Last year, I read 11 books!This year I read 15. Well over my usual goal of 10 books per year thanks to four audio books. I also listened to a lot of podcasts, which I have included at the end of this list. This was the first year I listened to audiobooks! I’m not the best listener, but I realized that if the book is non-fiction and similar in style to the podcasts I listen to, then I can do it, and it’s a good way to experience more books. I’m still primarily a reader, and I usually use my listening time for podcasts, so any audiobooks I choose should have a real reason to do the audio version, such as a specific reader or style.
Last year I saw 30 movies, all at home or on a plane, and this year I also saw 30. I saw 4 new movies (last year it was 2), and 26 older movies streaming/on a plane. I saw 2 of the new movies either in the theater, and 2 streaming.
Last year I saw 36 shows. This year I saw 34, so a little drop from last year, but not too bad. 24 of those were in person, 10 were streaming, on Zoom, or in a movie theater. I saw two more in-person show than last year, and slightly fewer streaming shows.
Days of Rage, the musical I’ve written lyrics for, with book and music by Hyeyoung Kim, had an industry presentation on December 4th.
We had a fantastic cast and team, and I’m so proud of everyone involved. Days of Ragehas been developed for the last decade and we strongly believe that this show has a bright future. This reading was a major step forward.
Days of Rage explores the experiences of various activist groups during the late 1960s and early 1970s, delving into their struggles, triumphs, and the lasting impact they had on society. How can we stop the cycle of violence? Days of Rage explores this ever-present question. Jean Avery leads a militant protest group that tries to stop the war and bring troops back home, and David Hayward, the leader of the Black Angels, tries to build a community and protect their homes from Urban Renewal. As David and Jean’s paths intertwine, they grow closer and apart in a turbulent time of war, civil rights, and rage.
Lyricist Shoshana Greenberg, Bookwriter and Composer Hyeyoung Kim, Producer Trey Tetreault
It’s about a fever, a passion and conviction to stand up for what is right at home and abroad. And it’s about caring for our community, coming together to collectively nurture what is needed now, for us all.
I finished The White Lotus season 2 over the weekend. Yes, I know, I’m late to a party where you definitely needed to be there. But it took me a while to get started. I think I was resentful of the show for a while. Creator Mike White’s show Enlightened (2012-2013) with Laura Dern is one of my top favorite shows, and it did not get the audience it deserved. And here comes Mike White’s next show, a show that everyone is talking about though it’s not as good? It was too much. But after everyone’s season 2 chatter I decided to start it earlier this year. I was disappointed in season 1, but friends said season 2 was better, and I must say, it was.
Last year, I read 10 books!This year I read 11. I am a little over my usual goal of 10 books per year. I also listened to a lot of podcasts, which I have included at the end of this list.
Last year I saw 31 movies, all at home, and this year I saw 30, also all at homeor on a plane. I saw 2 new movies (last year it was 7), and 28 older movies streaming/on a plane (same as last year).
Last year I saw 36 shows. This year I also saw 36, so the same as last year’s drop. 22 of those were in person, 2 outdoors. While I did see more in person shows than streaming this year, I was very thankful for the opportunities to watch streaming shows.
I performed/read in the 3 Thornton Wilder Society readings. 1 show was connected to an article I wrote, although I did not know it at the time. I watched 3 operas (last year it was 7).
I have highlighted my favorites, although it’s kind of arbitrary, everything felt equally good this year. And after the favorites is the HUGE list of everything I saw. Then, I have listed some fun panels, exhibits, and events I also attended this year.
It’s a bit late into the new year, but I finally have time to update and I wanted to highlight some cool things I did at the end of 2021. I’m looking forward to more cool things in the new year!
