** There are often times when I am watching a new play unfold its story on one of our stages that I wonder what the playwright was truly thinking as he or she sat down to put it all together. Tonight was one of those times. About Face Theatre and Raven Theatre are presenting the Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award-winning musical, ” A Strange Loop” on itsJohnson Stage ( the larger of the two venues located in the Raven Theatre building). For many, this is a special play in that it made history in 2020, winning the Pulitzer for Drama, marking the first time a musical written by a Black artists received this particular honor.
The musical is an autobiographical one about a character named Usher ( played to perfection by Eddie Weaver” who has an outstanding r vocal range), who in fact is an usher at the theater, Black and Gay. While he is an usher, he is also writing a musical about an usher, working as an usher, who is writing a musical play. For 100 minutes ( no intermission) we walk through his life, his past, his family and most importantly, his ideas who represent all of the above. The ensemble of players who cover these “ideas” and portray the characters, as needed, are masterful performers and singers. They are Micah Mixon, Matheus Barbee, ( handling several unique characters), Christopher Wayland, Michael Turrentine, John Payne ( probably the deepest bass you will ever hear), and Napthali Curry. All solid voices and an ability to change characters quickly and easily.
Smoothly directed by Michael Burke on a set designed by Sydney Lynne, this “biography” written by Jackson, who also wrote the music, lyrics, and did the vocal arrangements, is fast-moving, but there are many who might find the language offensive and the topic not typical of an evening at the theater. The musical does explore many of the things that our young population are dealing with daily. Race, sexuality, self-worth, identity, family, and of course, coming of age.
There are some brilliant moments of comedy, and some songs that will impress, but not very memorable ( you will not be humming one as you exit the theater). Again, this one was hard to review as I enter a theater with an open mind and watched from start to finish, making some notes along the way. There is a lot said about Tyler Perry in this play, as all of the thoughts seem to think that Perry “has it right” and that Usher may be on the wrong track. Usher sees himself in one way, but all those in his life ( past, present and yes, perhaps even future) see him differently. Remember, he is fighting with himself and his thoughts!
On the technical side, the costumes (Janelle Smith), props (Mariah Bennett), sound (Hannah Kwak) and lighting (Brenden Marble) were all spot on. The costumes (Janelle Smith) and choreography(Breon Arzell) were effective. The music director (Kyu Park) worked the blend of voices to perfection, and although the music was recorded, one felt as if the musicians were right there with us, watching it come to life.
If I were to take a look at one of the lines in “A Chorus Line”, “Dance 10 looks 3”, and if we rated plays like that, based on the talent in the production, I might rate it higher because some great talent showed itself to us. I gues it is just the language, and some sexual instances, that make it hard for me to feel that this is one that should be on everyone’s list. Now that you know the content, and are okay with it, you decide what’s good! You decide what’s right! Just remember: I said this is not for everyone!
” A Strange Loop” will continue Thru – Nov 8th with performances as follows:
Thursdays:7:30pmShow Type: Musical
The Raven Theatre is located at 6157 N. Clark Street ( at Granville) and there is a parking lot ( free) for about 16 cars on the premises. There is street parking in the area ( some metered, some not)
Box Office: 773-338-2177
Photos by Joe Mazzo
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