Hamilton, October 21, 2017 (2pm), Hollywood Pantages Theatre

This was my first time seeing Hamilton. 

THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME SEEING HAMILTON. 

Conclusion? It really is all that and a bag of chips, and it translates beyond its original Broadway cast (whom I'm familiar with from the soundtrack). 

Cast:

Alexander Hamilton - Michael Luwoye

Eliza Hamilton - Solea Pfeiffer

Aaron Burr, sir - Joshua Henry

Angelica Schuyler - Emmy Raver-Lampman

George Washington - Isaiah Jordan

Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson - Jordan DOnica

Mulligan/Madison - Desmond Newson

King George - Rory O'Malley

The Muppets Take the Bowl, September 9, 2017, Hollywood Bowl

This is one of those things I didn't know was on my bucket list until it happened. Who could have predicted a live stage show by the entire Muppet cast? It was a thing of beauty and wonder, and I smiled the whole way through.  The show was hosted by Kermit and actor Bobby Moynihan (from Saturday Night Live) and featured Thomas Wilkins conducting the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Pigs In Space, manah-manah, Swedish Chef - it was all there. My favorite part was Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem performing David Bowie's Suffragette City. The show ended with, what else, Rainbow Connection.