I Need You To Like Musicals

Billy Elliot & The Pajama Game: There's Power in a Union

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0300

Dancin' around at the end of history.

Hairspray & Bye Bye Birdie: Timeless to Me

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0300

There's a pod just ripe for some listenin'! If you're a sadistic fan who likes it when I yell about bad musicals, this will disappoint you. All positive energy, baby!

Next to Normal & Jagged Little Pill: Father Mother Sister Brother

Wed, 21 May 2025 06:30:00 -0300

Chris is finally on the cutting edge of something as he covers the brand new PBS "pro cut" of Next to Normal and then contrasts it with a fresh piece of karaoke hell called Jagged Little Pill.

Bat Boy & Reefer Madness: Los Angeles Y2Ks Itself

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:30:57 -0300

Naughty fun at the turn of the century.

The Wiz (w/special guest: Kyrsten Williams)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0300

The great Kyrsten Williams (from Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Shrinking, host of Black Facts 101) stops by to add some much needed diversity, equity, and inclusion to INYTLM. We discuss The Wiz: the stage show, the movie musical, and the NBC Live event. It was lots of fun!

Here's a link to her Instagram. If you live in or near Santa Monica, go see her show!

https://www.instagram.com/kyrstenvwill?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Emilia Pérez (w/special guest: Sam Payes)

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Chris has the controversial take that Emilia Pérez is a very good movie musical and his friend Sam Payes (Super Glass Houses) drops by to set him straight and tell him to do better.

Wicked: Part 1 (w/special guest: Jenna)

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:13:33 -0400

The wickedly overdue Wicked episode. Full of spoilers for the second movie, fair warning. Recorded over a month ago. I'm sorry and I'll do better.

One Short Pod: News Flash!

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 20:47:47 -0400

I have two very important things to tell you! Seriously!

The Greatest Showman & 1776: America Decides!

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Before we stumble to the polls on this surreal, demoralizing Election Day of 2024 and then strap in for a long, grating night (or several nights) of cable news speculation, touchscreen charts, and punditry, let's take a couple of hours to remember a couple of musical whitewashes which feel almost as false as the rest of this whole thing feels. INYTLM is back to offer you an invaluable civic resource: two cynical musical theatre analogies that perfectly match the two major presidential candidates on the ballot.

Is anybody theeeeeeeere? Does anybody caaaaaaare?

Heathers & Hedwig: Part II (w/special guest: Jenna)

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0300

Remember last week when we had our first guest ever? And her name was Jenna? This is Part II of that. It's in two parts because we talked for over four hours! And when we were done all of the nearby restaurants were closed and we were starving.

This second part is dedicated to our analysis of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. But if you missed last week's Heathers discussion go ahead and check that out. Seriously. It's a hoot.

Jenna emphatically refuses to let me tell you her last name. But check her out on Instagram and TikTok: @foxwithamonocle. You may or may not even see her last name listed on one of those!

So if you've got no other choice, you know you can follow our voice(s) through the sharp noise and takes of this wicked little pod!

Heathers & Hedwig: Part 1 (w/special guest: Jenna)

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0300

INYLM welcomes its FIRST GUEST EVER. Jenna stops by and tells us how much she needs you to like Heathers The Musical! This is the first installment in a FOUR HOUR marathon two-parter. Tune in next time to hear Part 2 in which we talk about how much Chris needs you to like Hedwig and the Angry Inch!

Jenna will not let me tell you her last name, but check her out on Instagram and TikTok: @foxwithamonocle.

Our pod is God, we're what killed the dinosaurs!

Best of INYTLM: Chris Gets Worked Up

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:33:27 -0300

Ranting and raving. Sampler platter edition.

00:25 - (Intro)

04:08 - (The Lyrics Police Files)

09:45 - Rent

16:24 - Carousel

23:49 - Jesus Christ Superstar

28:03 - Ragtime

33:25 - My Fair Lady

36:51 - American Idiot

40:05 - She Loves Me

43:47 - The Muppet Christmas Carol

45:26 - Scrooge

49:17 - (miscellaneous)

50:38 - Cats

55:31 - Parade

58:01 - Miss Saigon

1:01:15 - Hair

1:04:17 - Hamilton

1:09:48 - Man of La Mancha

1:13:08 - Little Shop of Horrors

1:19:33 - Oliver!

1:21:19 - Les Miserables

1:23:52 - The Who's Tommy

1:25:04 - Evita

1:31:27 - Jekyll & Hyde

1:37:55 - Pippin

1:47:44 - (Goodbye!)

Disney Musicals 1989-1994: Rotten Renaissance Rising

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0300

Here are the timestamps I promised I'd give you, you're welcome.

00:30 - Aimless Solipsistic Preamble

02:45 - Extensive Slander of Michael Eisner, Disney, and Disneyland.

34:17 - The Little Mermaid (1989)

49:31 - Beauty and the Beast (1991)

1:04:24 - Aladdin (1992)

1:29:40 - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

1:43:38 - The Lion King (1994)

2:06:40 - What Does It All Mean?

All That Jazz & Yankee Doodle Dandy: The Dreadful Fear That You're Ordinary

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:38:10 -0300

If you'd have asked me years ago which of the protagonists of these two movie musicals was sympathetic and which was unredeemably evil, I'd have had a very different answer than the one I have today.

The tragedy of this episode is that in my recent quixotic podcasting efforts, this is more fun than I've had in a while but the movies are obscure enough that I can't imagine people will click on this one. Click on it, click on this one!

Newsies & South Park Bigger Longer and Uncut: Revolting Children

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:04:02 -0300

Open your phone and seize the pod.

Moulin Rouge & Everyone Says I Love You: Love Stripped of Meaning (Karaoke Hell II)

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:00:17 -0300

And I can't remember if I cried cuz Moulin Rouge felt so contrived

But I got bored and mortified the day movie musicals died.

Best of INYTLM: Sondheim on Adderall

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:46:10 -0300

It's come to this. Special thanks to listener Gene Bonner* for putting this all together. Here is our first best-of episode, full of highlights and clips from the first ten episodes of this podcast (back when it was called Sondheim on Adderall).

*Gene Bonner is not real. There is no Gene Bonner. I cut it together myself and I'm too embarrassed to admit it.

La La Land & A Star is Born (2018): Please Get Off My Freeway

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:06:17 -0300

The episode accidentally becomes iconic as Chris has an energy drink, screams about his least favorite movie, takes a short break to watch a disastrous presidential debate, eats too much fast food, and then sluggishly praises a thing he actually likes. Welcome to INYTLM's Summer of Movie Musicals!

(NOTE: Sorry for the weird intermittent feedback in the second half, we really don't know what we're doing but rest assured it doesn't go on forever)

Avenue Q & The Sound of Music: You Idiot Kid, You Don't Have a Clue

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 18:17:33 -0300

I talk about The Sound of Music, which I just saw for the first time ever (dead serious). I reflect on a show I did a regional production of once called Avenue Q, during which the other characters called me fat, lazy, and worthless for 2.5 hours. Also, an exclusive sneak preview of "Regional Theatre Song" from Compassion Fatigue's historic upcoming album Nobody Likes Me Everybody Hates Me (available on all streaming platforms 6.21.24).

Fiddler on the Roof & Cabaret: Goy Interrupted

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 18:30:40 -0300

There may be some good in sitting alone in your room after all. Come hear the podcast play!

Annie & Peter Pan: With All the Nuts and the Squirrels

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 14:42:35 -0400

'Steada kisses, you get a new podcast! To the ship to the ship to the ship!

Hadestown & The Last Five Years: Sun in an Empty Room

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:12:22 -0400

Chris the Podcaster explains his departure.

Hamilton: It’s Good (Season Finale)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 13:54:20 -0400

I am not throwing away my pod.

Scrooge & Muppet Christmas Carol: An Undigested Bit of Beef

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 11:32:49 -0400

Ghost of the future, I fear you more than any apparition I have seen.

Here's a link to a playlist I made called CHRISTMAS SONGS THAT ARE NOT INSUFFERABLE:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3rrL44jmDLchJSBDm9Ydmy?si=_hSW1mlxTBS05Q57dSWYjw&pi=u-lDm390XlTPuT&nd=1&dlsi=cef9f413429f4705

Guys and Dolls & Man of La Mancha: This Little Bird You Cannot Change

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:37:47 -0400

Bear with me.

Little Shop of Horrors & Jekyll and Hyde: Spooky Scary Sadomasochism

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 01:47:49 -0400

Better late than never when it comes to Halloween episodes, you're welcome. I can't really remember whether or not this gets dicier than usual, so MAYBE don't listen with children? I don't know. Do whatever you feel is right and happy Thanksgiving, I guess.

Chicago & She Loves Me: Killer Ladies and Lady Killers

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:01:49 -0300

Please enjoy the most scattershot unfocused episode ever which can only be the fault of the international Adderall shortage and a possible shadow conspiracy by Big Pharma to replace my ADD pills with obvious placebos.

Grease & Pippin: Groove vs. Meaning

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:02:30 -0300

"Alright, I know this is a musical comedy, but I want my life to mean something."

A prince from the early Middle Ages and an Australian transfer student from the 50s conspire to teach 1970s America some highly uncomfortable lessons about what it means to compromise.

Cats & Les Miserables: There’s a Pain Goes On and On

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:09:05 -0300

Jellicle songs for jellicle pods jellicle songs for jellicle pods jellicle songs for jellicle pods jellicle songs for jellicle pods. Les Miz, at last, we see each other plain.

Evita & Miss Saigon: Histrionic Histories

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:53:07 -0300

Pull up your high-waisted jeans, it's time to cruise from 1978 to 1989 to visit the realm of helicopters and descamisados, an exhausting era defined by belting and bass guitars during which musical theatre asked itself, "what exactly has been going on lately in those funny little countries to the south and east of us?"

My Fair Lady & Carousel: Let the Hellcat Freeze!

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:11:04 -0300

Women take some literal and figurative hits in these hit musicals from the so-called Golden Era and here is finally an opinionated cis man to explain it all to you.

Jesus Christ Superstar & The Music Man: Messiah or Swindler?

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:12:24 -0300

Pray for my soul as I take the first big step on the road to the depths of deg-ra-day. Just don't say I'm damned for all time, baby, this episode is TROUBLE with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for Pod.

Rent & Hair: Hating Dear Old Mom and Dad

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 21:14:54 -0300

Facing eviction and the aging of Aquarius.

American Idiot & The Who’s Tommy: Karaoke Hell

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:23:07 -0300

Let's explore rock operas and jukebox musicals by way of a weird trippy 70s movie musical and what may very well be the worst documentary ever.

Ragtime & Parade: A Tale of Two Picnics

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:37:15 -0300

The Martyr of Marietta squares off against the Silhouette Sellout. Place your bets!

Matilda and Oliver: Child Abuse in Jazz Shoes (Season Premiere)

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:26:03 -0300

Do not adjust your smartphone! It's still me, the Sondheim on Adderall guy. I just ran out of Sondheim shows to talk about so I'm pivoting to a new title/concept.

Welcome to I Need You to Like Musicals. I look forward to taking this journey with you. Please disregard everything I say that you find repellent.

Bonus - Sondheim in Los Angeles: Review Roundup!

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:30:40 -0300

Buckle up, as Mer-L.A. we roll along down Sondset Boulevard and into the George-ous downtown area! We're going to cruise from the Pasadena Playhouse to the Ahmanson Theatre to the Hollywood Bowl, going bum bum bum, bobby baby bobby bubbi all the way. It's time to discuss the many, many Sondheim-related offerings that were available in the City of Angels in 2023!

Here's the album I just released, in case you want to use it to invalidate any of my opinions you disagree with: https://open.spotify.com/album/1DzLW70QYFzNfuSUtC662R?si=VrO52OMjQO2Bt51TsS50jQ

And here's the goddamn Sondheim on Adderall playlist one more time: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OgyPwCw0JSjfe4oXvIeHL?si=782314657a1f4491

Bonus - This Is Ridiculous What Am I Doing Here I’m in the Wrong STORY

Mon, 22 May 2023 18:42:14 -0300

A cantankerous deep dive into anthology shows like Side By Side By Sondheim, Putting it Together, and the HBO documentary Six by Sondheim.

Don't forget there's a Sondheim on Adderall playlist!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OgyPwCw0JSjfe4oXvIeHL?si=e14ae04005364448

Assassins (Season Finale of Sondheim on Adderall)

Mon, 15 May 2023 02:58:27 -0300

"It is my own unwillingness to compromise my principles and kiss ass like some people that I could mention that has cost me the so-called good life which others so freely enjoy."

Into the Woods (Sondheim on Adderall)

Mon, 08 May 2023 02:05:27 -0300

"I was raised to be charming, not sincere."

Sunday in the Park with George (Sondheim on Adderall)

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:53:32 -0300

"You never suffer from a shortage of opinions, do you, Blair?"

Here's a link to that playlist I was talking about!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OgyPwCw0JSjfe4oXvIeHL?si=e14ae04005364448

Merrily We Roll Along (Sondheim on Adderall)

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:30:23 -0300

"Musicals are popular. They're a great way to state important ideas."

Sweeney Todd (Sondheim on Adderall)

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:59:52 -0300

"How would you like to fish me squiff, mister?"

A Little Night Music (Sondheim on Adderall)

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:34:28 -0300

"If you knew how many times I wish I had been one of the spermatozoa that never reached the womb!"

Company (Sondheim on Adderall)

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:29:42 -0300

"Call me tomorrow if you're still alive"

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Sondheim on Adderall)

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 01:24:36 -0300

"He raped Thrace thrice?"

Gypsy (Sondheim on Adderall)

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 02:58:58 -0300

"How long's it gonna take you to get used to me, Herbie?"

West Side Story (Sondheim on Adderall)

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:02:57 -0400

"I like to pontificate as much as anyone who thinks he knows what he's talking about". - Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021)