A special note from Christen to you, The Reimaginers:
People are always asking athletes, “What do you listen to to get hyped before a game?” They’re expecting Kendrick. Rihanna. And yes I do love them both. But in my headphones? Here’s my secret. Sometimes I’m jamming to the Hamilton soundtrack, whisper-singing “My Shot” like it’s a pre-game prayer. I know… Not exactly a locker-room classic. But hear me out: musicals make me happy. And when I’m happy, I play my best.
Hamilton is my forever #1. I’ve seen it live four times, and yes, I could probably step in for Eliza tomorrow. And oh would I love to have Phillipa Soo’s voice. Hamilton blends story, rhythm, ambition, and heartbreak. And when I watch it; it feels like watching someone score a beautiful goal… that rare combination of timing, effort, and magic that makes everyone in the stadium catch their breath. A moment of transcendence. Same goosebumps.
It is the story of women doing the unseen work in a revolution, and immigrants getting the job done. The messages baked into every lyric were meaningful a decade ago… and they are meaningful now.
Last week I saw Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, and I left feeling spiritually wrecked in the best way. Cynthia Erivo as Jesus was everything — committed, raw, transcendent. But the song “Gethsemane”? That was the show’s 90th-minute stunner. The Bowl took to their feet in a tear-filled standing ovation that seemed to last forever. I’ve seen a lot of performances — on stage and on the pitch — and that was elite-level emotional athleticism.
Next up: &Juliet in LA. Who’s with me??
In a world that feels increasingly heavy, the arts are one place where I genuinely see things getting better… more inclusive, more boundary-pushing, and full of the kind of joy that sticks to your skin long after the curtain falls.
I’m a rookie for life, and musicals are my cross training: soul work, with a killer soundtrack 🎶