Matthew Hardy
I’m Matthew Hardy—an actor, musical theater writer, and creator of Bored and Confused Reviews, where I review New York theater.
This channel is where I share what I’m working on: original songs, demos, and material from my shows, from children’s theater to larger musical projects. Some of it’s polished, some of it’s still in progress, but it’s all part of building new work.
You’ll also find my Bored and Confused reviews, where I cover Broadway and Off-Broadway shows and answer two simple questions: Was I bored? Was I confused?
If you’re into new musicals, the writing process, and straightforward theater takes, that’s what you’ll get here.
Posts
Matthew Hardy
New review is up! 🌙 I caught the new off-Broadway musical A WALK ON THE MOON at the Laura Pels Theatre — and I have thoughts. Was I bored? A little. Was I confused? By the tone, yes. But I also think there's a very specific audience that is going to absolutely love this show. Watch the full review here 👇
https://youtu.be/-Dc5BwqfY4M
1 day ago | [YT] | 7
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Matthew Hardy
Mom approved ✅ She saw 11 Broadway shows in 9 days — and DEATH BECOMES HER was the grand finale. Big production numbers, high camp, spectacular special effects, and 4th-row seats through TDF. Was she bored? Was she confused? Watch the full Bored and Confused Mom Edition here:
👉 https://youtu.be/lwqAADYad0w
3 days ago | [YT] | 9
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Matthew Hardy
New review is up! I went to see BIRTHRIGHT at MCC Theater Off-Broadway — a new play by Jonathan Spector (the guy who wrote EUREKA DAY) — and I have thoughts. Was I bored? Was I confused? Was the nudity necessary? Watch here: https://youtu.be/wYFpPlMHwOw
6 days ago | [YT] | 11
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Matthew Hardy
Just posted my review of DAD DON'T READ THIS — the Off-Broadway show with some great buzz. It's a New York Times Critic's Pick, it sold out and extended twice, and now it's at Greenwich House Theatre through July 11.
Was I bored? Was I confused? Am I the Dad who is not supposed to read this?
Watch here: https://youtu.be/Nv8DjHRvcuY
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 15
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Matthew Hardy
🎭 Can a song break the "no self-pity" rule and still work?
I dug into some of the most famous self-pity songs in musical theater — from Waving Through a Window to Pity the Child — and what I found surprised me.
Full video here: https://youtu.be/udjJEm0JIkk
What songs would you add to the list? 👇
1 week ago | [YT] | 12
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Matthew Hardy
My mom just saw Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway — and she enjoyed it more than I did! 😄 We talk about the incredible set design, the robot love story, and the big question: did Oliver erase his memory at the end?
We also float an idea for a sequel! MAYBE HAPPY ENDING 2: THE RECKONING
Watch the full review here 👇
https://youtu.be/UDGzsf8arEQ
1 week ago | [YT] | 12
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Matthew Hardy
🎭 NEW REVIEW is up! La Cage aux Folles at NYC City Center Encores — starring Billy Porter and Wayne Brady in an all-Black production directed by Robert O'Hara.
It starts shaky. It finds its footing. And Billy Porter's second act is something you need to see before June 28th.
Was I bored? Was I confused? Watch here 👇
https://youtu.be/waIuAlwWgEw
1 week ago | [YT] | 9
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Matthew Hardy
🎭 New full-length review is UP — and I have a LOT of feelings about MOULIN ROUGE!
I went back to see it again with a fresh cast, no stunt casting, just solid Broadway performers doing the work. And I'm still frustrated.
The cast is incredible. The set is stunning. But this show fundamentally misunderstood what made the Baz Luhrmann film extraordinary — and I go scene by scene to explain exactly why.
Watch the full review here 👉 https://youtu.be/USCcNmZuxwA
Drop a comment below — especially if you love BOTH the movie AND the musical. I genuinely need to understand how you reconcile those two things. 🎶
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 11
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Matthew Hardy
Mom saw OPERATION MINCEMEAT and has THOUGHTS! Five actors, a gender-swapped cast, that gut-punch "Hester" number, and her final verdict. Was she bored? Was she confused? 👀
Watch the full review here 👉 https://youtu.be/KC7-aHt4DbA
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 10
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Matthew Hardy
New review is up — ROMEO & JULIET, Free Shakespeare in the Park. I watched it. I formed opinions. I started editing. And then halfway through I realized I had misunderstood the whole thing. Did that change my review? Kind of. Watch and find out: https://youtu.be/NC0tLJeYFm4
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 8
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