Reviewing the Drama: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Ballet, Movies, and TV Reviews

With the New Year right around the corner, it's time for my year in review. Herein, my favorite things of the year (in alphabetical order), plus some honorable mentions. (Like Spinal Tap, I take this to 11.) Aaron Tveit Has a Good Year —The multi-talented star began the year by being the best thing about the screen adaptation of Les Miserables . He continued his mastery of the universe by walking out on stage at the Academy Awards like a boss, showing everyone how it's done. Then his new TV show, Graceland , premiered on USA Network and was picked up for a second season. He basically broke 54 Below's ticketing system, selling out several concerts (I couldn't even get a ticket), and then released a recording of the concerts (the album has been in constant rotation). He continues to work in film, shooting a few films, both short and feature-length. I couldn't be happier for the talented guy's success—though I do hope it's not too long before we see the ...

This morning, these two things happened. First, Thomas Sadoski (who plays Don on  The Newsroom ) let his Italian friends know that  The Newsroom  will premiere on Italian TV on October 17, and air every Thursday, at 11pm. Then he apologized for his Italian skills. Later,  Lin-Manuel Miranda (a Tony winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist for In the Heights ) reviewed the new doc, Broadway Idiot , which chronicles Billie Joe Armstrong's journey from punk rocker to a rocking Broadway star, with  American Idiot . (For the full effect, it's important to note that Miranda worked with the genius  Tom Kitt (who won the Pulitzer and a Tony for  Next to Normal ) on  Bring It On .) Miranda speaks the truth. (Also, learn about Broadway Idiot . ) It was a fun morning.