Meet Matt Smart — Music Director of Broadway’s Best Night Ever
We’re thrilled to introduce the musical mastermind behind the curtain: Matt Smart, Co-Conceiver and Music
Director of Broadway’s Best Night Ever. A Bay Area native, Matt brings an extraordinary blend of experience and heart to this summer’s dazzling kickoff to our Broadway Under the Stars series. His impressive career includes collaborations with legends like Michael Feinstein, Michael Tilson Thomas, Bonnie Raitt, and Alex Lacamoire. He’s held key roles in productions such as Hamilton and A Christmas Carol, and his deep musical expertise is matched only by his passion for bringing theatrical magic to life. With degrees from Pomona College and Butler University, Matt is also a dedicated teacher, composer, performer, and producer.
As we prepare for an unforgettable season under the stars, Matt takes us behind the scenes of the music that will bring over 25 iconic Broadway shows to life.
This show covers music from over 25 legendary musicals — how did you approach shaping such a diverse and iconic score into one cohesive experience?
Having creative boundaries can be incredibly helpful when building a show. For Broadway’s Best Night Ever, our guiding limitation was that every number had to have appeared on a Broadway stage. That helped narrow the field
right away—removing pop hits and jazz standards that often make their way into our concerts—and yet, Broadway’s own musical landscape is as diverse as ever. Audiences will still experience a thrilling variety of sounds and styles.
From there, we asked a series of guiding questions: What are some of the most beloved Broadway songs of all time? What are the top-grossing musicals of the last forty years? Which numbers from our past concerts have left an undeniable impact on our audience? With these filters in place, the show began to take shape—both as a celebration of Broadway and a meaningful journey in its own right.
As Co-Conceiver of Broadway’s Best Night Ever, what was your vision for the musical journey the audience will experience?
On a broad level, the vision is simple: we want audiences to relax, escape, and be transported by the magic of Broadway—brought to life under the stars in beautiful wine country. Laugh, cry, and revel in the astonishing artistry of some of the finest performers in the country.
But beneath that, we always aim to maintain a sense of forward momentum. Our brilliant director, Tony Gonzales, is a master at crafting seamless transitions that keep the energy flowing. We shape the concert with peaks and valleys—electrifying ensemble numbers and high-octane dance balanced with intimate ballads that allow a single artist to command the stage. We scrutinize every detail – every high and every low to follow.
And for those intrepid souls who look deeper, there’s an emotional arc woven throughout the show: one of setting out, gaining confidence, facing challenges, and returning changed. That’s the subtle magic of Amy Miller’s dramaturgy—creating a layered experience that can be enjoyed on multiple levels. We love building shows that reward both the casual fan and the keen-eyed observer!
What’s been the most exciting or surprising part of working with this year’s cast of Broadway performers?
As I write this, I’m only four rehearsals in with our incredible cast. I’m blown away by their focus and the speed with which they attack and learn the material. This particular show is especially demanding, and the cast has met it with speed, precision, and an inspiring level of care. Their kindness and professionalism have made the process an absolute joy.
You’ve worked with some major names in music and theatre — how have those experiences influenced your approach to this production?
I appreciate the question! I often find myself asking, “What would so-and-so do in this situation?” Let’s have a little fun with that:
- Michael Schelle (Pulitzer finalist composer) might say, “Matt, what is your intention here? Messy scores waste rehearsal time.” So, I aim to make the music as clear and precise as possible—no guesswork, no unnecessary revisions, just clean, efficient execution.
- Matt Gallagher (Associate Music Supervisor, Hamilton) might say, “That feedback’s too vague—be specific, and offer a solution.” So I try to give fewer notes, but make each one count by being constructive and actionable.
- Alex Lacamoire (Orchestrator, Hamilton)? I often think, “How would Lac write this?”—then I try to emulate the clarity and style he brings to the modern Broadway voice. And when it comes to leadership, I imagine he’d say, “Lead with kindness. Be over-prepared. Know the material better than anyone in the room.” That’s what I strive for every day.
For audience members enjoying the show under the stars in Sonoma’s wine country, what moment in the performance do you think will take their breath away?
There are so many moments that we hope will do just that—moments we built intentionally to create that awe-inspiring theatrical magic. Without spoiling anything:
- Be on the lookout for a quintet in the second act whose iconic a capella opening will surely elicit a response!
- Two alumni artists deliver awe-inspiring solos in the first act
- Tap dance is back! Several numbers in the show certainly leave my jaw agape wondering, “How do they make it look so effortless?”
- And a beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber tune is reimagined through both song and movement in a way that will surprise and move you.
And that’s just the beginning!
What’s one hidden gem that you always have to hit when you’re in town?
This may be aimed more toward our visiting artists, but if I were to recommend a hidden gem: find time to explore Jack London State Historic Park! Enjoy the majesty of the redwoods, the fern-clad creeks and the soaring views from the summit!