The Mayoress's 2009 Arts Picks

Like those who write them, I have a love/hate relationship with top ten lists. I love lists, but favorites rarely come in tens. Still, always one full of opinions, The Mayoress presents her "what I can remember seeing right now" lists:

Film

• Precious - if it's endorsed by both Barbara Bush and Oprah Winfrey, you know its message is far-reaching. Lovely performances by every single actor.
  
• Sin Nombre - beautifully shot, gritty, and genuine, Cary Fukunaga's gipping story follows emigrants toward the border.
  
• District 9 - allegory at its best.
• The Last International Playboy - a fun crash course in New York socialite-ism.
  

Theater

• Post No Bills (Rattlestick Theater Company) - brilliant drama where everything was pitch-perfect.
  
• Jump Jim Crow (Subjective Theater Company) - everything off-off-Broadway should be: provocative, funny, sad, inspiring, and not using an intimate venue for an excuse not to bring quality.
• Hair (The Public) - though it's a bit tourist-ized for this downtowner, a thoroughly joyful night of theatre.
  

Television

• Law & Order: SVU (NBC) - another glorious season of the best drama on network television. Note to writers: enough with the preachy scene in each episode though, ok?
• True Blood (HBO) - Alan Ball has created a world I never thought I'd find so addicting.
  
• Modern Family (ABC) - Hilarious - best new sitcom.
  
• Jersey Shore (MTV) - When the Kardashians are starting to seem smart.
• Yo Gabba Gabba (Nick) - The kids' show that makes me want kids. Well, for 30 minutes anyway.

So what are your favorites of '09?