my eyes, my eyes!
Dec. 29th, 2008 08:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
memoryfloodsinI really couldn't work out how to do my year end picspam/list, I've already done a 'my year in review' post but that's just writing really and it's very personal. I'm hopeless at top 10s, I cannot narrow things down enough and I'm horribly indecisive also as far as I'm concerned 2008 has been a pretty shit year both on a personal and on a fandom level. I've left a lot of fandoms, I've not been creative, movies did not deliver, shows didn't thrill me and I've done little reading. How exactly does one catalogue a year of absolute mediocrity. Then someone on ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
picspammy did a picspam entitled 'what I loved about 2008' and it's so bloody obvious I don't know why it didn't come to me immediately but that is what this picspam is: What I Loved About 2008. This doesn't include everyone or everything it's not even a 'things I loved the most', I might have forgotten some things or included people I've never mentioned. These are just things I loved this year.
[Title of Show], the little show that could. It may have only lasted 15 weeks on Broadway but it inspired such love and passion. It was a show about having a dream and following that dream. Hunter, Jeff, Heidi, Susan and Larry are an amazing group of people, so nice and kind and freakishly talented. I hope so much that when Tony time roles around they're remembered in some way.
In The Heights. This show means so much to me. I can't believe that it was the first show I saw on Broadway, I'm so thrilled that it was a show I wanted to see more than anything rather than just something I saw because I was in New York. It's incredible to think that Lin started writing it when he was 19, doodling on the back of his astronomy notebook and now it's a Tony Award Winning Musical, capitalisation totally necessary!
Dominic Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris, Lee Pace, Ben Barnes
All incredibly pretty men, who are awesome actors and pretty nifty singers.
New York 4th Sept 2008 - 7th Sept 2008. This was one of the best trips I've ever been on. I can't believe I've finally been to New York. It was amazing. It was also completely depressing, because now I know what I've been missing for 22 years of my life and I ache to go back, so so so much.
His campaign was incredible, 2 years ago no-one had heard of him. Now he's the first black President of America. He's an inspiration. He's articulate and he's got an amazingly classy first lady - I am excited for January 11th.
Spring Awakening, The Light in the Piazza, Next to Normal, Jersey Boys
Spring Awakening: I go through phases with this musical, sometimes I think it's the most ridiculous musical ever but then other times I'm blown away by it's genius. I'm very excited for Jan 31st, trains had better bloody be running.
The Light in the Piazza: Adam Guettel is a genius. This musical is just the most exquisite thing ever. I love how sweet and funny it is and how full of heart it is. I love Fabrizio and Clara.
Next to Normal: I feel kinda bad grouping this in with the others because I am obsessed with this show but otherwise this picspam would own the universe. I love how relatable this story is, I mean it's not exactly light subject matter but it deals with it with heart and truth and humour.
Jersey Boys: I grew up listening to the Four Seasons, in fact the first song I ever remember listening to was 'Who Loves You' on my Grand's record player. I was so excited for this musical to come to London, and having seen it with Scott Monello on for Frankie I'm just blown away by how slick and intense it is.
Legally Brown: Search for the new Piragua Guy. This was possibly the best episodic thing I saw this year. OMG so much love! It's hilarious.
Alice Ripley, Aaron Tveit, Krysta Rodriguez, Matt Doyle
All freakishly talented people, whom I could listen to for hours!
Janet Dacal, Andrea Burns
Insanely talented, ridiculously beautiful, complete sweethearts. I got totally flaily over Andrea at the stage door, I did the gushing 'I've loved you since Songs for a New World' thing and then Janet I was all 'umm... you were amazing' because I was so completely shocked by how utterly gorgeous she was in person.
Stephen Schwartz
Enchanted: So Close
Wicked: For Good
The Prince of Egypt: When You Believe
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Out There
Pocahontas: Just Around the Riverbend
Children of Eden: In Whatever Time We Have
Rags: If We Never Meet Again
Working: Fathers and Sons
The Baker's Wife: Meadowlark
Pippin: With You
Godspell: Alas For You
Stratford-Upon-Avon [July and October 2008]
July: It was a gorgeous weekend, sunshine (I got burned), lovely food and my Mum and Auntie Gill. We did a bus tour, and went to all the various houses in and around Stratford. Hamlet was wonderful, although I didn't think Tennant or Stewart were up to the hype, they were still wonderful and the staging of the first scene alone made me so thrilled.
October: I drove down! It was a great weekend, Tennant was far better in Love's Labour's Lost than Hamlet and everyone was totally on their game, except Mariah Gale but she was bad in Hamlet so we weren't expecting anything from her. Mum, Gill and I had a gorgeous meal, bought nice clothes and had a fantastic time.
Fiyero/Elphaba (Wicked), Peter/Jason (Bare), Felicity Huffman/William H. Macy.
Two fictional pairings, and one real life. I adore Fiyero/Elphaba just because they're so intense and adorable. I love Peter/Jason they're so epic and devastating. Felicity and William are just adorable and I love them and really don't gush about them enough.
Michael Arden Sings Blue @ Joe's Pub
One of my favourite male vocalists singing songs of one of my favourite female singers' songs.
Such a wonderful concert. Hearing Josh and Adam sing live was incredible. Kerry wiped the floor with Idina. Jon Robyns rocked in the ensemble and the whole evening reinforced my love of Chess.
Catherine Tate, Richard Armitage, Michael Arden, Lin-Manuel MirandaPeople who are supremely awesome. Catherine and Richard for their seriously awesome acting and for rejuvenating shows, Doctor Who and Spooks. Michael and Lin for their awesome musical skills and for being totally incredibly amazing.
Wonderfalls, Britannia High, Spooks, Sports Night
All thoroughly entertaining shows that I either discovered or rediscovered this year.
Curtis Holbrook
His dancing is incredible, plus he's hot!
My Top 10 Films are here but Mamma Mia gets a mention here because it was just so much fun, and really showed Rob Marshall how to translate a musical to screen.
Donna Noble: She was such an awesome character. She was a strong women who was still feminine. She more than matched the Doctor and she didn't try to be a hero and she didn't back down from a fight. I freaking love Donna Noble.
Matthew Gray Gubler is so funny and dorky. I love Spencer Reid, he's such an adorable geek.
Merlin, Colin Morgan, Bradley James
I love this show, I love how much fun it is. I adore the relationships between the characters, I love Merlin/Arthur. I freaking love Gwen.
Colin is such a good actor and he's terribly pretty and his accent is lush. He's such a dork as well. Bradley is very attractive and he's an awesome actor, I love his expressions and another dork as well.
picspammy did a picspam entitled 'what I loved about 2008' and it's so bloody obvious I don't know why it didn't come to me immediately but that is what this picspam is: What I Loved About 2008. This doesn't include everyone or everything it's not even a 'things I loved the most', I might have forgotten some things or included people I've never mentioned. These are just things I loved this year.[Title of Show], the little show that could. It may have only lasted 15 weeks on Broadway but it inspired such love and passion. It was a show about having a dream and following that dream. Hunter, Jeff, Heidi, Susan and Larry are an amazing group of people, so nice and kind and freakishly talented. I hope so much that when Tony time roles around they're remembered in some way.
In The Heights. This show means so much to me. I can't believe that it was the first show I saw on Broadway, I'm so thrilled that it was a show I wanted to see more than anything rather than just something I saw because I was in New York. It's incredible to think that Lin started writing it when he was 19, doodling on the back of his astronomy notebook and now it's a Tony Award Winning Musical, capitalisation totally necessary!
Dominic Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris, Lee Pace, Ben Barnes
All incredibly pretty men, who are awesome actors and pretty nifty singers.
New York 4th Sept 2008 - 7th Sept 2008. This was one of the best trips I've ever been on. I can't believe I've finally been to New York. It was amazing. It was also completely depressing, because now I know what I've been missing for 22 years of my life and I ache to go back, so so so much.
His campaign was incredible, 2 years ago no-one had heard of him. Now he's the first black President of America. He's an inspiration. He's articulate and he's got an amazingly classy first lady - I am excited for January 11th.
Spring Awakening, The Light in the Piazza, Next to Normal, Jersey Boys
Spring Awakening: I go through phases with this musical, sometimes I think it's the most ridiculous musical ever but then other times I'm blown away by it's genius. I'm very excited for Jan 31st, trains had better bloody be running.
The Light in the Piazza: Adam Guettel is a genius. This musical is just the most exquisite thing ever. I love how sweet and funny it is and how full of heart it is. I love Fabrizio and Clara.
Next to Normal: I feel kinda bad grouping this in with the others because I am obsessed with this show but otherwise this picspam would own the universe. I love how relatable this story is, I mean it's not exactly light subject matter but it deals with it with heart and truth and humour.
Jersey Boys: I grew up listening to the Four Seasons, in fact the first song I ever remember listening to was 'Who Loves You' on my Grand's record player. I was so excited for this musical to come to London, and having seen it with Scott Monello on for Frankie I'm just blown away by how slick and intense it is.
Legally Brown: Search for the new Piragua Guy. This was possibly the best episodic thing I saw this year. OMG so much love! It's hilarious.
Alice Ripley, Aaron Tveit, Krysta Rodriguez, Matt Doyle
All freakishly talented people, whom I could listen to for hours!
Janet Dacal, Andrea Burns
Insanely talented, ridiculously beautiful, complete sweethearts. I got totally flaily over Andrea at the stage door, I did the gushing 'I've loved you since Songs for a New World' thing and then Janet I was all 'umm... you were amazing' because I was so completely shocked by how utterly gorgeous she was in person.
Stephen Schwartz
Enchanted: So Close
Wicked: For Good
The Prince of Egypt: When You Believe
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Out There
Pocahontas: Just Around the Riverbend
Children of Eden: In Whatever Time We Have
Rags: If We Never Meet Again
Working: Fathers and Sons
The Baker's Wife: Meadowlark
Pippin: With You
Godspell: Alas For You
Stratford-Upon-Avon [July and October 2008]
July: It was a gorgeous weekend, sunshine (I got burned), lovely food and my Mum and Auntie Gill. We did a bus tour, and went to all the various houses in and around Stratford. Hamlet was wonderful, although I didn't think Tennant or Stewart were up to the hype, they were still wonderful and the staging of the first scene alone made me so thrilled.
October: I drove down! It was a great weekend, Tennant was far better in Love's Labour's Lost than Hamlet and everyone was totally on their game, except Mariah Gale but she was bad in Hamlet so we weren't expecting anything from her. Mum, Gill and I had a gorgeous meal, bought nice clothes and had a fantastic time.
Fiyero/Elphaba (Wicked), Peter/Jason (Bare), Felicity Huffman/William H. Macy.
Two fictional pairings, and one real life. I adore Fiyero/Elphaba just because they're so intense and adorable. I love Peter/Jason they're so epic and devastating. Felicity and William are just adorable and I love them and really don't gush about them enough.
Michael Arden Sings Blue @ Joe's Pub
One of my favourite male vocalists singing songs of one of my favourite female singers' songs.
Such a wonderful concert. Hearing Josh and Adam sing live was incredible. Kerry wiped the floor with Idina. Jon Robyns rocked in the ensemble and the whole evening reinforced my love of Chess.
Catherine Tate, Richard Armitage, Michael Arden, Lin-Manuel MirandaPeople who are supremely awesome. Catherine and Richard for their seriously awesome acting and for rejuvenating shows, Doctor Who and Spooks. Michael and Lin for their awesome musical skills and for being totally incredibly amazing.
Wonderfalls, Britannia High, Spooks, Sports Night
All thoroughly entertaining shows that I either discovered or rediscovered this year.
Curtis Holbrook
His dancing is incredible, plus he's hot!
My Top 10 Films are here but Mamma Mia gets a mention here because it was just so much fun, and really showed Rob Marshall how to translate a musical to screen.
Donna Noble: She was such an awesome character. She was a strong women who was still feminine. She more than matched the Doctor and she didn't try to be a hero and she didn't back down from a fight. I freaking love Donna Noble.
Matthew Gray Gubler is so funny and dorky. I love Spencer Reid, he's such an adorable geek.
Merlin, Colin Morgan, Bradley James
I love this show, I love how much fun it is. I adore the relationships between the characters, I love Merlin/Arthur. I freaking love Gwen.
Colin is such a good actor and he's terribly pretty and his accent is lush. He's such a dork as well. Bradley is very attractive and he's an awesome actor, I love his expressions and another dork as well.
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Date: 2008-12-29 08:17 pm (UTC)Loooovee the icon! Check your email, I send
Hope 2009 will be fab too! *hugs*
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Date: 2008-12-29 09:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 09:22 pm (UTC)Great picspam! I love Mamma Mia! Obama is amazing too. :)
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Date: 2008-12-29 09:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 09:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 10:17 pm (UTC)i'm doing the same thing for picspammy and it's taking FOREVER. and i have to finish tomorrow. UTTER FAIL, SELF.
and of course merlin made it onto here ;)
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Date: 2008-12-29 10:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 10:39 pm (UTC)Merlin/Arthur=FTW
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Date: 2008-12-29 11:07 pm (UTC)(and nice bare lyrics in your header. ha.)
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Date: 2008-12-29 11:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 11:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 11:18 pm (UTC)i love them so much
i hope they won't force qwen/arthur on us in s2
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Date: 2008-12-29 11:19 pm (UTC)I wouldn't mind them forcing Gwen/Arthur on us, I adore them too and they've set them up really well, plus anything that gives Gwen more screentime is a-ok in my book.
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Date: 2008-12-29 11:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 11:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 11:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-29 11:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-30 12:22 am (UTC)This is awesome. I will go through it again in more detail tomorrow and OHMYGOD I *must* get around to DLing The Light In The Piazza.
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Date: 2008-12-30 06:40 am (UTC)1. Yay [tos]. I love their dedication and determination to reach their dream, and I was so happy for them when they got it, so heartbroken to hear that they were closing. They are so strong though, so poised about it. They're an amazing group of people, and I know they're not going to let the show die or wither away. I look forward to what they're doing next.
2. OH, HEIGHTS. This is my #1 Broadway show, and I haven't even seen it live yet. (Thank God for bootlegs.) Thank the heavens for Lin-Manuel Miranda - he's amazing and freakishly talented and it floors me how much work he put into it, how much he obviously loves it. It breaks my heart that he won't be Usnavi when I eventually get to see it live. :( Anyway! The show has its flaws and all, but I just love it with my entire being. Gorgeous music, such a heartfelt message. I love Janet and Andrea too! I love the whole cast, but I have a special place in my heart for these two - their characters, their BFF-ness in real life. There cannot be two fiercer women. Also, Legally Brown was GENIUS. I'd love to see what Lin is capable of doing to his YouTube channel when he doesn't have a huge Broadway show to do 8 times a week. Who knows what will happen when he has free time? Heh. I'll stop rambling now because I'll be talking about it in my own year-end roundup, but I just had to say: !!!!!!!!!! AS'LKJALJF';L;JFAL HEIGHTS FOREVER! ♥
3. Pretty pretty boys! These four were some of my favorites this year too. :) Especially Lee Pace, ohmylord.
4. I'm so jealous you got to go to NY! The last time I was there, I was too young to appreciate it. I'm going in a couple of years, and I only have the highest hopes for the trip. It's truly an amazing city.
5. YES THEY DID. :D Living half a world away did not diminish the feeling of victory when Obama became the President-Elect. Well done, America. Definitely one of the best parts of the year.
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Date: 2008-12-30 06:43 am (UTC)6. I also have a love-hate relationship with Spring Awakening LOL. Many parts of it I find COMPLETELY ridiculous (beating scene, more than half of Act 2) but even when the lyrics barely make sense, the music is beautiful. The genius of Touch Me and The Guilty Ones and the gorgeous harmonies of Purple Summer and the fun, pop-y rhythm of My Junk. I can't help but love it despite itself.
6a. I have to say, I mostly love Spring Awakening because of the cast members. They're all so AMAZING. Seeing Krysta on this list made me smile so much, because she's a phenomenon. Two Tony Award-winning shows in two years! Also: MATT DOYLE. He is my absolute favorite, and I will never get enough of him. He needs to never ever ever stop working. EVER.
7. Before I make this comment longer than the actual post, I just love that your list is full of musicals. ♥ Musical theater and Broadway made up such a HUGE part of my 2008 too, and I'm so glad to see I'm not alone with this obsession! I know most other people on LJ haven't been exposed to the awesomeness of say Alice Ripley, Kerry Ellis (I love Fiyero/Elphaba too, I can't believe there aren't more people that flail about this!), Michael Arden (I LOVE THIS MAN, and OH GOD bare killed me with its sadness), LIN!, Curtis Holbrook, Aaron Tveit -- but I guess what I'm trying to say is I feel so glad to know and appreciate their talents.
8. Now see I can't actually comment on the more mainstream stuff on your list because I haven't watched Merlin. It's on my list of things I have to see before the end of Christmas break, but I haven't found the time. *shrug* Speaking of "mainstream" - yay for Spencer Reid and his geekiness! He's my favorite part of Criminal Minds.
I'm sorry for rambling on and on and on. This is the first list I've seen that is more than 50% familiar to me, not to mention many of the things I'm very passionate about. All I really wanted to say is: AMAZING picspam - both in content and the quality of the pictures. Your coloring is beautiful. I'm so sorry to hear that 2008 was not-so-good for you. Here's to hoping that 2009 will be tons better. :) Happy new year! ♥
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Date: 2008-12-30 09:16 am (UTC)YES YOU MUST! C'mon H, don't let me down now I need someone to flail over it with. I also have faith it will grow on you as it did on me.
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Date: 2008-12-30 09:22 am (UTC)I had to put Broadway/Musical theatre on here, it's such an immense part of my life and pretty much one of the only things that got me through this year.
Obviously it depends who they get as Usnavi to replace Lin, but I genuinely believe seeing the show even without Lin being a part of it doesn't hurt the show at all. I was fortunate to see him when I went but I'd have been equally as happy to see Javier or Shaun, ITH has the most freakishly talented ensemble ever!
Exactly about TOS' class. They were amazing, and it was raining so badly when we went to the stage door but I don't think I've met/seen a more appreciative group of people, they were so genuine.
I never thought I'd ever actually get to NY and then this June I became obsessed with ITH and by July I'd got NY booked - insane, but totally the best way to do it.
I know, I stayed up till 6 am watching the election results come in, I don't think I've ever felt more hopeful.
Shall comment on the second part of the comment there.
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Date: 2008-12-30 09:27 am (UTC)Yeah I'm the same I'm all about the Matt and Krysta, they're just so wonderful. Matt should have been full time Melchior, not that I don't enjoy his Hanschen but it's not a role you can do a whole lot with.
Michael Arden is AMAZING. His Joni gig at Joe's Pub is possibly my favourite gig in the history of the universe and I wasn't even there! He has such a gorgeous voice and his acting is incredible.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I feel so glad to know and appreciate their talents.
Same, I frequently try to pimp them out to my flist and not a lot of people are particularly interested but they're missing out on so much, if only Aaron Tveit's abs of sheer awesome.
Merlin is awesome, silly and frivolous but awesome nonetheless.
If I were you I'd also watch Britannia High, it's Arlene Phillips choreography and the singing and dancing is incredible even if the plot is completely silly.
Thanks! And Happy New Year yourself.
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Date: 2008-12-30 02:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-30 02:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-30 03:32 pm (UTC)Matthew FTW!
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Date: 2008-12-30 06:20 pm (UTC)