Review: A Strange Loop

Here’s the thing. I’m not a theatre critic. I didn’t study theatre and I don’t have any background in the arts. And I like to think I’m smart (and clever) but I’m in no way brilliant. So when I see a show, I'm not seeing it with a critical lens, or analysing the writing or lighting or direction or acting or subtle nuance that theatre critics always seem to focus on. When I go to a show, I want to be entertained, titillated and perhaps educated. I like plays that make me feel and think. And that’s what I base my reviews on: Simply whether I personally enjoyed the show or not, and why. Truthfully, I enjoy most shows. I can probably count on my fingers (and toes) the number of shows I haven’t enjoyed. Therefore, what follows is my opinion, and my average person’s review of the show. Agree or disagree, that’s okay…

A Strange Loop

(3.5/5)

Theatre critics, theatre junkies and theatre aficionados have all been raving about this one, as well as friends who are actually in the theatre business, not to mention it won a Pulitzer, so I was pretty excited to see this brand new musical.

I left feeling a little let down.

The first thing that struck me was how messy the musical was. I felt it was all over the place, and it’s really just personal preference, but I love a strong structure. I can see how this is an objectively good musical and I see why all the theatre people love it, but I just couldn’t enjoy the overall. I went from laughing to bored and interested to almost tuning out to confused to tired throughout the nearly two hour (no intermission) run. The actors playing Usher and the six ensemble members (thoughts) were fantastic and the musical had a lot of witty and smart commentary on life, race, sexuality, intersectionality, generational trauma, mental health, self-expression and loneliness, but it felt too full and too scattered to tell a coherent story. I know that was kind of the point since we’re in Usher’s head and who’s mental state is structured and unmessy, but it didn’t translate to a truly enjoyable afternoon at the theatre either. I can see why other people would love it and I hope it’s not saying something about my intellect that I didn’t, but it’s definitely a one and done for me.