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/

Learn More About Business for Unicorns: https://businessforunicorns.com/

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Listen to the Business for Unicorns Podcast: https://businessforunicorns.com/business-for-unicorns-podcast/

*****

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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

*****

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