Strange Loop is a Tony Award winning musical that opened on Broadway in October 2022. It was written by Michael R. Jackson and directed by Stephen Brackett. The musical centers around Usher, an overweight, gay, black man who works as an usher at a Broadway theater while trying to write his own musical inspired by old school R&B and funk music.
When did Strange Loop open on Broadway?
Strange Loop opened on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre on October 6, 2022 after successful runs off-Broadway and in Washington D.C. It is still currently running on Broadway as of October 17, 2023.
How long has Strange Loop been running on Broadway?
Strange Loop has been running on Broadway for over 1 year now. As of October 17, 2023, it has been open on Broadway for approximately 371 days.
What awards has Strange Loop won?
Strange Loop has won numerous awards even before opening on Broadway, including:
- 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
- 2020 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical
- 2022 Tony Award for Best Musical
- 2022 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (Michael R. Jackson)
- 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score (Michael R. Jackson)
- 2022 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Jaquel Spivey)
- 2022 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Stephen Brackett)
It received a total of 11 Tony Award nominations in 2022 and won 5 of those awards.
What is Strange Loop about?
Strange Loop follows Usher, a young gay Black man trying to write a musical about his experiences while working as an usher at a Broadway theater. Usher struggles with self-doubt, loneliness, and reconciling his faith and sexuality through visits from his inner thoughts and desires that manifest into characters that offer advice, taunt, and reflect parts of his identity. The meta musical explores deep questions of identity, self-perception, and feeling stuck in life through Usher’s unique point of view.
Who stars in the Broadway production?
The Broadway cast of Strange Loop is led by Jaquel Spivey in the central role of Usher. He previously understudied the role off-Broadway. The cast also includes Tony Award nominee L Morgan Lee (Thought 1), James Jackson, Jr. (Thought 2), Tony Award nominee John-Michael Lyles (Thought 3), Tony Award nominee John-Andrew Morrison (Thought 4), and Jason Veasey (Thought 5).
Is Strange Loop still running with the original cast?
Most of the principal original cast members are still starring in Strange Loop on Broadway as of October 2023. However, there have been a few cast changes since opening:
- L Morgan Lee, who plays Thought 1, recently returned to the show after recovering from surgery.
- Antwayn Hopper replaced John-Andrew Morrison in the role of Thought 4 in July 2022.
So while Jaquel Spivey and most of the key cast members remain, there have been minor changes over its Broadway run.
How have reviews been for the Broadway production?
Reviews for the Broadway production of Strange Loop have been overwhelmingly positive:
- The New York Times called it “Scorchingly funny, live-wire passionate and probing. Michael R. Jackson’s blistering musical, which transferred to Broadway in triumph, asks incisive questions about identity, creativity, pride, shame and the capacity to love oneself.”
- The Hollywood Reporter raved that “Michael R. Jackson’s dazzlingly original Broadway musical is like nothing else you’ve seen or heard,” praising its fresh take on the traditional musical comedy format.
- The Guardian declared it “One of the best new musicals in ages,” describing it as “hilarious and horribly uncomfortable – exactly as it intends to be.”
Most critics have focused on the striking originality of the story and score, powerful performances, and themes that resonate deeply with many audiences.
What is the runtime and schedule for Strange Loop on Broadway?
Strange Loop runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. The standard Broadway performance schedule is:
- Tuesday – 7pm
- Wednesday – 2pm & 8pm
- Thursday – 7pm
- Friday – 8pm
- Saturday – 2pm & 8pm
- Sunday – 2pm
There are occasionally some variances to the schedule around major holidays or when certain performances are cancelled. But the above reflects a typical week of performances.
What kind of ticket availability is there for Strange Loop on Broadway currently?
As an award-winning new musical, Strange Loop continues to see robust ticket sales a year into its Broadway run. However, it varies week to week depending on factors like holidays or school schedules.
In general, weekend evening performances tend to sell out first and have more limited availability. However, there is usually more selection earlier in the week or for matinee shows. Tickets start around $49 for rear mezzanine seats and go over $200 for prime orchestra seats.
Some ways to find tickets include:
- Book directly through the production’s official website, which always has access to all available seats
- Check digital lotteries for discount tickets
- Try same-day discount booths like TKTS for last minute tickets
- Use Broadway ticket reseller sites, though prices are often marked up
So while weeknights and matinees have more availability, tickets may require more effort and flexibility for weekend evening performances.
When is Strange Loop scheduled to close on Broadway?
There has been no announced closing date for Strange Loop on Broadway yet. As an open-ended run, the musical plans to continue as long as ticket sales sustain it.
Many Broadway insiders expect Strange Loop to have a healthy run for a new original musical. However, shows often do not announce closings too far in advance. Fans should not assume Strange Loop will run for many more years, but it is not imminently closing as of October 2023 either.
Have any cast members announced their departure from Strange Loop on Broadway?
So far, none of the principal cast members have indicated or announced upcoming departures from Strange Loop on Broadway. Of course, actors may end up leaving shows for various reasons over an extended run.
Star Jaquel Spivey has not announced his departure. As the standout performer that earned him a Tony Award, most fans expect his exit would need to be coordinated carefully with marketing a replacement.
Until official word comes from the production, it appears the primary original castplans to continue with the show for the foreseeable future during its open-ended Broadway run.
How does the content of Strange Loop differ from the typical Broadway musical?
There are several ways Strange Loop stands out as unique compared to more traditional Broadway musicals:
- Format – The meta nature and nonlinear storytelling of Usher writing his own musical breaks from the standard musical theater narrative structure.
- Music – The score draws from a wide range of influences like gospel, R&B, funk, and rock within a single number, departing from typical Broadway sounds.
- Representation – With a Black, queer protagonist, Strange Loop features voices historically underrepresented as lead characters in mainstream musicals.
- Themes – The introspective dive into identity, self-perception, and mental health offers more raw, revealing subject matter than typical upbeat musicals.
While every musical offers something unique, these elements combine to make Strange Loop groundbreaking in the musical theater landscape.
How have audiences responded to the more provocative and intimate themes in Strange Loop?
While the themes and representations touch on issues many shows avoid, initial audience reactions prove hunger for more diversity and intimacy in Broadway shows. Reviews praise Strange Loop for bringing marginalized perspectives to the forefront.
Beyond critics, fan reactions on social media and reviews demonstrate enthusiastic responses to seeing more authentic stories depicted on stage. Strange Loop is striking a chord by elevating voices not prominent in older Broadway traditions.
There is always a range of audience reactions to challenging art. But overall, Strange Loop seems to be resonating deeply with audiences looking for musical storytelling that reflects and speaks to more relatable contemporary experiences.
Could Strange Loop go on tour or transfer to London’s West End?
As a buzzworthy, decorated new musical, Strange Loop seems well positioned for opportunities beyond its Broadway run. Potential next steps could include:
- US National Tour – Launching a traveling production to bring the show to major cities across America.
- Sit Down Production – Opening a standing show in cities like Chicago or Los Angeles.
- West End Transfer – Opening a London production, following Broadway hits like The Book of Mormon.
However, no specific touring or transfer plans have been announced yet. With robust Broadway ticket sales, the priority may be sustaining the New York production first before expanding to other markets.
Could there be a movie adaptation of Strange Loop?
A movie version of Strange Loop could seem like a natural next step given Hollywood’s increasing adaptations of stage musicals. Some potential benefits of a film adaptation include:
- Bringing the story to a wider mainstream audience
- Preserving standout performances like Jaquel Spivey’s starring turn
- Expanding storytelling possibilities through film locations and editing
However, Michael R. Jackson has not indicated plans for a movie version yet. After a long development process and delayed opening, he may want to focus on cementing the stage musical as his definitive version first. But a film adaptation could emerge as an intriguing possibility down the line.
What does the success of Strange Loop mean for Broadway?
The Broadway success of Strange Loop seems encouraging for the future diversification of representation and storytelling on stage. Some positive signs include:
- Proving audiences connect with fresh narratives beyond typical tropes.
- Mainstream recognition for an emerging creative voice in Michael R. Jackson.
- Commercial viability of shows with inclusive casting and themes.
- Inspiring future artists to bring bold, personal visions to Broadway.
Time will tell if these ripples grow into a larger wave of broadening what Broadway theater can look and sound like. But Strange Loop offers an important milestone in an art form grappling with tradition versus evolution and greater inclusivity.
Does Strange Loop have a particular audience appeal in New York City?
As a musical birthed in New York and celebrating an artist finding his voice, Strange Loop resonates especially well with NYC crowds. Some local angles include:
- The setting in a Broadway theater helping New Yorkers connect.
- Appealing to the NYC theater community.
- Satirizing the opera scene in a song like “New York City Center Stage”.
- Speaking to young artists struggling to make it in New York.
Beyond the setting, the themes explore issues like loneliness and self-perception that connect universally. But the inside baseball NYC elements enhance the special appeal for New York audiences.
What audience precautions are in place for COVID-19 health and safety?
Strange Loop has implemented several policies to protect audience health and safety:
- Masks required inside the theater for all audiences.
- Vaccination proof or negative COVID test required upon entry.
- Enhanced sanitization procedures before each performance.
- Contactless digital ticketing recommended.
- Flexible exchange policies if patrons need to change dates.
These measures follow updated CDC guidance and Broadway League protocols. By maintaining COVID policies, Strange Loop provides reassurance for audiences eager to return to theaters safely.
How accessible is Strange Loop for those with disabilities?
Strange Loop offers several accommodations to improve accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible seating integrated throughout the orchestra section.
- Assistive listening devices available at no cost.
- ASL interpretation available upon request for designated performances.
- Braille and large print programs provided at the theater.
Those needing special accommodations can contact the theater directly to ensure their needs are met. The production aims to make the musical enjoyable for all audiences.
Is Strange Loop appropriate for younger audiences or children?
While appealing to mature high school students, parents should know Strange Loop does contain:
- Explicit language
- Sexual references
- Discussions of racism
- Mental health topics like depression
The complex themes and language make the show best suited for teenage or adult audiences. use discretion with pre-teens or younger children who may not fully grasp the content.
However, the musical presents an impactful perspective on identity rarely depicted on stage that some mature teenagers may find meaningful.
Conclusion
Over a year into its Broadway run, Strange Loop continues finding enthusiastic audiences drawn to its fresh storytelling and perspective. While tickets may require proactive planning, Michael R. Jackson’s musical rewards theatergoers with an intimate, revealing journey questioning identity and belonging. Strange Loop represents a new generation of Broadway musicals that push representation and formats in new directions. Its success proves audiences crave diversity in stories and creators, as live theater continues evolving for modern audiences.
