Welcome to “Not Twitter”, a low-effort chronicling of my thoughts, media I’ve enjoyed, or anything else that comes to mind. This is primarily for personal use but feel free to peer in. 

Today my personal favorite animated piece of media, Over the Garden Wall turns 10 years old! We’ve been blessed with a gorgeous Aardman stop motion tribute as well as a stupendous concert by The Blasting Company. Words can’t do this justice. I love this show so, so much. We’ve been well fed

Current state of bag. Yesterday I bought the Smokey Bear pin and Colorado “Hudson” keychain from the Dam Store in Loveland. It’s starting to get a little bit crowed. I’ve been considering a bag upgrade. 

Hamilton

October 29, 2024 in Denver, CO

So, I’m kind of sick of Hamilton at this point in my life. I listened to it so religiously in my mid-teen years—I’m talking consistently #1 on my Apple Music (which I used to use because I was a loser) for over three years.

After finally seeing the show live in Denver, I can say my tastes were absolutely validated. What a masterfully crafted show!

The cast was incredible, as expected. What surprised me was how emotional the show made me. Maybe it’s the nostalgia; I don’t know. I rarely cry at media or in general (thanks, toxic masculinity!), but as soon as “Burn” started, the waterworks turned on, and I sobbed for the rest of the show. Every time Eliza came on stage after “Burn,” I just couldn’t help it.

I actually enjoy crying because it happens so rarely, so for that, I thank Hamilton.

But yeah, amazing show—of course! I’m grateful I was able to see it.

I don’t know why I wore a sweater; I was dying of heatstroke the entire show!

– H.Lud

I also got this pin for my bag. It’s a pretty good one.

Good video that really changed my perspective on musical theatre back in the day.

Me smiling like a dork.

Hadestown

October 26, 2024 in Fort Collins, CO

My friend Nathan gifted me a ticket to one of my all-time favorite musicals, Hadestown. I first discovered the show thanks to the YouTube algorithm in 2021. It took me a while to get into it, but once I felt out the vibe and understood the story, it quickly became one of my favorite pieces of theater.

Aesthetically, it resonates deeply with my palate. I love the steam train, gutter jazz, and working-class Americana vibes. But aside from the aesthetics, the staging, singing, and writing of the show are simply perfect. The way the storyline flows absolutely shouldn’t work on paper, yet the transitions between songs and the abstract jazz club staging are incredibly compelling.

It’s hard to put into words how much this show impacted me as an artistic experience. I think the only thing that beats it is Les Misérables.

Hades—what a character! Our Hades specifically, Nickolaus Colón, truly carries the role. His monologue in Act 2, “His Kiss, The Riot,” gave me chills. And the trombone player? Wow!

Having the orchestra on stage was magical.

For some reason, Lincoln Center doesn’t provide playbills—maybe this was just for this particular show—but as a playbill collector, I found it quite disappointing. Instead, I “borrowed” a decorative flower to keep with my playbills. I saw others doing the same, so I asked the staff for permission. While I’d still prefer a playbill, this is a marginally acceptable alternative.

As I mentioned before, the trombone player ROCKED the house. He really didn’t have to go that hard! As a pianist, I also appreciated the contribution of the pianist. There were musical elements that stood out live that didn’t come through on the cast album, like the guitar solo in “Why We Build the Wall” and the accordion solo in “His Kiss, The Riot.”

I also got a cool shirt, and these shirts are incredibly well made. Whoever is in charge of the Hadestown merchandise clearly cares a lot about their work.