Explore every episode of the podcast Critical Darling
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chess (w/ Steph Wilberding) | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:38:00 | |
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. ***** CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro / Welcome Steph Wilberding ***** 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 YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Introducing "Critical Darling" | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:01:31 | |
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: Subscribe for weekly Broadway commentary, and join the conversation celebrating the shows everyone's talking about.
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| The Queen of Versailles (w/ Brent McCreary) | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:51:17 | |
The Queen of Versailles is a new musical based on Lauren Greenfield's 2012 documentary, which follows billionaire couple Jackie and David Siegel as their plans to build the largest private home in America are upended by the 2008 financial crisis. After premiering in Boston in 2024, the production transferred to Broadway's St. James Theatre as one of the most anticipated new shows of the 2025–2026 season. The musical features a score by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Lindsey Ferrentino, and direction by Michael Arden, with a cast led by Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, alongside a design team that leans fully into the scale and spectacle of the Siegel story. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Brent McCreary, a Broadway industry veteran and live entertainment strategist, to unpack this ambitious new musical. Together, they discuss standout performances (including Sherie Rene Scott who stood by for Kristin), the show's larger-than-life production elements, and what happens when real-life excess meets theatrical storytelling—while also exploring how two different performances in the same role can reshape the audience experience. ***** CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro / Welcome Brent McCreary ***** MORE ON THE SHOW Listen to the Cast Recording: https://tinyurl.com/ybnkma8z ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Brent: https://www.instagram.com/crazyforconcerts/ ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch 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 | |||
| Giant (w/ Marissa Rosano) | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:53:07 | |
Giant is a new play by British writer Mark Rosenblatt that explores a pivotal chapter in the life of Roald Dahl. Set in Dahl's family home in the summer of 1983, the story examines the fallout of a widely criticized literary review he published regarding the 1982 Lebanon War. Directed by Nicholas Hytner and featuring scenic and costume design by Bob Crowley, the production transferred from an award-winning run on the West End to Broadway with its original creative team intact. The cast is led by John Lithgow as Dahl, alongside Aya Cash, Elliot Levy, Rachael Stirling, Stella Everett, and David Manis. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest host Marissa Rosano, an accomplished vocal coach and longtime friend from their days at Belmont University. They discuss the sparse, symbolic set design and the "monster-like" intensity of Lithgow's performance. The conversation also tackles the play's timely relevance to modern cancel culture, the complex relationship between an artist and their work, and the unsettling parallels between Dahl's public controversies and those of contemporary figures like J.K. Rowling. ***** CHAPTERS ***** MORE ON GIANT Get Tickets: https://gianttheplay.com/ticket-info ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Oedipus (w/ Mark Fisher) | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:53:08 | |
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 ***** 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 YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Mamma Mia! (w/ Ben Grossman) | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:53:40 | |
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 ***** 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 YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Little Bear Ridge Road (w/ Robin Steinthal) | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:44:15 | |
Little Bear Ridge Road is a new play by Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale) set in rural Idaho during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story centers on the relationship between Sarah (Laurie Metcalf) and her nephew Ethan (Micah Stock) as they navigate shared family history and isolation in a modest cabin. Directed by Joe Mantello, the production features scenic design by Scott Pask and was originally presented at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago before its Broadway transfer produced by Scott Rudin and Barry Diller. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest Robin Steinthal, his former theater marketing co-worker and fellow frequent theatergoer. They discuss the logistics of the production, including the specific performances and the recurring creative team assembled for the project. The conversation also covers the play's marketing strategy, its limited engagement at the Booth Theatre, and the broader trends currently affecting contemporary dramas on Broadway. ***** CHAPTERS ***** MORE ON LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD Hear from Samuel D. Hunter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLE6NvFPcYI ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Robin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinsteinthal/ ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Every Brilliant Thing (w/ Talia Corren) | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:53:20 | |
Every Brilliant Thing is a one-person play by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe that explores the small, everyday moments that make life worth living. First developed on the UK festival circuit in the early 2010s, the piece gained international acclaim before an extended Off-Broadway run at the Barrow Street Theatre. It now arrives on Broadway at the Hudson Theatre in a new production starring Daniel Radcliffe, directed by Jeremy Herrin and Duncan Macmillan. Aided by a heavy dose of direct audience participation, the play blends humor and vulnerability as the narrator catalogs "every brilliant thing" in the face of depression and loss. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Talia Corrin, Executive Director of A.R.T./New York, to unpack this intimate and unconventional work. They explore Radcliffe's uniquely grounded performance, the challenges of staging a participatory piece in a Broadway house, and the production's dual identity as both theatrical event and emotional PSA. Together, they dig into themes of mental health, connection, and what it means to actively notice joy in a complicated world. ***** CHAPTERS ***** MORE ON EVERY BRILLIANT THING Get Tickets: https://everybrilliantthing.com/ticket-information/ Official Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4f2Io27F4tKbIV4kOJXBGb?si=2UExr2d9RZa3SNcqaBKrjQ ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Learn More About A.R.T./New York https://www.art-newyork.org/ ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Waiting for Godot (w/ Michael Littig) | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:44:59 | |
Waiting for Godot is Samuel Beckett's landmark work of absurdist theater, first written in French in the early 1950s and quickly becoming one of the most influential plays of the 20th century. Set on a barren stretch of road, the play follows Vladimir and Estragon as they wait for the mysterious Godot—who never arrives. The 2025 Broadway revival, directed by Jamie Lloyd, reimagines Beckett's existential meditation with a stark, visually striking production led by Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, whose real-life friendship shapes the central dynamic. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Michael Littig to unpack this revival, exploring the performances, Lloyd's direction, and how the production balances humor, precision, and ambiguity. They also reflect on the play's deeper themes of waiting, meaning, and human connection and what it means to experience a piece of theater that resists easy answers but stays with you long after. ***** CHAPTERS ***** MORE ON THE SHOW Learn More: https://thejamielloydcompany.com/productions/waiting-for-godot/ ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Subscribe to Michael's Weekly Newsletter "Welcome Home": https://www.michaellittig.com/ ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York (w/ Katie Kaufman) | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:45:34 | |
Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York is a musical comedy by British writers Jim Barne and Kit Buchan that follows two unlikely companions navigating Manhattan ahead of a family wedding. After developing in the UK and running in London's West End, the show transferred to Broadway in 2025 at the Longacre Theatre following a run at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge. Directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson, the production stars Sam Tutty as Dougal and Christiani Pitts as Robin. Host Andrew Cole is joined by guest co-host Katie Kaufman to unpack this two-hander musical rom-com set against the backdrop of New York City. Together they break down the performances, the show's contemporary musical-theater score, and the challenges of staging an intimate two-person story on a Broadway stage. They also explore the show's blend of classic rom-com tropes with modern themes, discussing what works, what feels underdeveloped, and whether the production ultimately earns its place on Broadway. ***** CHAPTERS ***** MORE ON THE SHOW Get Tickets: https://twostrangersmusical.com/tickets/ ***** GUEST HOST LOVE The Men of "Anything Goes" Watch Katie Kaufman Tap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZodZHXfW9Dw ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Call Me Izzy (w/ Nikki Murdock) | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:40:34 | |
Call Me Izzy is a new play by Jamie Wax that arrived on Broadway as the first show in the 25/26 season and a star vehicle for Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart, marking her return to the stage. Set in the American South during the late 1980s, the one-woman play centers on Izzy, a sharp-witted writer whose life has been shaped by quiet compromises and difficult choices. Through humor, poetry, and personal reflection, Izzy gradually reveals the emotional landscape of a marriage marked by control and violence while holding tight to the creative instincts that sustain her. Host Andrew Cole is joined in this episode by guest co-host Nikki Murdock to unpack this intimate production, discussing Jean Smart's commanding solo performance and the storytelling rhythm of Jamie Wax's script. They explore Sarna Lapine's restrained staging and how the play blends humor, vulnerability, and self-expression to illuminate a deeply personal story while inviting audiences to reflect on the unseen struggles shaping people's lives. ***** CHAPTERS ***** MORE ON CALL ME IZZY Vist the Show Website: https://callmeizzyplay.com/ ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Nikki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkipoppinsrn ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Bug (w/ Sean Reilly) | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:46:59 | |
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 ***** SEE BUG ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Sean on IG: https://www.instagram.com/stufffromsean/ ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Ragtime (w/ Michael Keeler) | 20 Feb 2026 | 01:01:42 | |
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 ***** SEE RAGTIME ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Follow Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/michaelrkeeler ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||
| Marjorie Prime (w/ Kira Stockdale) | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:45:18 | |
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 ***** SEE MARJORIE PRIME ***** GUEST HOST LOVE Learn More About Stonewall Chorale: https://stonewallchorale.org/ ***** SUPPORT CRITICAL DARLING Spotify - Follow, Listen & Watch YouTube - Subscribe & Watch Apple Podcasts - Follow & Listen Instagram - Follow & Connect Amazon Music - Follow & Listen TikTok - Follow & Connect | |||