Episode Summary

In this bonus review episode, Matt tackles four very different productions—Oedipus, The Baker’s Wife, Prince F*ggot, and Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York. From classics, revivals, new works, and small downtown gems, he breaks down what sings, what stumbles, and what you might want to spend your money (or not spend your money) on this season.

He also addresses audience questions about ticket pricing, press seats, and the realities of covering an entire Broadway season as a critic and podcaster.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & Season Updates Live-show successes, upcoming cabaret dates for Broadway Breakdown, and how bonus review episodes will fit into the schedule.

02:30 – On Ticket Pricing, Press Seats & “Cringe” Feedback Matt clarifies misconceptions about requesting press tickets and discusses the financial/logistical realities of reviewing an entire season.

10:20 – Oedipus Overview of the production, standout performances, and early-season Tony nomination predictions—particularly in featured actor/actress categories.

18:10 – The Baker’s Wife A full dive into the show’s infamously chaotic production history, the new Classic Stage Company staging, Schwartz’s revisions over the years, and performances that make (or don’t make) the revival sing.

33:00 – Prince Faggot A nuanced review of the play’s thematic ambition, its monologue structure, moments that soar, moments that miss, and why the final monologue feels disconnected from the whole. Plus praise for the cast and a shout-out to excellent house staff.

45:55 – Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York A discussion of structure, pace, tone, and how well (or not) the piece handles its ideas about connection and modern loneliness. (Transcript references structural critique connected to this section.)

Key People Mentioned

* Mark Strong, Lesley Manville, Robert Icke - Stars and Director/Adapter of Oedipus

* Stephen Schwartz – composer/lyricist of The Baker’s Wife

* Carol Demas, Patti LuPone, Paul Sorvino – original Baker’s Wife figures in the show’s rocky history

* Ariana DeBose, Scott Bakula, Nathan Lee Graham, Judy Kuhn - members of the CSC production of The Baker’s Wife

* David Greenspan – praised in Prince F*ggot

* Kuhnsie – featured Diva of the Week, singing “Meadowlark”

* Sam Tutty, Christiana Pitts - Stars of Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York

Resources & Links

* Telecharge – tickets for shows mentioned:

https://www.telecharge.com/

* Broadway Breakdown Discord

* Broadway Breakdown Substack

Listener Discussion Questions

* Which of the four shows reviewed would you prioritize seeing, and why?

* How do you balance ticket prices with the desire to keep up with a Broadway season—what makes a show “worth it” to you?

* For revivals like The Baker’s Wife, do you prefer faithfulness to the original vision or bold reinvention?

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