A Strange Loop NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (354)
See it if Smart, edgy, satirical story about an unhappy gay black playwright trying to write a musical about a gay black playwright. It's very meta.
Don't see it if Explicit language and sexual references. Satirizes Disney, religion, and Tyler Perry. Darkly funny but also sad in parts.
See it if you want to hear a fresh, singular, brave, uncensored voice. This queer black man's perspective is like nothing else on stage anywhere.
Don't see it if R-rated material will keep you from taking in this thrilling moment in theatrical history.
See it if A Strange Loop ripped me open in a way I was unprepared for. A gorgeous, self aware exploration of creativity, otherness, and the self
Don't see it if You want to see something more story driven Read more
See it if You want a very emotional yet entertaining experience. Oozing with talent.
Don't see it if You’re priggish and have problems with gay life merged with black socio-political issues.
See it if You appreciate musicals with great singing, a show that will have you laugh, cry, and reflect.
Don't see it if You don't like shows that focus on identity.
See it if you want to see how creative process and inner thoughts and background are inseparable. Relatable to all of us.
Don't see it if If you don't think you can relate to someone that is not exactly like you. Explicit sex scene.
See it if you are up to an outrageous, "in your face" rollercoaster that speaks volumes - if you are listening.......
Don't see it if you are easily offended or shocked.
See it if if you like musicals and appreciate talented performers; if you want to see a dynamite performance by the energetic lead actor
Don't see it if if you'll be offended by references to anal sex; if you don't enjoy shows about gay black men
Critic Reviews (24)
“Punctuated with riffs on homophobia, AIDS, and racial disparity, the loop extends far beyond the stage...’A Strange Loop’ tackles many of the insecurities that we’ve all faced...This doesn’t diminish its specificity of the black queer experience. Instead, it reinforces the idea that individuality and commonality aren’t mutually exclusive...’A Strange Loop’ is a rare commodity. One can’t walk away from Jackson’s fearless work without one’s own loop spiraling in a new direction."
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"Jackson's greatest gift is in making us care deeply about Usher. We sincerely hope that all will turn out well for this self-proclaimed 'black, queer ugly man,' who has let his own damaged self-perception, his concern with societal expectations, his tendency to over-think everything, and, above all, his unresolved relationship with his church-loving, Tyler Perry-worshipping, AIDS-fearing Southern parents block all forms of authentic personal expression, whether on the stage or in the bedroom."
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"A raucously profane, satirical, musical comedy, a sometimes painful, sometimes joyous, and sometimes comic cry of angst…Usher and his Thoughts sing and dance his problems in a highly theatricalized format creatively staged and vividly choreographed…The music is heavily rhythmic; the lyrics emotionally expressive, didactically inclined, and narratively thin; the language often filthy; the 'n-words' and 'fag' references endemic; and the familiar African-American allusions common."
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"'A Strange Loop' is genuinely breathtaking because it forces you to gasp before you break out laughing...Have I mentioned that Jackson wrote the music, lyrics, and the book for 'Loop'? Usually, that three-hat trick in the musical theater world is the mark of death. Jackson wears all hats with fabulous style."
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"The music is lively; the lyrics are so dense that it is occasionally difficult to catch everything at first hearing. The production pulls out all the stops...Raja Feather Kelly’s choreography adds a lot to the production. Director Stephen Brackett skillfully holds everything together. This was certainly one of the most exciting and original shows I saw this year."
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"As Usher struggles to find his voice and his musical’s form over the ensuing 100 minutes, so, too, does 'A Strange Loop,' morphing and growing as it slyly slides through genres and tropes...Compelling and special, articulating ideas with a specificity that gives non-queer, non-black audiences a window into queer black life...It is also just really funny and enjoyable, as the best musical comedies are...Amid a complex musical about self-reference and discovery, Usher asks his audience to care."
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"For much of the early part of the show, the anguish and mental grime that Usher is going through is barely noticeable through Jackson’s scintillating, propulsive score. The music...has a genuine Broadway vivacity...The give-and-take between Usher and his Thoughts is spiked with humour...Jackson has created a musical that in extraordinarily courageous fashion pulls us deep into another person’s soul...And when it’s done with exciting music as well, it’s especially rewarding."
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“A most tender post-adolescent, coming-of-age story...Perhaps the most candid and rawest depiction of self-discovery that’s ever been a musical...Jackson’s dialogue is unapologetically, sexually unfiltered in its African American urban-speak, punctuated by rap. The book and lyrics meld seamlessly in and out of 18 musical numbers. The score is fabulous...Jackson’s high point is the soaring gospel ensemble that is, at once, both lacerating satire and redemptive inspiration."
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