Matt Reviews: Wicked: For Good with Andrew Chappelle

Matt is joined by Broadway actor and podcast host Andrew Chappelle for a theater-nerdy breakdown of the hotly anticipated Wicked: For Good. Together, they dig into how Part Two stacks up against Part One, what the film gets right (and very right), and where it stumbles on its way down the Yellow Brick Road. From pacing to performances to the Wizard of Oz tie-ins, this episode explores why Wicked remains one of the most passionately debated properties in modern musical theater.

Resources & Links

Broadway Breakdown Discord

Broadway Breakdown Substack

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Oz… Again Matt and Andrew introduce the episode and their shared history with the Wicked universe.

08:45 – Revisiting Part One & the Big Pacing Debate Matt’s qualms with Part One resurface and why movie musicals today struggle with airflow and pacing. Andrew counters with why he loves the “epic fantasy” pacing of the films.

10:40 – Comparing Film vs. Stage Energy Andrew describes seeing Wicked live again and realizing how fast the Broadway version moves — and how intentionally the films do not.

14:20 – No Good Deed Andrew declares No Good Deed the film’s peak — a visceral, intermission-style gut punch. Matt shares his own favorite moments, especially Ariana Grande’s performance.

22:40 – Can Art Be Too Safe? A conversation about modern creative fear, audience reactions, and why art that tries not to offend often loses its punch.

25:20 – The Wizard of Oz Problem (or Feature?) The backlash to Act Two’s deeper Wizard of Oz connections — and why fans remain divided.

56:50 – New Songs: Going for the Oscar Original songs in movie musicals: the pressure, the pitfalls, and why audiences scrutinize additions to iconic scores.

Key People Mentioned

Film Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum

Creative Team: Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Jon M. Chu

Other Titles Referenced: Chicago, Dreamgirls, Hamilton, The Wizard of Oz, Suffs

Listener Discussion Questions

Did Wicked: For Good capture the emotional high of the stage version for you — or did the cinematic scope change it?

How do you feel about the additional Wizard of Oz tie-ins? Did they enhance the story or distract from it?

What makes a movie musical adaptation succeed — pacing, performance, fidelity to the stage show, or something else entirely?

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?