Matthew Broderick

Tony award winning Mathew Broderick is one of the most respected musical and comedy Broadway actors of his generation. Born in a family which had strong Broadway connections, it is not really surprising Matthew wanted a career on Broadway. Despite major success in films and TV, Broadway will remain special to Matthew because that is where his journey began.

The Start

Matthew Broderick’s father James Broderick, noted screen and theatre actor himself, was so impressed with his son’s performance in a school play, that he cast a young Matthew opposite himself in the off Broadway production "On Valentine’s Day". Spurred on by the positive comments on his performance, Matthew started taking acting classes after graduation and had soon become a name to reckon with in New York stage circles. His first major breakthrough came in Harvey Fierstein’s off Broadway play "Torch Song Trilogy", where he portrayed with great sensitivity the character of David, the adopted gay son of a drag queen. Though it was an off Broadway production, Matthew Broderick’s performance was impressive enough to attract the attention on the New York stage critics, who gave him glowing reviews.

The Journey Begins

The widespread attention that the "Torch Song Trilogy’ generated got Matthew Broderick the starring role in noted playwright Neil Simpson’s Broadway production "Brighton Beach Memoirs" in 1983. The play was a huge success and Matthew’s role as the endearing Eugene Jerome, Brooklyn teenager and aspiring author whose life undergoes transformation due the "great depression" was well appreciated. The role won Matthew Broderick his first Tony Award as well as a host of other awards for best performance in leading role on stage. Widespread fame now beckoned Matthew to Hollywood, but he returned to Broadway for a sequel of the "Brighton Beach Memoirs" titled "Biloxi Blues", which found Eugene Jerome as young man ready to join the army in World War II.

The Tony Returns

After his first Tony in 1983, Matthew Broderick would get this coveted award again only in 1995. In the interim Matthew was busy with his film career that was quite successful and could not fit in time for stage. But Matthew returned to Broadway in 1995 with the leading role in the Musical "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying". Matthew’s performance connected with the audience in a big way and he found himself with the second Tony of his career. In 1995 too, Matthew Broderick swept away all the awards for best actor on Broadway.

Broadway Beckons

Following a break, Broadway again beckoned Matthew Broderick in 2001 for starring in the musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ "The Producers". Matthew starred as Leo Bloom, Nathan Lane’s side kick. The amazing chemistry and comic timing between the lead actors catapulted the production to dizzying heights and sparked a renewed interest in Broadway musicals. The Tony was almost in Matthew’s grasp, but slipped away to co star Nathan Lane. The Lane – Broderick partnership once again rocked Broadway in 2006 with the adaptation of Neil Simpson’s "The Odd Couple". That year Matthew Broderick found himself at position N0 92 (along with Lane) in the top 100 Broadway power list.

Broadway has always welcomed Matthew Broderick with open arms with audiences showering their love on him. We certainly hope to see more of Matthew Broderick on Broadway in the years to come.