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Today is my 33rd Birthday.
As I enter my Jesus year (hope it turns out better for me than him!), I thought I’d make an Isaac Davis-style list of 33 things that make life worth living/that I’m grateful for
Self-indulgent? You bet. But hey, that’s why we have Twitter. Enjoy.
As I enter my Jesus year (hope it turns out better for me than him!), I thought I’d make an Isaac Davis-style list of 33 things that make life worth living/that I’m grateful for
Self-indulgent? You bet. But hey, that’s why we have Twitter. Enjoy.
A caveat: this list is by no means exhaustive (duh, how could it be?). For example, it doesn’t include ABBA, Björk, Bob Fosse, Jamiroquai, or Babylon Berlin (well, I guess it does now 
)
And the order is not random, but it’s also not not random
) And the order is not random, but it’s also not not random
33. Clean Water
One of the easiest things to take for granted (just ask the residents of Flint, MI) https://water.org/
One of the easiest things to take for granted (just ask the residents of Flint, MI) https://water.org/
32. Theatre Critics
Favorites include @Helen_E_Shaw @josesolismayen @petermarksdrama @TerryTeachout1 @EVincentelli @MildlyBitter @MrDavidGordon & @clewisreviews, but anyone who engages in the discipline has my respect—paid or not, it’s a labor of love https://bit.ly/3cWBw4U
Favorites include @Helen_E_Shaw @josesolismayen @petermarksdrama @TerryTeachout1 @EVincentelli @MildlyBitter @MrDavidGordon & @clewisreviews, but anyone who engages in the discipline has my respect—paid or not, it’s a labor of love https://bit.ly/3cWBw4U
31. Pasta
I am an equal opportunity pasta enthusiast. A fine cacio e pepe is a wonder to behold. But there’s also nothing like a hefty portion of generic, middle of the road Italian restaurant penne alla vodka (hold the pancetta, I'm a vegetarian)
I am an equal opportunity pasta enthusiast. A fine cacio e pepe is a wonder to behold. But there’s also nothing like a hefty portion of generic, middle of the road Italian restaurant penne alla vodka (hold the pancetta, I'm a vegetarian)
30. The Movies of Christopher Guest
A source of endless laughter. Comedic perfection.
A source of endless laughter. Comedic perfection.
29. The Musicals of Michael John LaChiusa
The man is a genius (sample below). I’m waiting for someone to do a Kennedy Center Sondheim Festival-style tribute series. His body of work is staggering and, in my view, insufficiently heralded.
The man is a genius (sample below). I’m waiting for someone to do a Kennedy Center Sondheim Festival-style tribute series. His body of work is staggering and, in my view, insufficiently heralded.
28. High School and College Theatre
I didn’t have many friends growing up, but doing theatre in high school and college, I found my tribe and a lifelong passion.
h/t to Jim Hoare who was the absolute best teacher/mentor
I didn’t have many friends growing up, but doing theatre in high school and college, I found my tribe and a lifelong passion.
h/t to Jim Hoare who was the absolute best teacher/mentor
27. The Movies of Pedro Almodóvar
I love an auteur (as you’ll glean from this list), and I never tire of Almodóvar’s singular vision and intricate plots. Hard to pick a favorite but “Law of Desire” (1987) is
and “Women on the Verge” (1988) is 
Viva Pedro!
I love an auteur (as you’ll glean from this list), and I never tire of Almodóvar’s singular vision and intricate plots. Hard to pick a favorite but “Law of Desire” (1987) is
and “Women on the Verge” (1988) is Viva Pedro!
26. The Music of Philip Glass
I listen to a composition of his just about every day (he's ... prolific). It’s ballast, and oh so rich in its seeming simplicity. https://open.spotify.com/album/35pkcMzF3L58AlzWAQi3Vc?highlight=spotify:track:6Kj2M6CF9NnV2EA8hYFrOY
I listen to a composition of his just about every day (he's ... prolific). It’s ballast, and oh so rich in its seeming simplicity. https://open.spotify.com/album/35pkcMzF3L58AlzWAQi3Vc?highlight=spotify:track:6Kj2M6CF9NnV2EA8hYFrOY
25. The Movies of Wes Anderson
I don’t know a better film than “The Grand Budapest Hotel”—I love his entire oeuvre, though, and the Wes Anderson Aesthetic™ does it for me *every time*
I don’t know a better film than “The Grand Budapest Hotel”—I love his entire oeuvre, though, and the Wes Anderson Aesthetic™ does it for me *every time*
24. Human Rights
... and the pioneers in the fight for civil and equal rights who make my life possible every day. Would it were the 1948 Declaration the law of the land (thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt!)
https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
... and the pioneers in the fight for civil and equal rights who make my life possible every day. Would it were the 1948 Declaration the law of the land (thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt!)
https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
23. Levain Cookies
Specifically, the iconic @levainbakery chocolate chip walnut cookie. In a lifetime of cookie consumption, I’ve never known a better one.
I mean, look at that! (NSFW)
Specifically, the iconic @levainbakery chocolate chip walnut cookie. In a lifetime of cookie consumption, I’ve never known a better one.
I mean, look at that! (NSFW)
22. The Musicals of Jerry Herman
I imagine heaven to be “Hello, Dolly!” on a loop. I love each and every one of his scores (yes, even “The Grand Tour”) and I got to meet him when I was 11. Life changing. Below is a memorial thread from last December
https://twitter.com/StageLeft_NYC/status/1210584966758842370?s=20
I imagine heaven to be “Hello, Dolly!” on a loop. I love each and every one of his scores (yes, even “The Grand Tour”) and I got to meet him when I was 11. Life changing. Below is a memorial thread from last December
https://twitter.com/StageLeft_NYC/status/1210584966758842370?s=20
21. The Internet
If you’re reading this, congratulations, you’re on the Internet. Yes, it’s a cesspool. But also, how cool? We’re all connected. I choose Internet over not Internet.
If you’re reading this, congratulations, you’re on the Internet. Yes, it’s a cesspool. But also, how cool? We’re all connected. I choose Internet over not Internet.
20. Playbills and Windowcards
Theatre is ephemeral, so I treasure my collection of Playbills and windowcards not just b/c I have hoarding tendencies, but also b/c they are tangible records of cherished memories and precious history. Here are some duplicates I sold for @BCEFA
Theatre is ephemeral, so I treasure my collection of Playbills and windowcards not just b/c I have hoarding tendencies, but also b/c they are tangible records of cherished memories and precious history. Here are some duplicates I sold for @BCEFA
19. Modern Dance
I have a mother who took me to @TheJoyceTheater as a kid, and I went to a high school with @marthagraham on the curriculum; while theatre is my first love, dance is a close second (and when the two overlap?)
I have a mother who took me to @TheJoyceTheater as a kid, and I went to a high school with @marthagraham on the curriculum; while theatre is my first love, dance is a close second (and when the two overlap?
)
18. The Movies of Woody Allen
I know it’s an unpopular position to hold, but I can’t give up “Hannah and Her Sisters”, “Radio Days”, “Manhattan”, “Stardust Memories”, “Manhattan Murder Mystery”, and so many others
I know it’s an unpopular position to hold, but I can’t give up “Hannah and Her Sisters”, “Radio Days”, “Manhattan”, “Stardust Memories”, “Manhattan Murder Mystery”, and so many others
17. Donna & Patti & Bernadette & Betty & Audra & Carolee
I consider myself lucky to share this time on Earth with @DMurphyOfficial @PattiLuPone @OfficialBPeters @BettyBuckley @AudraEqualityMc and @CaroleeCarmello, and to have had the privilege of seeing them all perform LIVE
I consider myself lucky to share this time on Earth with @DMurphyOfficial @PattiLuPone @OfficialBPeters @BettyBuckley @AudraEqualityMc and @CaroleeCarmello, and to have had the privilege of seeing them all perform LIVE
16. The Musicals of Stephen Sondheim
No single canon in the theatre means more to me, has inspired me more, & moved me more than his; & witnessing that canon grow through its reinterpretation only proves its enduring brilliance. Thank you, Mr. Sondheim.
No single canon in the theatre means more to me, has inspired me more, & moved me more than his; & witnessing that canon grow through its reinterpretation only proves its enduring brilliance. Thank you, Mr. Sondheim.
15. Yoga
I was tricked into taking my first hot yoga class six years ago—and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s the single best thing I’ve ever done for myself. And I love (and miss) my studio @ModoYogaNYC https://modoyoga.com/nyc/
I was tricked into taking my first hot yoga class six years ago—and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s the single best thing I’ve ever done for myself. And I love (and miss) my studio @ModoYogaNYC https://modoyoga.com/nyc/
14. Cast Albums
Thank God(dard Lieberson) that we have these essential documents of the musical theatre form. Imagine not being able to revisit a song or a score as performed in the theatre?! I don’t want to know ...
Thank God(dard Lieberson) that we have these essential documents of the musical theatre form. Imagine not being able to revisit a song or a score as performed in the theatre?! I don’t want to know ...
13. The Muppets
Jim Henson was a genius, and the Muppets remain among the purest, most joyful, and seriously silly sources of entertainment I’ve ever encountered; when we’re allowed again, check out the @MovingImageNYC Henson exhibit if you haven’t yet https://bit.ly/2znX382
Jim Henson was a genius, and the Muppets remain among the purest, most joyful, and seriously silly sources of entertainment I’ve ever encountered; when we’re allowed again, check out the @MovingImageNYC Henson exhibit if you haven’t yet https://bit.ly/2znX382
12. Modern Medicine
100 years ago I probably would have died from Scarlet Fever. So, this is a thank you to antibiotics, vaccines, PrEP, and all the things that keep me healthy and alive. Now, if we could just work on a single-payer, national health insurance program ...
100 years ago I probably would have died from Scarlet Fever. So, this is a thank you to antibiotics, vaccines, PrEP, and all the things that keep me healthy and alive. Now, if we could just work on a single-payer, national health insurance program ...
11. The Fabulous Invalid
@jamiedumont & I started @fabulousinvalid podcast in 2018, and since then I have met and talked to well over 100 of the most incredible theatre personalities. It’s been a series of highlights! Check out our archive of episodes
https://thefabulousinvalid.com/
@jamiedumont & I started @fabulousinvalid podcast in 2018, and since then I have met and talked to well over 100 of the most incredible theatre personalities. It’s been a series of highlights! Check out our archive of episodes
https://thefabulousinvalid.com/
10. The United States of America
A+ on the revolutionary idea (sans the genocide and slavery). I admire the ambition. And should we ever fulfill the promise, it’ll be quite incredible. Till then, I guess we’ll just keep trying for that more perfect union (or break apart)
A+ on the revolutionary idea (sans the genocide and slavery). I admire the ambition. And should we ever fulfill the promise, it’ll be quite incredible. Till then, I guess we’ll just keep trying for that more perfect union (or break apart)
9. Cake
This is self-explanatory. My favorite type is carrot cake (a slice I had in Bisbee, AZ being the best I’ve ever had).
But, this “Cats” cake from last year was epic (and delicious). Also: “Cats”. C’mon.
This is self-explanatory. My favorite type is carrot cake (a slice I had in Bisbee, AZ being the best I’ve ever had).
But, this “Cats” cake from last year was epic (and delicious). Also: “Cats”. C’mon.
8. Jamie DuMont
It does get harder to make close friends the older you get but, if you’re lucky, you meet someone like @jamiedumont and it’s like you’ve been friends for, well, 33 years. He’s the best producing partner and fellow theatre nerd.
It does get harder to make close friends the older you get but, if you’re lucky, you meet someone like @jamiedumont and it’s like you’ve been friends for, well, 33 years. He’s the best producing partner and fellow theatre nerd.
7. Kat Lapelosa
There’s no one with whom I share more inside jokes than @Its_Katka – we do nothing but laugh. Lunch every day for four years of high school will do that. We met at theatre camp and we’ve traveled to Japan. Need I say more?
There’s no one with whom I share more inside jokes than @Its_Katka – we do nothing but laugh. Lunch every day for four years of high school will do that. We met at theatre camp and we’ve traveled to Japan. Need I say more?
6. New York City
I will die on the island of Manhattan. It’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to be. Living here feels like a gift. “Too busy. Too crazy. Too hot. Too cold. Too late. I'm sold, again, on NYC.”
I will die on the island of Manhattan. It’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to be. Living here feels like a gift. “Too busy. Too crazy. Too hot. Too cold. Too late. I'm sold, again, on NYC.”
5. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Yes, that @HillaryClinton. She hired me to join her personal staff when I was 21, and I’ve had the honor of serving her ever since. A peerless leader, inspiring mentor, and great boss—watch her Hulu documentary if you haven’t yet
Yes, that @HillaryClinton. She hired me to join her personal staff when I was 21, and I’ve had the honor of serving her ever since. A peerless leader, inspiring mentor, and great boss—watch her Hulu documentary if you haven’t yet
4. Theatre
Nothing is more soul-filling for me. I mean, did you see “A Strange Loop” or “Soft Power” last season? While we can’t indulge in live performance now, Peter Sellars says “a show is over when you stop thinking about it”, so I have plenty of theatre playing in my mind
Nothing is more soul-filling for me. I mean, did you see “A Strange Loop” or “Soft Power” last season? While we can’t indulge in live performance now, Peter Sellars says “a show is over when you stop thinking about it”, so I have plenty of theatre playing in my mind
3. “My Gay Boys”
Everyone should be so lucky as to have a crew like @stinMk @Zac_Petkanas @LeviBohanan @nicksalter_ & @meiamanthony (not pictured on the left cus he was busy trying to elect a gay president), though we never can seem to start that book club we keep talking about
Everyone should be so lucky as to have a crew like @stinMk @Zac_Petkanas @LeviBohanan @nicksalter_ & @meiamanthony (not pictured on the left cus he was busy trying to elect a gay president), though we never can seem to start that book club we keep talking about
2. Maia Johnson
My best friend and soul twin; she’s too smart to have a Twitter account (or a paper trail, really), but she exists (evidence below), keeps me sane, and is always right
My best friend and soul twin; she’s too smart to have a Twitter account (or a paper trail, really), but she exists (evidence below), keeps me sane, and is always right
1. My (nuclear) Family
My incredible parents made me (gross, but I’ll allow it) and gave me the gifts of art, expression, education, and travel. My brother and sister are my and my sister Theresa is my angel. The rest is background music.
My incredible parents made me (gross, but I’ll allow it) and gave me the gifts of art, expression, education, and travel. My brother and sister are my
and my sister Theresa is my angel. The rest is background music.
