passion & incredible depth of knowledge. Never stop this pod!!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AlexPodcastDuchess413
    United Statesa month ago
  • Great Podcast

    I started listening during the Cabaret series and since then, I’ve been hooked! What a great podcast. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion with us!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BroadwayLover17!
    United Statesa month ago
  • Informative and Entertaining

    I eagerly await new episodes each week, especially when Matt does reviews and deep dives. I moved away from NY several years ago but feel like I’m still plugged in to the new season by listening to Matt’s podcasts. I appreciate how thorough and thoughtful he is in stating his opinions and making recommendations for what would make shows better. His deep knowledge of the history of broadway has taught me so much, and I know his information is credible. Oh, and the sass and fun personality are an ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Always a NYer
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some reviewers note long episodes but find them thorough and engaging
Fans enjoy a mix of historical context and current-season insights
Listeners praise the depth and rigor of critiques and the host's theater knowledge

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Broadway Birthday Q & A
Q: If you could recast any show on Broadway history to take it from a flop to a Tony winner, what show would you cast and why, and who would you cast?
I don't have a clean, confident cast for every flop, but I would explore shows where casting felt off and imagine a version where a different actor could bring cohesion and energy that aligns with the material, all while acknowledging that the show's problems aren't solely about casting.
Deep Dive: CABARET (Part 2) w/ Tom Pecinka
Q: Tom, any final thoughts on Cabaret?
Pecinka expresses his desire to play the MC and discusses the fun and interpretation involved in the role.
Deep Dive: CABARET (Part 2) w/ Tom Pecinka
Q: So with Peter in Stereophonic, that is an objectively very tricky role.
Pecinka explains how he relates to the character and how he approached the role to avoid audiences hating Peter.
Deep Dive: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE w/ Eli Rallo
Q: What do you think makes Drowsy Chaperone a show worth reviving?
Both parties articulate the show's engaging blend of humor and serious themes, highlighting its nostalgic value.
Deep Dive: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE w/ Eli Rallo
Q: Eli, how did this show enter your chat? How did it come into your life?
Eli recounts seeing a high school production of The Drowsy Chaperone, where standout performances sparked her interest.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Broadway Breakdown

What is Broadway Breakdown about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, opinionated theatre podcast that blends deep Broadway history with candid, insider-style analysis of current season chatter. Episodes commonly feature long-form reviews, season-wide rankings, and Tony/award conversations, often anchored by a single host with guests who bring critical context from critics, historians, and industry insiders. Listeners get a mix of meticulous research, theater nerd flair, and lively banter, with a notable emphasis on production choices, design, casting, and the business side of Broadway. The show stands out for its encyclopedic knowledge, unapologetic takes, and a willingness to engage with controversial topics and hot takes in a behind-the-scenes, discussion-heavy format that rewards devoted theatre ... more

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How many episodes of Broadway Breakdown are there?

Broadway Breakdown launched 9 years ago and published 334 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Broadway Breakdown?

Recent guests on Broadway Breakdown include:

1. Alan Seales
2. Juan Ramirez
3. Lorenzo Pisoni
4. Brandon Stirling Baker
5. Jill BC Du Boff
6. Sarah Laux
7. Ethan Slater
8. Marshall Pailet

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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