Broadway Breakdown

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!
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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

“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