One of these things is not like the other. Here are some of my favorite things of 2018.
Musicals — Be More Chill (crazy fun; saw it off-broadway, but it’s moving to Broadway in February), Come From Away (a beautiful story, great songs, great cast), Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical (an over-the-top spectacle; RIP the Broadway production; going on tour in 2019). Hamilton at DPAC was also fantastic. I’m also digging the Mean Girls cast recording but I haven’t had a chance to see the show yet.
Jump, Little Children, Sparrow — One of my favorite bands from high school and college returned with their first studio recordings in 13 years.
Hawai’i — I was very fortunate to get to visit Oahu in January with my wife and it blew my mind. It is an amazing place. I got to visit some of the locations where Lost was filmed (#nerd).
Funko Pops — It started with one, John Locke from Lost, who I brought with me to Hawai’i. I now have 70. I might have a problem.
Rick and Morty — I finally watched this show this year. Then I watched it again. And again. And again. Now I’m impatiently waiting on season four.
Shave ice — This became a new obsession of mine this year after visiting Hawai’i. If you ever find yourself in Oahu, check out Dan's Maili Shave Ice. It’s an easy-to-miss hole in the wall, but crazy good.
Dogs on Instagram — Cute dogs on Instagram help make the world seem like a little bit less of a dumpster fire. lilerniebigjourney is my current favorite. Ernie’s human is Abby Jaros who is in the ensemble of the Philip Tour of Hamilton.
Will Hoge, My American Dream — Will’s new album is a great statement on the state of our nation right now. I’m glad he keeps fighting the good fight, particularly to an audience that needs to hear it.
MCU — The Marvel Cinematic Universe keeps on cranking out the jams. Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Ant-Man and the Wasp, all in one year!? Wow.
