A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15- Page 4
A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
#75A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/11/22 at 11:53pm
Listen. I just want to celebrate the fact that this beautiful, challenging, gutsy, hilarious, heartbreaking show made it to Broadway, won the Tony, won the Pulitzer, and on a personal level, made me feel really seen.
I would love for it to have run forever, but for today, I’m celebrating the life it did have, against a lot of odds. Bravo to Michael R. Jackson, and the incredible cast and crew of A Strange Loop. It touched a lot of people in very real ways, and I’m so thrilled that I’ve had the chance to see it a few times and will have another chance to go back at least once more.
#76A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 12:33am
I clearly touched a nerve with some devotees of the show…Look: I listened to the cast recording two or three times. It wasn’t my cup of tea. I don’t live anywhere near NYC anymore and am rarely able to travel there so I wouldn’t have been able to see it anyway. But I shared some thoughts as a straight, white, liberal, middle aged theatre lover — the kind of person this show would have needed to attract in order to have a longer run. I think my opinion is worth some consideration, and that I don’t deserve to be attacked for it.
This is a forum for all kinds of opinions. Let’s be open to different perspectives: otherwise, what is the point of us even being here on this board?
#77A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 1:40am
I listened to the cast recording before seeing it and was not totally crazy about all of it. I too was put off a bit by all of the sexual references and the constant use of the "N" word. I knew then that I needed to see it (Which I had planned to anyway). Upon seeing it, the score made more sense and I find myself humming some of the songs almost daily.
I will just add on that I have seen the show a few times now. There are tourists seeing the show and a lot of middle aged straight, white people are seeing it. I sat next to two couples from the midwest and chatted with them after the show. They loved it. They said it wasn't quite what they expected but they were so glad they saw it. One couple said that a friend had seen it and told them it was a must see. While it may not be a huge sellout of a show, a very wide range of people have been going to this show. And that was nice to see.
It is an amazing show with so many layers to peel back. It is raw and unapologetic. It is fine if you listen to the recording and decide it is not your cup of tea. I am glad it came to Broadway. People wanted diversity and this show gave it to us in a big way. And a lot of people I have talked to that have seen it have identified with it in various ways. It has done what it set out to do. I really hope it has a future and I too think it would do well with a sit down/mini tour in L.A. and San Fran. JMO
Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder
Updated On: 11/2/22 at 01:40 AM
#78A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 3:28am
Easier said than done I guess but the #1 thing the show needs to do is record it (Netflix?). I think it could be a viral hit to a market of people who don’t buy expensive NYC theatre tickets and the LGBT community.
When my goodbye post was removed: “but I had a great dramatic finish!!!!”
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#79A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 5:24am
binau said: "Easier said than done I guess but the #1 thing the show needs to do is record it (Netflix?). I think it could be a viral hit to a market of people who don’t buy expensive NYC theatre tickets and the LGBT community."
Love the idea, but with Netflix dramatically cutting its programming budget, I'm not sure they may be as likely a candidate as in the past.
#80A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 6:50am
I am reminded of a Margaret Cho quote: “When you are oppressed over who you want to f*ck, you’re gonna kick up your heels and f*ck! And it is such an inspiration to watch!”
Sucks this is closing but I agree that it’s amazing this ran commercially at all. It’s an incredible artistic achievement.
I could use a prince to save me from my prince.
#81A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 6:50am
The Distinctive Baritone said: "As someone else mentioned though, not wanting to hear about the specifics of gay sex doesn't make one homophobic.”
Hearing all these boomers clutch their pearls about said “sexually graphic” content makes me think about how liberating it was for me when RENT first came out when I was in HS. The fact that a show had lyrics like “mucho masturbation” and the way it talked about “sodomy” and “erections” was a bit shocking back then but also thrilling.
We are living in a sex positive world where having an Only Fans page is almost normalized now. I know in 10 years we will look back at this show and revel in how ahead of its time it was. The “specifics of gay sex” in ASL are just one tiny facet of the many layers that made this show truly ground breaking and brilliant.
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#82A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 8:24am
"All these boomers".
LMAO at such a sweeping generalization.
Norms and interests within any generational cohort are diverse anv ever-changing. Lumping everyone together based on the actions of some is the very definition of implicit bias.
No doubt among Ges Y and Z there are some less than sex positive attitudes and quite a few people who don't think that having an OnlyFans page is anything close to normalized even though many may feel the opposite.
I happen to agree with everything you say about the boundary breaking nature of RENT and ASL, but feel no need to so callously dismiss the concerns of others who might feel differently as "clutching their pearls."
This doesn't need to be a win-lose conversation. People have different takes and view the show through different values, life experiences, interests, and tastes ... as is true for every other show that gets discussed on this site. They can coexist peacefully without one needing to be right and dominating the others.
hearthemsing22
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/14/20
#83A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 8:32am
JasonC3 said: ""All these boomers"
LMAO at such a sweeping generalization.
Norms and interests within any generational cohort are diverse anv ever-changing. Lumping everyone together based on the actions of some is the very definition of implicit bias.
No doubt among Ges Y and Z there are some less than sex positive attitudes and quite a few people who don't think that having an OnlyFans page is anything close to normalized even though many may feel the opposite."
Yeah it's like are people still using that term?? Move on hun (the people who use that term,not you :) )
#84A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 8:34am
The Distinctive Baritone said: "I am pretty squeamish about certain blood things so it's pretty ironic that Sweeney Todd is my favorite musical. I actually thought the film version was way too graphic - on stage the throat slittings are usually done with little to no blood."
And the "sex scene" in ASL is done with no actual sex. Like I said before, the average American is far more comfortable with graphic violence and murder than they are with any depiction of non-hetero sexuality.
The Distinctive Baritone said: "not wanting to hear about the specifics of gay sex doesn't make one homophobic."
It certainly makes you privileged. I've endured countless descriptions and depictions - often extremely graphic - of hetero sex all of my life, because I don't really have a choice.
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
#85A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 8:48am
Also I’d like to add that queer people have been subjected to the ins and outs (lol) of straight sex in media and the arts for the majority of our lives. I don’t have an opinion on the people who are not into it, but I would be interested to hear if they find depictions of straight sex as uncomfortable as they do gay sex.
I could use a prince to save me from my prince.
Updated On: 10/12/22 at 08:48 AM
#86A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 8:51am
This show was always a commercial gamble. Personally, I thought that when I saw it Off-Bway.
It's true, Bway is not used to such frank discussions of race and sex in musicals. That's not a controversial statement. And the show is not only frank, but seems to try to disarm you. And does so brilliantly! But that's a risky proposition commercially.
Also, it's a difficult market for small or midsize new shows without major stars or branding. Tourism is back but not in the same ways. There are the juggernauts, and then on the other end, the plays, often successful if they have stars. But the musicals in middle, there is struggling to find the market for them. I'll be curious how KIMBERLY does,
TheatreFan4
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/12/09
#87A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 9:59am
JasonC3 said: ""All these boomers".
LMAO at such a sweeping generalization.
Norms and interests within any generational cohort are diverse anv ever-changing. Lumping everyone together based on the actions of some is the very definition of implicit bias.
No doubt among Ges Y and Z there are some less than sex positive attitudes and quite a few people who don't think that having an OnlyFans page is anything close to normalized even though many may feel the opposite.
I happen to agree with everything you say about the boundary breaking nature of RENT and ASL, but feel no need to so callously dismiss the concerns of others who might feel differently as "clutching their pearls."
This doesn't need to be a win-lose conversation. People have different takes and view the show through different values, life experiences, interests, and tastes ... as is true for every other show that gets discussed on this site. They can coexist peacefully without one needing to be right and dominating the others."
No absolutely not homophobia is not exclusive to Boomers, its just more common among them. Any complaints about the content in ASL but willing indulging in all other aspects of the media landscape is homophobia and pearl clutching. Criticizing ASL's content while proclaiming Sweeney Todd your favorite musical is homophobic.There aren't any credible concerns anyone can offer about the content of ASL that isn't rooted in Homophobia. Your not criticizing the overall story, or the structure, or the music as a whole. It's centering on the frank gay sexual (and at points racist) nature in the lyrics. It makes people uncomfortable, as art often does because that's the point, but in this particular case they decide to check out. What is the difference between this show and something else? I can tell you, but we all know.
verywellthensigh
Broadway Star Joined: 6/14/22
#88A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 10:30am
The biggest N-word this show dealt with was Narcissism.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#89A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 11:52am
I do have to say again though that I think the show's biggest issue was the graphic sex stuff
There wasn't any. And if you saw the show instead of running your mouth about things you literally know nothing about, you'd know that.
#90A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 2:38pm
Jesus Christ...I love gay people, I just don't want to hear about the specifics of anal sex. I don't want to hear about straight people having anal sex with each other either. That's where poop comes out. It's not my thing. But if you want to call me homophobic for being grossed out by some of the cast recording of A Strange Loop, knock yourselves out. Whatever helps you get through your day.
P.S.: I'm 40. Not a boomer.
#91A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 3:17pm
The Distinctive Baritone said: "That's where poop comes out."
And blood comes out of vaginas sometimes. Bodies are gross. Sex is weird.
Also now I have Period Sex from Crazy Ex Girlfriend stuck in my head 
I could use a prince to save me from my prince.
#92A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 3:20pm
The Distinctive Baritone said: "Jesus Christ...I love gay people, I just don't want to hear about the specifics of anal sex. I don't want to hear about straight people having anal sex with each other either. That's where poop comes out. It's not my thing.But if you want to call me homophobic for being grossed out by some of the cast recording ofA Strange Loop,knock yourselves out. Whatever helps you get through your day.
P.S.: I'm 40. Not a boomer."
I hate to break it to you, but this comment IS, in fact, homophobic.
halfhourcheckwithmerman
Stand-by Joined: 9/25/22
#93A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 3:20pm
I'm not even going to attempt to engage in this current discussion (I mean, please), but this was a groundbreaking and original show that I'm unbelievably happy to have seen. I'm heartbroken that it's closing, but I'm thrilled it made it this far (and hopeful about what it means for the future).
"I feel safe with you, and complete with you / I'm always finding money in the street with you."
-Sheldon Harnick
#94A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 4:05pm
TotallyEffed said: "The Distinctive Baritone said: "Jesus Christ...I love gay people, I just don't want to hear about the specifics of anal sex. I don't want to hear about straight people having anal sex with each other either. That's where poop comes out. It's not my thing.But if you want to call me homophobic for being grossed out by some of the cast recording ofA Strange Loop,knock yourselves out. Whatever helps you get through your day.
P.S.: I'm 40. Not a boomer."
I hate to break it to you, but this comment IS, in fact, homophobic."
It’s not, but again, if it makes you feel better, keep going. I hope attacking random people on the internet is making you a happier person.
And on that note, I am exiting this conversation.
#95A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 4:34pm
Closing tix are up. There’s a lot but no orch.
use code LOOPPB
Hunter: Your teeth need whitening./ Heidi: You sound weird./ Jeff: You taste funny.
-Jeff Bowen's worst onstage line flub.
-Jeff Bowen's worst onstage line flub.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#97A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 4:54pm
Implying a common form of male on male sex is dirty / disgusting is, uh, indeed homophobic, whether you think yourself homophobic or not. And it is then implied you’re only okay with gay folks or characters as long as you don’t have to think about their sex lives. Big ol yikes that needs some examination on your part.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
JSquared2
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/17
#98A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 4:55pm
TotallyEffed said: " I hate to break it to you, but this comment IS, in fact, homophobic."
QueenTwinnied
Broadway Star Joined: 6/16/17
#99A STRANGE LOOP to close January 15
Posted: 10/12/22 at 6:07pm
The Distinctive Baritone said: "Jesus Christ...I love gay people, I just don't want to hear about the specifics of anal sex. I don't want to hear about straight people having anal sex with each other either. That's where poop comes out. It's not my thing.But if you want to call me homophobic for being grossed out by some of the cast recording ofA Strange Loop,knock yourselves out. Whatever helps you get through your day.
P.S.: I'm 40. Not a boomer."
This is actually extremely homophobic and a clear example of how so-called “allies” can still cause so much harm to a marginalized community despite thinking their intentions are good. Shame on you
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