Alex Boniello is a wildly talented stage and screen actor, producer and musician. You can catch him currently in Whisper House.
Hello lovely Giant Bomb community. This marks my third year in a row that I have been asked to write a list for my favorite games site, and I’m happy to do so again! It has continued to be an incredibly weird year for us all, and while the situation in the NYC theatre scene is currently especially bleak because of Omicron, I’ve been thrilled to watch the theatre return, slowly but surely. To celebrate that, I’ve decided to share my favorite theatre moment of the year, as well as some other favorite moments across all forms of media, before hopping into my Games of the Year. I took a lot of comfort in enjoying these things and I wanted to share them. Because it’s my list!!! And I can!!!
Theatre of the Year: Hadestown’s first performance back
(Full Disclosure, I’m a co-producer on Hadestown)
So, I got to attend the final dress rehearsal of “Hadestown” on Broadway in September. This was the first public performance of a musical on Broadway since my entire industry was forced to shut down in March of 2020. It was an incredibly powerful night for me, and was also a weirdly anxiety provoking one. Would it feel the same? Would we be able to do this safely? Is it okay that I’m in this room full of people?
The answer was, and is “yes.” Being in a theatre full of masked and fully vaccinated audience members felt safe and felt incredible and was like a giant exhale that I had been holding in for nearly two years. There might be bumps along the way, but the industry that I love and have dedicated my life to will be okay.
Tabletop of the Year: ILLIMAT
So, it’s not a new game by any means, but I’ve been playing a lot of “Illimat” made by the brilliant minds at Together Studios and have been totally blown away by it. It feels like some sort of hidden, secret card game from a lost era. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a very strategic and cerebral card game. It still hasn’t gotten old.
TV of the Year: Succession Season 3 Finale
I won’t spoil any of this because it’s still pretty recent. But there’s a scene where the three Roy children are together, trying to connect with and comfort one another, and are completely unable to. They simply lack the tools, but continue to try. Scenes like this are why I’m an actor.
Film of the Year: West Side Story
Speaking of “why I’m an actor.” Jesus. This film is a total and complete knockout. Performances that are genuinely not to be believed by new and emerging talent, ushered in by STEVEN ACTUAL SPIELBERG. For a theatre lover and a lover of film, this whole entire project is an embarrassment of riches. One of the best musicals of all time adapted by one of the best directors we’ll ever have. See it, please!
Book of the Year: Song of Achilles
Another “yeah I know it’s not new” choice. If you have even a passing interest in Greek mythology, do yourself a favor and read this book. I thought I knew the story, and of course I did, but the writing is so excellent and the structure of the book is such that the ending still manages to pack a hugely emotional punch. Cried a lot. Couldn’t recommend more!
And now, the video games!
Honorable Mention: Breath of the Wild for the Second Time
Yeah, so I played Breath of the Wild to completion for the first time since 100%-ing it back at its original release.
My second playthrough has only confirmed— I think it’s the best video game ever made.
10. New Pokémon Snap
This is the most I’ve enjoyed a Pokémon game in years. Like, including the mainline games. I’m not sure if that’s a depressing comment on the state of the franchise, or what, but I had a great time. I played the majority of it on a plane, which was maybe the perfect place for it, as it allowed me to really focus on all the fun and interesting areas the Pokemon would pop up. I don’t know that I would’ve been so sucked into the game if I had anything else to do but sit on the plane ride. Regardless, I still smile whenever I think about it. It feels like my childhood memories, but plays way better. It’s what a nostalgia grab SHOULD feel like!
9. Valheim
Valheim came exactly when I needed it to, offering something chaotic and super fun for my friends and I to mess around with. I still remember the first time I saw an ogre coming at us from over a hill and just bursting out laughing at how totally unprepared we were to fight it. We got totally flattened. Another fun moment came from having myself and a few friends (including former GB employee Abby Russell!) build homes, and having twitch viewers vote on which house was the best. Like most of us, I fell off of it after a while, but I’m sure I’ll check in again sometime soon.