Critical Darling

Tracy Letts' Bug makes its long-awaited Broadway debut in a revival from Manhattan Theatre Club, bringing the playwright's early psychological thriller to a new stage. First premiering in 1996, the play centers on Agnes, a lonely Oklahoma waitress whose life becomes entangled with Peter, a drifter and Gulf War veteran whose growing paranoia begins to reshape their shared reality. As their relationship intensifies, Peter's conviction that he is the target of a vast government conspiracy pulls them both into an increasingly unstable world. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Sean Reilly to break down this unsettling descent into shared delusion, exploring the performances, staging, and design choices that bring Letts' work to life for its first Broadway run. Led by Carrie Coon as Agnes and Namir Smallwood as Peter, the production blends intimate character study with mounting psychological tension, raising questions about trust, trauma, and belief. ***** CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro / Welcome Sean Reilly 9:48 - Setting the Stage 11:43 - Hot Takes 27:20 - Big Feels 42:20 - Should You See It? 44:50 - Outro ***** SEE BUG Get Tickets: https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/2025-26-season/bug/  ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Sean on IG: https://www.instagram.com/stufffromsean/ Check out Sean's Scholarship Initiative (and help spread the word!): https://afs.org/global-stem/  ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4Gr7rDQAJpobM1pb1gDD YouTube - Subscribe & Watch https://www.youtube.com/@criticaldarlingpod Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-darling/id1870444384 Instagram - Follow & Connect https://www.instagram.com/criticaldarlingpod?igsh=MWZ0ZWtyeTQzaGwxcg== Amazon Music - Follow & Listen https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e925c14a-0d59-40f1-856b-b7dc9c32fa09 TikTok - Follow & Connect https://www.tiktok.com/@criticaldarlingpod?_r=1&_t=ZT-93HfSIERtvS

Ragtime is a sweeping musical adaptation of the 1975 novel by E.L. Doctorow, set at the turn of the twentieth century as America navigates rapid social change. Featuring a score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally, the show interweaves the lives of Black, white, and immigrant communities while examining ambition, injustice, and the promise of the American Dream. Originally premiering on Broadway in 1998 to widespread acclaim, Ragtime remains one of the most ambitious and emotionally resonant works in modern musical theater. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Michael Keeler to discuss the new Lincoln Center Theater revival directed by Lear deBessonet. They explore the production's standout performances — including Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, and Nichelle Lewis — and unpack how this epic story lands in today's cultural moment, from its soaring score to its enduring themes of identity, empathy, and division. ***** CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro / Welcome Michael Keeler 11:10 - Setting the Stage 12:38 - Hot Takes 42:28 - Big Feels 54:33 - Should You See It? 58:43 - Outro ***** SEE RAGTIME Get Tickets: https://www.lct.org/shows/ragtime/  ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelrkeeler Listen to the B4U Podcast: https://businessforunicorns.com/business-for-unicorns-podcast/  ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4Gr7rDQAJpobM1pb1gDD YouTube - Subscribe & Watch https://www.youtube.com/@criticaldarlingpod Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-darling/id1870444384 Instagram - Follow & Connect https://www.instagram.com/criticaldarlingpod?igsh=MWZ0ZWtyeTQzaGwxcg== Amazon Music - Follow & Listen https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e925c14a-0d59-40f1-856b-b7dc9c32fa09 TikTok - Follow & Connect https://www.tiktok.com/@criticaldarlingpod?_r=1&_t=ZT-93HfSIERtvS

Step into the near future with Marjorie Prime, Jordan Harrison's haunting play that blends intimate family drama with speculative technology. Starring June Squibb, Cynthia Nixon, Danny Burstein, and Christopher Lowell, the production imagines a world where artificial intelligence can recreate lifelike versions of loved ones to preserve memory and ease grief. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Kira Stockdale for a spoiler-rich deep dive into the performances, the staging, and the show's big questions about grief, technology, and what truly makes us human. They unpack standout turns from Squibb and Nixon, debate design choices, and explore whether healing can ever be manufactured. For anyone searching for a Marjorie Prime Broadway review, a thoughtful theater analysis, or a post-show breakdown of this AI-infused family drama, this episode of Critical Darling delivers sharp takes, big feels, and a final verdict. ***** CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro / Welcome Kira Stockdale 8:10 - Setting the Stage 9:40 - Hot Takes 27:44 - Big Feels 39:18 - Should You See It? 43:11 - Outro ***** SEE MARJORIE PRIME Get Tickets: https://2st.com/shows/marjorie-prime ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Learn More About Stonewall Chorale: https://stonewallchorale.org/ ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4Gr7rDQAJpobM1pb1gDD YouTube - Subscribe & Watch https://www.youtube.com/@criticaldarlingpod Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-darling/id1870444384 Instagram - Follow & Connect https://www.instagram.com/criticaldarlingpod?igsh=MWZ0ZWtyeTQzaGwxcg== Amazon Music - Follow & Listen https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e925c14a-0d59-40f1-856b-b7dc9c32fa09 TikTok - Follow & Connecthttps://www.tiktok.com/@criticaldarlingpod?_r=1&_t=ZT-93HfSIERtvS

Step into the high-stakes world of Oedipus, the classic Greek tragedy reimagined in a bold new Broadway revival. Written nearly 2,500 years ago, the story follows a rising leader determined to uncover the truth behind a crisis, only to discover a devastating secret about his own identity. This modern adaptation by Robert Icke places the myth in a contemporary political setting filled with media pressure and looming revelation. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Mark Fisher to break down the production's standout performances from Mark Strong and Lesley Manville, its striking modern staging, and the big ideas driving the adaptation. They explore what thrills, what challenges belief, and whether this ambitious revival ultimately delivers. For fans searching for an Oedipus Broadway review, a theater deep dive, or a thoughtful post-show recap, this episode offers sharp takes, big themes, and a final verdict on this daring production. ***** CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro / Welcome Mark Fisher 13:50 - Setting the Stage 15:02 - Hot Takes 38:49 - Big Feels 48:21 - Should You See It? 52:16 - Outro ***** SEE OEDIPUS Get Tickets: https://oedipustheplay.com/ticket-information/  ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fisher-57b42440/  Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markfisherhumanbeing/  Learn More About Business for Unicorns: https://businessforunicorns.com/  Follow Business for Unicorns on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/  Listen to the Business for Unicorns Podcast: https://businessforunicorns.com/business-for-unicorns-podcast/  ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4Gr7rDQAJpobM1pb1gDD YouTube - Subscribe & Watch https://www.youtube.com/@criticaldarlingpod Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-darling/id1870444384 Instagram - Follow & Connect https://www.instagram.com/criticaldarlingpod?igsh=MWZ0ZWtyeTQzaGwxcg== Amazon Music - Follow & Listen https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e925c14a-0d59-40f1-856b-b7dc9c32fa09 TikTok - Follow & Connect https://www.tiktok.com/@criticaldarlingpod?_r=1&_t=ZT-93HfSIERtvS

It's time to dive into the sunny, beach-side world of Mamma Mia!, the beloved jukebox musical built around the iconic hits of ABBA. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and a book by Catherine Johnson, the Broadway favorite has returned to the Winter Garden Theatre in a joyful revival that follows Sophie, a young bride who secretly invites three possible fathers to her Greek island wedding. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Ben Grossman, a lifelong Mamma Mia! superfan who's seen the show across continents and productions. Together they break down what makes this revival sing from standout performances (especially a scene-stealing Tanya), to the enduring charm of ABBA's songbook, to the show's balance of camp, heart, and pure escapist fun. They also explore the musical's modern themes of chosen family and friendship. For Broadway fans searching for a Mamma Mia! revival review, a musical theater deep dive, or a joyful post-show recap, this episode delivers big laughs, big feels, and a verdict on whether this fan favorite is still worth seeing today. ***** CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro / Welcome Ben Grossman 4:22 - Setting the Stage 7:02 - Hot Takes 32:36 - Big Feels 41:44 - Should You See It? 50:25 - Outro ***** SEE MAMMA MIA!  Tickets to Broadway: https://mammamiabway.com/tickets Ticket to the National Tour: https://www.mammamiathetour.com/#tour  ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Learn More About Ben: https://www.ben-grossman.com/  Shop Otis' Latest Fashions: buyotis.com  ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4Gr7rDQAJpobM1pb1gDD YouTube - Subscribe & Watch https://www.youtube.com/@criticaldarlingpod Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-darling/id1870444384 Instagram - Follow & Connect https://www.instagram.com/criticaldarlingpod?igsh=MWZ0ZWtyeTQzaGwxcg== Amazon Music - Follow & Listen https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e925c14a-0d59-40f1-856b-b7dc9c32fa09 TikTok - Follow & Connect https://www.tiktok.com/@criticaldarlingpod?_r=1&_t=ZT-93HfSIERtvS  

The debut episode of Critical Darling dives into the Broadway revival of Chess—the cult-favorite musical thriller set against Cold War politics, international intrigue, and a high-stakes chess tournament where the real battles aren't only on the board. With music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA) and lyrics by Tim Rice, Chess delivers a pop-rock score packed with iconic songs, including "One Night in Bangkok," "Nobody's Side," and "Anthem." Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Steph Wilberding for a smart, funny, post-show breakdown of what's clicking in this new production, especially its sleek, concert-meets-book-musical staging, the sheer power of the orchestra and vocals, and the way the revival leans into the political minefield with a knowing wink. They also spotlight the show's scene-stealing narrator figure, the Arbiter played by Bryce Pinkham, whose commentary helps guide the audience through the tension, satire, and spectacle. For Broadway fans searching for a Chess review, a Chess revival recap, or a musical theater deep dive, this episode is a lively curtain-call conversation built for people who love big voices, big themes, and hot takes that stay rooted in what's happening onstage. ***** SEE CHESS ON BROADWAY Tickets to Chess: https://chessbroadway.com/tickets ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Steph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realwithsteph/ Follow Thanks I Needed That on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NASXUYViD9tsXCGafKbn7?si=6fhJCvCfR_WhFA-P1F1u2A Follow Thanks I Needed That on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thanks-i-needed-that/id1846735147 ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4Gr7rDQAJpobM1pb1gDD YouTube - Subscribe & Watch https://www.youtube.com/@criticaldarlingpod Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critical-darling/id1870444384 Instagram - Follow & Connect https://www.instagram.com/criticaldarlingpod?igsh=MWZ0ZWtyeTQzaGwxcg== Amazon Music - Follow & Listen https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e925c14a-0d59-40f1-856b-b7dc9c32fa09 TikTok - Follow & Connect https://www.tiktok.com/@criticaldarlingpod?_r=1&_t=ZT-93HfSIERtvS

Broadway reviews, hot takes, and big feels: Critical Darling is the podcast breaking down the newest plays and musicals lighting up Broadway. Hosted by Andrew Cole, each episode dives into the latest shows on the New York Theatre scene—what they're about, why they matter, and whether they're worth your time and money. Critical Darling blends smart commentary with accessible conversation, placing each production in cultural, historical, and creative context. Expect thoughtful breakdowns of performances, direction, design, and storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned theatre nerd, a casual Broadway fan, or planning your next NYC theatre trip, this podcast is your go-to guide for what's happening on Broadway right now. 🎟️ New episodes feature: • Broadway reviews & discussion • Musicals and plays currently on Broadway • Theatre history and modern context • Honest reactions and critical analysis Subscribe for weekly Broadway commentary, and join the conversation celebrating the shows everyone's talking about.