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.

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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

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*****

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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/

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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/

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*****

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