The year 2010 was not a dull year in the arts. We saw controversies and censorship in our national art institutions. At the same time we have seen some of the best books, performances, music and poetry in years. This was a good year for the arts and take a look at my best of 2010!
Without a doubt one of the best novels every written about being in war.
Best Non-Fiction: Game Change by John Heileman and Mark Halperin
The best book about America's 2010 Presidential campaign and maybe the best since "The Making of a President" in 1960 by Theodore White.
Best Biography/History: Freedom Summer by Bruce Watson
Mississippi Freedom Summer in 1964 captured like in vivid detail with stories of courage in the face of fear.
Best Book of Poetry: What the Right Hand Knows by Tom Healy A haunting book of beautiful poetry about people about loneliness and being different.
Best Broadway Play: Angels in America by Tony Kushner
This revival has as much impact as if it just opened for the first time. Brilliant!
Best Broadway Musical: Promises, Promises with book by Neil Simon and music by Burt Bacharach and Hal David
Sean Hayes and Kirstin Chenoweth and Molly Shannon made this a pure delight
In her Broadway debut Judith Light is a tour de force playing Marie Lombardi. She was simply amazing to watch.
Best Actor on Broadway: Levi Kreis in Million Dollar Quartet
If you believe in channeling another person you can find no better example than Kreis playing Jerry Lee Lewis.
Best Supporting Actor on Broadway: Keith Nobbs in Lombardi
What a year for the young actor from being in HBO's The Pacific to his perfect performance as the young reporter in Lombardi.
Best Supporting Actress on Broadway: Molly Shannon in Promises, Promises
When this actress appears in the second act the stage comes totally alive.
Playing Riff in West Side Story the young actor captivated us all with his voice and charisma. As a solo performer he is the bright new talent that we will be hearing about in the future.
Best Art of 2010: "Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture," at the National Portrait Gallery
Finally our history comes alive through art in our nation's Capitol. Despite the censorship, it is the most exciting and profound breakthrough show of the year.
Best Music Album of the Year: The Promise by Bruce Springsteen
Classic Springsteen at his very best and you must listen to it over and over again.
Koz bravely goes into new places and his best album in years.
Best Female Singer of the Year: Lady Gaga
She had the entire nation coming together to sing her music, dance their asses off and write their Congress members. Doesn't get any better than that.
Best Male Singer of the Year: Alan Jackson
The country crooner just keeps getting better and better. One of the best of all time.
For more visit Live from Hell's Kitchen.
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