Broadway Breakdown

“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

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

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

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

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