Best Eila Mell Podcasts (2024)

1
Celebrating the Tony Awards with Heather Hitchens and Eila Mell 53:24

29d ago53:24

53:24

The Tonys are coming up! And Backstage Babble is giving you the perfect way to celebrate. On this episode, I am joined by Eila Mell, the author of the wonderful new book “The Tony Awards: Celebrating Excellence in the Theater,” a must-have for any theater fan, and Heather Hitchens, the CEO of the American Theater Wing, which presents the Tonys ever…

1
Sammi Cannold 1:08:02

16h ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with one of Broadway’s best young directors, Sammi Cannold. Tune in to this interview to hear stories and insights from her amazing career, including how a DM led to her Broadway debut, the ins and outs of being an assistant director, how she first contacted Diane Paulus, putting Ingrid Michaelson into N…

1
The American Musical w/ Ben West 2:05:41

2d ago2:05:41

2:05:41

Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel and get in on the fun! Link: https://discord.gg/qkZXHBwv This week Matt is joined by author and historian Ben West to talk about his new must-have book: The American Musical, Evolution of an Art Form! The two discuss the variety of genres in which the musical theatre has its origins, deep-cut songs, and t…

1
CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (and an Invitation!) 1:18:01

9d ago1:18:01

1:18:01

"Hal...it's no longer about CATS." Oooohhh boy! Matt went and saw CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL, the wild, crazy and invigorating new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Feline Fantasia! Listen up for Matt's chaotic thoughts as well as his time sitting with Cynthia Erivo! PLUS!!! An invite to Broadway Breakdown's Discord Channel! Invite Link: https://dis…

1
Michael Greif 1:25:54

14d ago1:25:54

1:25:54

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with the brilliant director Michael Greif, who completed a rare trifecta this season, directing the Broadway productions of Hell’s Kitchen, Days of Wine and Roses, and The Notebook. Tune in today to hear him share insights from his storied career, including the personal significance of directing at the S…

1
FOLLIES, TITANIC, Plays and An Idea 1:15:39

17d ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Matt saw FOLLIES! TITANIC! HOME! HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES! And he's gonna talk about all 4! Plus a glorious 1-star review he got Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Matt Koplik

1
AVENUE Q with Sarah Hester Ross 1:18:43

20d ago1:18:43

1:18:43

"A spoonful of comedy helps the feminism go down," says this week's guest, the musical comedian and TikTok sensation Sarah Hester Ross. Sarah's personal blend of music and comedy makes her a perfect guest to discuss the musical AVENUE Q. Filled with puppets, paradoxes, and porn, this controversial 2004 Best Musical winner used comedy to help adults…

1
The Tony Awards Happened. Kinda. Let's Talk About It (w/ James Seol) 3:35:47

24d ago3:35:47

3:35:47

"Stop texting me..." The 2024 Tony Awards occurred. Some shows won and some lost. People performed and the TV cameras got waaayyy to close for comfort. And Matt's royally annoyed at Alicia Keys. So let's talk about it! Friend of the pod James Seol (KPOP, COME FROM AWAY) is back to discuss the WHOLE Get Down and to wade through some of your comments…

1
Matt's London Trip w/ Mom 2:33:30

1M ago2:33:30

2:33:30

"Oi!" Hello again! Matt went to London! With his mom! And they saw some shows and did some things! Listen as the two discuss their London outings, plus their takes on OPERATION MINCEMEAT, GUYS AND DOLLS, STANDING AT SKY'S EDGE, and THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
FALSETTOS with Michael Rupert 1:06:09

1M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

We're feeling a lot of pride (see what we did there?) about covering the musical FALSETTOS this month. Jeff calls this show the "M word," and our guest calls it "twelve years of his life." Tony-winner Michael Rupert (SWEET CHARITY, LEGALLY BLONDE, ON THE TOWN) began playing the role of Marvin off-off-Broadway in 1980 when MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS (or…

1
The Tony Awards: A Celebration in Excellence w/ Eila Mell 48:08

1M ago48:08

48:08

The Tony Awards: A Celebration in Excellence by Eila Mell is out in bookstores now! Find out more about Broadway's biggest night with an order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Matt Koplik

1
Susan Birkenhead 1:38:42

1M ago1:38:42

1:38:42

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with legendary lyricist Susan Birkenhead. Tune in to hear the stories of her great career, including how Shirley Bernstein introduced her to Mary Rodgers, the song of hers that was cut from WORKING, the Patti LaBelle-led project that led to JELLY’S LAST JAM, the show she gets recognized for the most, the…

1
2024 Tony Awards: Predicting the Winners (w/ The Theater Lovers) 2:37:02

1M ago2:37:02

2:37:02

Everyone is a winner. Except for those who aren't. It's almost June, which means it's almost Tony month, which means we have to get off our butts and start predicting some WINNERS! Friends of the pod Rachael Joyce and Will Anderson aka The Theater Lovers are BACK! And together, the Lovers and Matt try to figure out who exactly is gonna win this f*c…

1
HAIR with Jordan Dobson 1:19:55

2M ago1:19:55

1:19:55

"The musical of a generation! The show that changed musical theatre forever! The last musical to top the pop charts!" There's always plenty of hyperbole surrounding HAIR. This week, we're getting to the heart of it, and you might be surprised by how relatable it feels. Jordan Dobson (HADESTOWN, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, BAD CINDERELLA, WEST SIDE STORY) jo…

1
A Meandering Chat: Full of Gossip, Trauma and BROADWAY! (w/ Robert W. Schneider) 1:52:50

2M ago1:52:50

1:52:50

It was supposed to be a discussion about Tony Award Snubs...oops, "omissions." But leave it to BROADWAY BOUND'S Robert W. Schneider to keep Matt distracted with tons of Broadway gossip and a foray into Matt's past trauma. Enjoy the shortest episode in weeks :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Betsy Aidem 1:16:00

2M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with 2024 Tony nominee for Best Actress in a Play, Betsy Aidem. She was nominated for her staggering performance in Prayer for the French Republic, and you can tune in today to hear more about that process as well as some of the great stories of her legendary career, including the advice she got from Tom…

1
Rita Rudner 55:18

2M ago55:18

55:18

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with legendary comedian and Broadway performer Rita Rudner. Tune in to hear her talk about all the facets of her career, including learning wings for Gower Champion, the show she calls “the first feel-bad musical,” the advantages of working with her husband, the difficult transition from mus…

1
The Art of Predicting the Tonys (w/ Sam Eckmann) 2:18:52

2M ago2:18:52

2:18:52

"It's an art..." Goldderby's Sam Eckmann stops by the Breakdown to discuss Tony trends, myths and what you need to take into account when making your predictions! DOLL OUT THE PUDDING! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Matt Koplik

1
BARE with Natalie Wachen 1:25:10

2M ago1:25:10

1:25:10

BARE: A POP OPERA was edgy and (dare we say) groundbreaking when it took Los Angeles by storm in 2000. Twelve years following that electric debut, the show was retooled to become BARE: THE MUSICAL. Despite both versions having loyal fans, both were unable to thrive in the New York theatre scene. Still, that hasn't stopped BARE from being one of the…

1
Ranking Every Show This Broadway Season...'Cause F**k It, Why Not 4:11:10

2M ago4:11:10

4:11:10

Oh look...it's the longest episode in Broadway Breakdown history. Matt saw every show of the 2023-2024 Broadway season. Now he wants to rank them. Because what else is there to do now? Feel free to listen to this episode while crossing Atlantic. Or while stuck in a 12 hour traffic jam. Or waiting for your souffle to rise. And feel free to yell at M…

1
Jerry Mitchell 1:21:10

2M ago1:21:10

1:21:10

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Tony-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Tune in for a conversation about his three current projects, Boop!, The Devil Wears Prada, and Becoming Nancy, as well as some fantastic stories and insights from his legendary career, including how Broadway Bares led to his Broadway debut, what it…

1
BONUS! Interview w/ MARY JANE's Susan Pourfar 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

Motherhood...Sisterhood...and Silent Broadway Contracts... We've got another lovely surprise for you! Award-winning actress Susan Pourfar stops by the Breakdown to discuss her journey with MTC's MARY JANE, from its production at NYTW to its Broadway premier with Rachel McAdams. Matt and Susan also discuss the performance Matt attended when an audie…

1
FOLLIES with Jack Viertel 1:08:09

2M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

FOLLIES is a Stephen Sondheim musical about looking in the mirror. What might you see? A theater? Or a parking lot? Here to discuss this complex show is the very definition of a multi-hyphenate. Jack Viertel is a producer-writer-artistic director who was not only the force behind hit musicals like Smokey Joe's Cafe and The Prom but oversaw twenty y…

1
2024 Tony Nominations Are Here! Reading YOUR Takes 2:12:16

2M ago2:12:16

2:12:16

Well...they're here. After much speculating, predicting and dreaming...the 2024 Tony Nominations have ARRIVED. And there were CHOICES made. Matt takes to instagram to read what y'all had to say about the new crop of nominations...and what a few of you had to say about HIM. It's a fun journey!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad…

1
2024 Tony Nominees: What We Predict vs. What We Want (w/ Dan Rubins) 2:23:58

3M ago2:23:58

2:23:58

Two more days... Recorded Sunday April 21, before Matt saw MOTHER PLAY, CABARET and others...and before the final Tony eligibility rulings...Slant critic Dan Rubins stops by the Breakdown to discuss what they both think the Tony nominees will be and what they WANT them to be. Take a listen! Dan's podcast, The Present Stage: https://www.thepresentst…

1
Frank Rich 1:11:20

3M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

Ticket Link for Backstage Babble Celebrates Joe Allen Restaurant: https://54below.org/events/backstage-babble-celebrates-joe-allen-restaurant/ Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with legendary theater critic Frank Rich, who served as the chief theater critic of the New York Times from 1980-1993. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of …

1
2024 Tony Predictions (Part 2): PRE- Eligibility Rulings!! (w/ David Lynch) 2:02:34

3M ago2:02:34

2:02:34

"OK, who do you have?" The TONY nominations are in 5 days, y'all!! That means we gotta start making some new PREDICTIONS. Recorded a mere 2 hours before the Tony Committee released their second round of Eligibility Rulings, Broadway producer David Lynch stops by the Breakdown to share possible nominations. The two also discuss Matt's actions when t…

1
BONUS! Interview w/ SPAMALOT/THE GREAT GATSBY Lighting Designer: Cory Pattak 1:31:56

3M ago1:31:56

1:31:56

"Find your light..." Y'all have been so good that we're treating you to a BONUS episode! An interview with lighting designer extraordinaire Cory Pattak! Cory made his Broadway debut this season with not one, but TWO musicals: SPAMALOT and THE GREAT GATSBY! Cory stops by the Breakdown to discuss the thrill and stress of putting together two very sud…

1
Elena Shaddow 1:07:03

3M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway star Elena Shaddow. Elena will be appearing in my next concert at 54 Below, Backstage Babble Celebrates Joe Allen Restaurant, singing from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, along with a fantastic lineup including Tony nominees Anita Gillette, Michael Korie, Amanda Green, and Willy Falk, plus Jim Walt…

1
PATREON! Preview- The Tony Awards with Eila Mell & Heather Hitchens 16:51

3M ago16:51

16:51

Once a year, we share a PATREON! preview on our main feed to showcase the amazing bonus content you might be missing by not being a subscriber! It may only be April, but today's episode was too good not to share. In celebration of over 75 years of Tony Awards excellence, the American Theatre Wing recently commissioned the creation of a new book abo…

1
THE GREAT GATSBY, SUFFS and Some Broadway Bullsh*t 1:28:18

3M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

"Everyone's a critic..." We're wrapping up the season very soon!!!! And before we do, we got some more shows for you: THE GREAT GATSBY, PATRIOTS and SUFFS! Matt discusses his opinions on all three. Plus some talk about some of the crazy that's been happening online this week in the community. Let's have fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit …

1
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS with Sara Gettelfinger 57:17

3M ago57:17

57:17

We have a theme this month! Both of the musicals we're covering this April are powerful examples of "pastiche" in musical theatre. The way the composers of these shows reference styles and works of the past bring depth and context to their stories and characters. First up, the 2004 musical DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, a show as raucous as it is sophist…

1
Celia Keenan-Bolger 1:39:37

3M ago1:39:37

1:39:37

Today, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony winning actress Celia Keenan- Bolger, who is currently starring in Mother Play at the Helen Hayes Theater. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including what it was like working with Sondheim on her first major job, her long journey with THE LIGHT IN THE PI…

1
LEMPICKA, STEREOPHONIC & More...and Jack Viertel!! 2:12:15

3M ago2:12:15

2:12:15

"Woman is...or is she?" It's a bonanza!! Matt starts off with his reviews on seeing MERRILY a second time (now *with* Lindsay Mendez), LEMPICKA, THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL and STEREOPHONIC! Plus a new review that has notes for Matt. Plus after all of THAT is an interview with Broadway legend and Jack of All Trades: Jack Viertel. Jack talks with Mat…

1
Sara Gettelfinger 1:46:50

3M ago1:46:50

1:46:50

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with Sara Gettelfinger, who is currently returning to Broadway after a 10-year hiatus to star as Barbara in Water for Elephants. Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how her persistence got her into CCM, why Michele Pawk was an early hero of hers, rehearsing with G…

1
TOMMY, THE OUTSIDERS & Your Tony Predictions! 2:05:40

3M ago2:05:40

2:05:40

"See Me...and Stay Gold." It's April!!! Which means Tony season has sprung! Matt sees TOMMY and THE OUTSIDERS and gives you his thoughts...and then reads YOUR thoughts on upcoming results for the 2024 Tony Awards. And some of you are BOLD. Let's get some hardware!!! Tix for NYC Gay Men's Chorus concert "Bubblegum Pop" available here: https://nyuski…

1
STEEL PIER with Colden Lamb 1:29:06

3M ago1:29:06

1:29:06

STEEL PIER didn't win any of its eleven Tony nominations back in 1997, but it was the winner of our PATREON! poll earlier this year. That's why this week we're dedicating a full episode to this golden-aged, millennial musical. Joining us is STEEL PIER's all-time biggest fan, Colden Lamb. No matter what you might think of this show, it might be time…

1
Rick Elice 1:52:46

4M ago1:52:46

1:52:46

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my episode with Tony-nominated librettist Rick Elice, whose musical Water for Elephants is currently playing at Broadway’s Imperial Theater. Tune in to find out about all the facets of his varied career, which he describes as being a “pinball in a pinball machine,” including how a forbidden experience with Fo…

1
Notebooks, Elephants and Protestors OH MY! (Reviews and Updates on the Season) 1:10:42

4M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

"There is nothing like New York in the SPRING!" A *lot* has changed since our first Tonys episode so Matt has come on to talk through some of it. First Matt gives thoughts after having seen WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and THE NOTEBOOK. Plus what it was like being at the infamous performance of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE attended by protestors! Matt then goes t…

1
KISS ME KATE with Lesli Margherita 1:16:56

4M ago1:16:56

1:16:56

In 1949, KISS ME KATE won the first ever Best Musical Tony Award. Now it's 2024... and we still love it! Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita (Broadway's MATILDA, DAMES AT SEA) joins us to celebrate women and Cole Porter (in that order) as we dive headfirst into this silly and often deeply romantic show. Bonus points to those who can recite "We Op…

1
Doug Hughes 1:27:30

4M ago1:27:30

1:27:30

Today, I’m honored to announce my interview with Tony winning director Doug Hughes. Tune in to hear some of the stories of his legendary career, including the simple mantra that dictates what kind of work he wants to direct, a very important review he received early in his career, creating tension in DOUBT, what he loves about directing Shaw plays,…

1
THE INHERITANCE w/ Robbie Rozelle 2:34:13

4M ago2:34:13

2:34:13

"He has a story to tell..." It came to Broadway touted as the next ANGELS IN AMERICA. And yet...not every gay man was into it. Then it won the Tony...and some people still weren't into it. But does that make something "Problematic"?? Friend of the pod Robbie Rozelle comes back to the Breakdown to discuss THE INHERITANCE. Matt and Robbie spend an ep…

1
AIDA w/ Will Van Dyke 2:31:04

4M ago2:31:04

2:31:04

"We all lead such elaborate lives..." It's sexy! It's dangerous! It's Disney! It's AIDA!!! Broadway music director Will Van Dyke (Pretty Woman, The Heart of Rock n Roll) comes on the Breakdown to discuss with Matt the first Broadway Disney musical "for adults." The two also discuss casting, fashion shows, and duty. TAKE ME IN!!!! Learn more about y…

1
Maryann Plunkett 1:15:58

4M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

Today, I’m so excited to announce my episode with Maryann Plunkett, who is currently starring as Older Allie in Broadway’s The Notebook. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including the significance of the first line she said on a Broadway stage, performing on the night of the 2016 election, her numerous costars in Sunday …

1
SLAVE PLAY w/ Marcus Scott 2:37:37

5M ago2:37:37

2:37:37

"Thank you, baby. Thank you for listening..." Welcome back to Problematic(?)! And ooooh boy do we have a DOOZY! Alum of the pod, Marcus Scott, returns to discuss SLAVE PLAY. The show that angered, excited and confused many theatergoers. Matt and Marcus get into the weeds of SLAVE PLAY's 12 Tony nominations and 0 wins, what intimacy is, and whether …

1
NINE with Kim Criswell 1:41:41

5M ago1:41:41

1:41:41

NINE surprised Broadway in 1982 when it opened last minute and proved to be a formidable foe to the other big hit of the season, DREAMGIRLS. It was also a musical that couldn't seem to escape drama, whether onstage at the hands of lead character Guido Contini or off. Here this week to discuss the highs and lows of this stylish and somewhat avant-ga…

1
2024 Tony Predictions: Bold, Brave and Early (w/ Dylan MacDowell) 2:37:09

5M ago2:37:09

2:37:09

Confident and Uninformed. That's the way to make predictions for Tony nominations THIS early. Breakdown alum Dylan MacDowell (DRAMA) returns to go through every possible candidate for this year's Tony Awards. And Matt spills some tea about exactly *what* Broadway thinks about some of its offerings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon…

1
Melba Moore 28:10

5M ago28:10

28:10

Today, I’m honored to announce my episode with Tony winner Melba Moore, who will be returning to New York stages on March 15 and 16 at 54 Below. You can find tickets to that show here: https://54below.org/events/melba-moore-from-broadway-with-love/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including how a recording session …

1
Tony-Nominee Sally Mayes is here to SING and DISH 1:29:03

5M ago1:29:03

1:29:03

"This bird is singing..." Sally Mayes has been there and back and she can sing all about it to you! A Tony nominee for SHE LOVES ME with multiple awards under her belt, Sally stop by the pod to talk about her upcoming concert series (link for tix below), as well as how her Broadway debut as a swing lead to her winning a Theatre World Award, the 199…

1
Caroline O'Connor 1:14:39

5M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Today, I’m thrilled to announce my interview with veteran of Broadway, West End, and Australian stages, who is currently starring as Lottie Gee in All Roads Theatre’s production of Mack and Mabel. Tickets to that production are available here: https://allroadstheatreco.org/ Tune in today to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, includin…

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