Easy & The Critic
67 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratingsEver wish there were a Rotten Tomatoes for New York theater?
Everybody reviews New York Theater and then leaves it up to you. That's fine.
We tell you what we think and (in the words of The Critic) what to do.
New York theater dollars are precious and you don't want to see a turkey, so we'll help you know if it's worth it.
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Episodes
Easy & The Critic - #66 "One Man, Two Guvnors"
April 04, 2020 17:25 - 10 minutes - 9.84 MBIn this episode, we explore our first online offering, this one being the production of "One Man, Two Guvnors" from the UK's National Theatre. In it, Easy starts changing the format to Q&A, The Critic wants to make sure you get the spelling right, and we are clearly out of practice. Damn you, Covid-19! Go here to watch "One Man, Two Guvnors" and all those that follow. nationaltheatre.org.uk Also, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber is broadcasting his shows on a YouTube channel here: https://www.youtu...
Easy & The Critic - #65 "Forbidden Broadway - The Next Generation"
March 28, 2020 16:44 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MBIn this episode, we explore the latest edition of "Forbidden Broadway" with the Picardian name "The Next Generation." While we discuss it here as an installment in our 'Did You Make The Right Call' series, we certainly know that there aren't any shows right now on which to make a call. Our thoughts (and dollars as much as they can be) are with the theater industry right now. Hopefully this Google Doc will be able to be updated soon (althought it will still be terrible): https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #64 "Sing Street"
March 28, 2020 15:44 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBIn this episode, we explore the New York Theatre Workshop's production of "Sing Street". In it, The Critic successfully hides her age, Easy successfully works in "The Full Monty" again, and we successfully nail a GOT reference (Brenock is Olly). Note well, with the current situation, this show is not starting their performances in March. This Google Doc showing opening and closing dates is definitely out of date with the crisis: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #63 "Harry Connick Jr. - A Celebration of Cole Porter"
March 14, 2020 20:44 - 9 minutes - 8.84 MBIn this episode, we explore "Harry Connick Jr. - A Celebration of Cole Porter" which ran on Broadway for a brief engagement. In it, Easy nearly gives away too much, The Critic expresses her deep love for Mr. Connick, and we both generally lose command of the English language resorting to audio charades (for your entertainment, of course). Enjoy! While concerts are likely postponed right now, check out www.harryconnickjr.com for tour dates. Please practice social media distancing from this ...
Easy & The Critic - #62 "Seared"
February 29, 2020 15:05 - 10 minutes - 9.24 MBWe're Back! Thanks for your patience during our brief New Year hiatus. In this episode we explore MCC's production of Theresa Rebeck's "Seared". In another installment of our 'Did You Make The Right Call?' series, The Critic correctly remembers that Moritz won a Tony, Easy goes on way too long, and we introduce a new feature to the bloopers. Enjoy! Please please reconsider your use of this Google Doc with opening and closing dates: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #61 "Hadestown"
December 31, 2019 22:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBIn this episode we explore the eight-time Tony award-winning show, "Hadestown". In it, Easy mispronounces 'hepcat', The Critic is very upset about something, and we miscredit Sondheim for writing books of musicals (he likely had a hand in them). Enjoy! This Google Doc with opening and closing dates is offensive, please, please make it stop: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #60 "Scotland, PA"
December 08, 2019 17:33 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBClosing Alert: You have 2.5 hours until this show closes on 8 Dec 2019! In this episode, we explore Roundabout's production of "Scotland, PA" which is the musical version of the movie of the same name. In it, Easy overuses the word 'egregious', The Critic expresses her love for murder, and we both wish that our brother/brother-in-law had done the sound design. Enjoy! How is it that this Google Doc with opening and closing dates still exists?: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #59 "The Sound Inside"
December 08, 2019 17:26 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBClosing Alert: The Sound Inside closes 12 Jan 2020. In this episode, we explore "The Sound Inside" starring Mary-Louise Parker. In it, The Critic gushes over David Cromer, Easy reminds her of his acting in 'The Waverly Gallery', and we both are having second thoughts about including a giant two-minute long outtake which has spoilers and makes no sense. Enjoy! I've heard of bad, but come on, nothing comes close to this Google Doc with opening and closing dates: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #58 "Linda Vista"
December 07, 2019 21:36 - 8 minutes - 8.05 MBIn the latest installment in our 'Did you make the right call?' series, we take a look at Tracy Letts's "Linda Vista". Inside, The Critic thinks you get that there's nude sex on stage, Easy invents a career title, and we apologize to Ian Barford...you've suffered enough, sir. Enjoy! Don't do it, don't click on this horrific Google Doc with opening and closing dates: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #57 "The Great Society"
November 29, 2019 18:53 - 8 minutes - 7.75 MBALERT: This show is closing tomorrow, Nov 30th. In this episode we explore the 2nd installment of LBJ plays by Robert Schenkkan, "The Great Society". In it, Easy seems to think that he knows all there is to know about LBJ after one play, The Critic nearly mispronounces Oregon, and we hope you catch the obscure reference to Chicken Run! Enjoy! Someone threatened to sue over how poor this Google Doc with opening and closing dates is: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #56 "Richard III"
November 23, 2019 18:30 - 10 minutes - 9.61 MBALERT: This show is closing in 30 min! 2p show on Sat Nov 23rd. In this episode, we explore the Ireland-based Druid's production of Shakespeare's "Richard III". In it, Easy barely keeps from doing an Irish accent, The Critic talks a little bit about her mother, and we both rush to get this out to you since the show closes today! I've had enough of this horrendous Google Doc with opening and closing dates: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #55 "Tootsie"
November 09, 2019 22:13 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this episode, we review the great David Yazbek's latest musical, 'Tootsie'. In it, Easy creates a new word (sperfect), The Critic actually does know the movie that was the largest grossing in 1982 (it was 'E.T.'), and we both can't shut up about 'The Full Monty'. Goodness gracious this Google Doc, with opening and closing dates, is atrocious: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #54 "Betrayal"
November 09, 2019 21:16 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBClosing Alert! Should you wish to see 'Betrayal' it closes December 8th so you only have 4 weeks left. In this episode, we explore Harold Pinter's classic, 'Betrayal', starring Loki, we mean Tom Hiddleston. In it, Easy confesses to the world how he betrayed The Critic with Betrayal, The Critic really unloads on Zawe Ashton's feet, and we both contribute to our longest outtake yet. Enjoy! I'm telling you, this Google Doc, with open and close dates, is absolutely terrible: https://bit.ly/2YA...
Easy & The Critic - #53 "The Height of the Storm"
October 12, 2019 19:29 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIn this episode, we explore another Florian Zeller joint, "The Height of the Storm" at the Manhattan Theatre Club's Friedman Theatre. In it, The Critic correctly remembers that Frank Langella won the Tony for a previous Zeller role, Easy changes his own mind, and we wander in to uncharted decision waters...courteously. Enjoy! I have tried to tell everyone how this Google Doc, helping you to know when shows open or close, is so poorly done: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #52 "What The Constitution Means To Me"
August 04, 2019 16:45 - 10 minutes - 9.63 MBIn this episode we explore Heidi Schreck's highly-awarded "What The Constitution Means To Me". In it, The Critic puts forth a clarion call, Easy invents a word ('playee'), and we work to get this out to you so fast that we forgot to be funny. Enjoy! Wow. This Google Doc that help you know when a show is closing or opening in horrible: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #51 "The Secret Life Of Bees"
August 04, 2019 16:43 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBIn this episode, another in our 'Did you make the right call' series, we explore the musical version of "The Secret Life of Bees" with music by Duncan Sheik. In it, Easy wishes to clear up that when he refers to sisters, he is describing women who have the same parents, The Critic struggles right up to the end, and we shamelessly namedrop our friend, Helene York, for no good reason. Enjoy! Like terrible Google Docs that help you know when a show is closing or opening? Check it: https://bit.l...
Easy & The Critic - #50 "My Fair Lady"
August 04, 2019 16:41 - 9 minutes - 8.72 MBFor our 50th episode, we dive in to Lerner and Loewe's "My Fair Lady", starring Broadway's Laura Benanti. In it, Easy mispronounces several names, The Critic points out that she saw a show without Easy, and we both gush over Christian Dante White. And no, we didn't get you to the church on time by publishing before it closed, so this is another in our 'Did you make the right call' series. Enjoy! Don't forget about our horrible Google Doc to help you figure out what's closing and opening soon...
Easy & The Critic - #49 "To Kill A Mockingbird"
August 04, 2019 16:39 - 8 minutes - 7.48 MBIn this episode we (quickly) discuss Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" starring Jeff Daniels. In it, Easy auditions for the antagonist, The Critic is cognizant of time, and we both let you know what to do with your Newark theater dollars. Enjoy! Also, for those interested in what shows are opening and closing, check out our terrible Google Doc: https://bit.ly/2YAKIEY
Easy & The Critic - #48 "Burn This"
June 29, 2019 17:12 - 14 minutes - 12.8 MBIn this episode we explore the revival of Lanford Wilson's "Burn This" starring Keri Russell and Adam Driver. In it, Easy goes gaga over one of the actors, Critic reminds him that this is why he's called Easy, and we both lay in to one of stars... big time. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #47 "King Lear"
June 22, 2019 19:46 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this latest installment of 'Did You Make the Right Call', we discuss the limited (and finished) run of "King Lear" starring Glenda Jackson. In it, you, get The Critic's take on Glen Jackson, Easy's love affair with Ruth Wilson, and we shout out to non-family members for the first time. Enjoy! CLOSING ALERT: "The Prom" will close in July so be sure to check out our episode before they play Stairway and turn on the lights.
Easy & The Critic - #46 "Hillary and Clinton"
June 22, 2019 17:34 - 8 minutes - 8.02 MBIn this episode we discuss Lucas Hnath's "Hillary and Clinton" with Tony Award winners Laurie Metcalf and John Lithgow. In it, we extol the virtues of a 90-minute show, The Critic wishes that Lucas had tightened a few things up, and Easy let's you know the reality level of the show...or does he? Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #45 "Kiss Me, Kate"
May 18, 2019 23:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIn this episode we dive in to the revival of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate!" In it, Easy really messes up (as noted right up front), The Critic is deeply disappointed (although not in the show) and we both owe an apology to the Spewacks. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #44 "The Mother"
April 22, 2019 12:20 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBIn this episode we explore "The Mother": part two of Florian Zeller's family trilogy. In it, we make reference to the fact that tickets are hard to get. Well...they're now impossible to get as the show is closed. Also, listener warning...this one is a little slow on the uptake but gets better. Finally, to those New Hampshirites who saw it, let us know what you think. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #43 "Network"
April 07, 2019 12:07 - 10 minutes - 9.9 MBIn this episode we discuss the hard-to-get-tickets-to stage adaptation of "Network" starring Bryan Cranston. Inside, Easy invents a word (artistified), The Critic uses actual words to convey the same meaning, and neither are really holding back. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #42 "The Book of Mormon"
March 16, 2019 19:14 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBIn this episode we (finally) examine the Tony Award-winning juggernaut. Inside, Easy tries to invent a word in German, The Critic reveals how much she really doesn't like South Park, and boy do we butcher an actor's name. Finally, note that at The Eugene O'Neill Theater they DO NOT warn you that the show is about to start, so get your drinks and get those butts in seats! Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #41 "The Prom"
March 02, 2019 18:55 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBIn this episode, The Critic invents a new phrase regarding socks and how they're knocked off, Easy searches for that elusive word 'moments', and despite discussing how the show may not be for some, and getting the letters of an important initialism mixed up (we know it's LGBTQ) we hope that is shines through that we definitely believe in every kind of love. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #40 "Choir Boy"
February 02, 2019 15:57 - 9 minutes - 8.49 MBCLOSING SOON... 10 Mar 2019. In this episode, we explore the Broadway premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's "Choir Boy" at the Manhattan Theatre Club's Friedman Theatre. In it, we start the campaign for a new Tony for Best Stepping, Easy has an identity crisis, and The Critic learns a little something about the MacArthur Fellowship. So eclectic. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #39 "The Ferryman"
December 23, 2018 22:12 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this history-laden episode, we discuss Jez Butterworth's "The Ferryman" now on Broadway after its successful run in London. Inside, Easy forgets to mention the female lead, Laura Donnelly (on whom much of the plot is based, sorry Laura), The Critic takes you on a journey in to The Troubles, and in doing so, we break our record for length of an episode (please think of the extra minutes as a special holiday treat...please). Also, sorry about the heavy breathing...this is definitely an expli...
Easy & The Critic - #38 "Torch Song"
December 01, 2018 18:18 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBIn this episode, we explore the return of Harvey Fierstein's "Torch Song Trilogy" (now with a new name and run time) to Broadway. Inside you'll hear The Critic expand on the importance of family as a theme, Easy unable to distinguish one Prince Valiant haircut from another, and an homage to our friend Ms. Spilker by referring to a movie as a show. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #37 "The Lifespan of a Fact"
November 12, 2018 01:49 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBLimited Run Alert: closing Jan 13th! In this particularly curse-laden episode, we explore the new play, "The Lifespan of a Fact". In it, we explore the relationship between truth and story, while The Critic extolls the prowess of the actors and Easy has, well, nothing major to contribute. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #36 "The Waverly Gallery"
November 10, 2018 16:31 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBIn this episode, we explore "The Waverly Gallery" which is packed with big-name stars and nearly won the Pulitzer Prize. You'll find that Easy continues to love Michael Cera, The Critic schools us on memory plays, and neither one can get the director's name right (sorry Ms. Neugebauer). It's not a comedy. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #35 "Bernhardt|Hamlet"
October 07, 2018 13:49 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIn this episode we explore "Bernhardt/Hamlet" which actually uses a slash (/) in its title vs. the vertical bar (|) we were forced to use for file-naming purposes. Interesting keystroke drama aside, you'll hear how The Critic calls Easy out for just repeating what she says, how Easy is once again brought to tears, and how The Critic forgot the premise of our show. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #34 "Hamilton"
September 25, 2018 00:23 - 9 minutes - 8.48 MBIn this episode, we discuss the 9th planet, "Hamilton", playing now and forever (sorry "Cats"). Within, Easy attempts to coin a new word (Raperetta), and The Critic tries really hard to criticize. You'll never guess whether we recommend it or not, so it's nine minutes of utter suspense. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #33 "Angels In America"
August 24, 2018 20:50 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIn this episode, another in our 'Did You Make The Right Call' series, we dive in to "Angels In America: A Gay Fantasia On National Themes". Within, The Critic offers some incredible, NYU-educated analysis, Easy tries to steal it by reading her notes, and it's definitely pronounced "goff". Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #32 "Aladdin"
July 22, 2018 16:15 - 8 minutes - 7.75 MBAfter a summer hiatus, we're back! In this episode, we talk about Disney's Aladdin which we were pleased to experience with nieces and nephews as their first Broadway show. Thanks for making this a special episode, Athan, Aly, Andres and Ari. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #31 "Three Tall Women"
June 13, 2018 11:54 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this episode, we bring you the revival of Edward Albee's 1994 Pulitzer Prize winning and 2018 Tony Award winning "Three Tall Women". CLOSING ALERT: this run will play its last performance on June 24, 2018. Let yourself be taken away by The Critic's intellectual insight, and when you hear Easy simply repeat what she says, try not to make a face; my Aunt Noelle always said it'd get stuck that way. Enjoy.
Easy & The Critic - #30 "The Full Monty"
June 09, 2018 15:01 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this episode, we have the great pleasure to introduce you to one of our favorite shows of all time, "The Full Monty", that we recently enjoyed in Buffalo, NY. Within, Easy forgets to mention that Terrence McNally has won several Tony awards, notably for "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Ragtime", and The Critic forgets that the microphone picks up all the delicious details of her snacking habits. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #29 "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2"
May 25, 2018 18:47 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIn this episode, we talk about the two-show event, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2". Inside, you'll hear that Easy tries more British accents, invokes John Oliver, and, as a result, The Critic calls him out for the weirdo he is. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #28 "Children of a Lesser God"
May 12, 2018 12:41 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBIn this episode, we talk about Roundabout Theatre's "Children of a Lesser God" which is closing May 27th. Within, you'll hear The Critic really living up to her name, a full-throated attack on miming, and Easy accidentally referring to Olean as his hometown when everyone knows that he's from Portville. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #27 "Grand Hotel"
May 10, 2018 12:04 - 8 minutes - 7.52 MBIn this episode, we talk about New York City Center's production of "Grand Hotel" for its 1-weekend run. Upon listening, you'll find that Easy renames dust cloths as 'tarps' seems to rename the show 'So, Grand Hotel' by saying that phrase repeatedly, and The Critic, having to deal with him, resists the urge to rename this show. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #26 "Carousel"
April 28, 2018 23:50 - 9 minutes - 8.82 MBIn this episode, we explore the Broadway revival of Rogers & Hammerstein's classic, "Carousel". Easy invents a word, The Critic exposes her unambiguous girl-crush on Jessie Mueller and we achieve some of our finest mispronouncing. Also, sorry for the background noise...forgot to turn the fan off. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #25 "Farinelli and the King"
April 24, 2018 00:49 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this edition, we add another show to our Did You Make The Right Call series with "Farinelli & The King" the story of a Monarch who did indeed lead as two kings in more ways than one (Tenacious D reference there). Easy encourages you to never not miss a chance to not not-see Mark Rylance while doing a great job of insulting his wife, playwright Claire van Kampen. The Critic makes it out fairly unscathed in this one. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #24 "The Comedy About A Bank Robbery" and "Everybody's Talking About Jamie"
April 08, 2018 17:37 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBLondon Edition! - In this special double episode, we give you our thoughts on another Mischief Theatre production and a new musical about a teenaged drag queen. Easy invents the phrase "dialogue funniness", The Critic falls in love with all the tongs, and we spend way too much time talking about (and poorly performing) London accents. Cheerio!
Easy & The Critic - #23 "John Lithgow-Stories By Heart"
April 03, 2018 11:32 - 9 minutes - 8.8 MBIn this episode, we do a bang up job of insulting young people and get real James Lipton on your ass in our exploration of Roundabout Theater's "John Lithgow: Stories By Heart". We also missed the chance to make the deep-cut musical theater lyric reference 'Some are set up in the Somerset Maugham suite"... embarrassing. Enjoy.
Easy & The Critic - #22 "Meteor Shower"
March 24, 2018 08:02 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBWe uploaded this one twice (in true Steve Martin fashion). This time with the description, so you can delete the first version of #22. Ah, podcast trials and tribulations. In this episode, we explore Steve Martin's "Meteor Shower" in our 2nd 'Did you make the right call?' episode (as it's closed). The Critic both compliments and insults Jenna Fischer, Easy gets outed as an erstwhile actor, and we do a bang-up job of explaining absurdist theater...this is some 'The Great Courses' stuff. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #22 "Meteor Shower"
March 24, 2018 07:55 - 11 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this episode, we explore Steve Martin's "Meteor Shower" in our 2nd 'Did you make the right call?' episode (as it's closed). The Critic both compliments and insults Jenna Fischer, Easy gets outed as an erstwhile actor, and we do a bang-up job of explaining absurdist theater...this is some 'The Great Courses' stuff. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #21 "The Parisian Woman"
March 05, 2018 00:37 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this episode, we explore Uma Thurman's Broadway debut in "The Parisian Woman" at The Hudson. Inside you'll find that Easy is currently current with current events, The Critic helps shed light on the definition of a Broadway house, and we shout out to Macon Little Theatre (please let them take it as a compliment). Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #20 "Cats"
February 13, 2018 00:08 - 8 minutes - 8.13 MBIn our first 'Did You Make The Right Call?' episode, we explore the effanineffable mashup of Andrew Lloyd Webber music and TS Eliot poetry, "Cats". The reason it's our first DYMTRC is that we saw it on its last performance sooo you can't see it anymore. However, you can determine if we thought you 'made the right call' in seeing it or not...a decision you'll get to live with now and forever!
Easy & The Critic - #19 "Once On This Island"
January 21, 2018 16:25 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this episode about the revival of "Once On This Island", we spend too much time talking about "Spring Awakening", The Critic coins the phrase "ethnically fluid", and if you want your opinion to be taken seriously, we reassure you that all you need is a black turtle neck. Enjoy!
Easy & The Critic - #18 "Latin History For Morons"
January 14, 2018 15:48 - 9 minutes - 8.57 MBFirst, this show is closing 25 Feb 2018, so take that in to consideration as you determine our level of expertise or horse shit. Second, we apologize sincerely to Tony Taccone, who directed this play, for both mispronouncing his name, and neglecting to reflect on the impact he's had on American theater. Owe you a cocktail, Tony. Clearly, we're the Morons to whom Mr. Lequizamo is referring. Enjoy!