Chess (w/ Steph Wilberding)

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 Wilberding2:35 - Setting the Stage6:47 - Hot Takes26:49 - Big Feels33:28 - Should You See It?35:42 - Outro ***** 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