A Strange Loop

A Strange Loop
Playwrights Horizons

May 26, 2019

Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

Michael R. Jackson’s A Strange Loop is having its world premiere at Playwrights Horizons.  It is a bold and unique work, exploring the way individuals looks at themselves through the reflection of other, continually repeating and “looping” for an infinite period of time.  It is a spiritual, psychological, and emotional journey that spirals deeply into the core of the main character’s understanding of himself.

The full cast of A Strange Loop
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

Usher (played by Larry Owens) is an NYU graduate struggling to write his musical, the one he is presently performing in.  The voices in his head (the six members of the ensemble) are continually keeping him from focusing on his main goal.  They are reverberating words of his low self-worth, his sexual identity, his gay-black self, his inner white girl… the list goes on.  These voices continually cycle him through repeated distraction until he realizes that in order to finish writing his musical, the one his is presently performing in, he must face himself head on.

Larry Ownes & Michael R. Jackson
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

Larry Owens does not leave the stage for one hour and forty-five minutes.  He is a powerhouse of vocal strength.  His character has an open heart that makes you feel for him, and a strong will that makes you believe in him.  The six voices in his head (Antwayne Hopper, James Jackson, Jr., L Morgan Lee, John-Michael Lyles, John-Andrew Morison, and Jason Veasey) play numerous roles.  They are a skillful and mighty ensemble, who create distinct, truthful, and over the top characters that keep you engaged and make you laugh out loud.

Director Stephen Brackett keeps the pace of the show moving.  The choreography by Raja Feather Kelly is sharp, boisterous, and spirited.  Michael R. Jackson has written the book, lyrics, and music.  He has a powerful voice and a straightforward style.  A Strange Loop is playing at Playwrights Horizons through July 7.

Domenick Danza