A Strange Loop: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
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The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Josh Rogosin | April 26, 2022
Rather than use the stage at Feinstein's/54 Below, the cast of A Strange Loop cram into a booth for their Tiny Desk (home) concert. The protagonist of the musical is an usher, so performing in the crowd makes sense. 54 Below played a pivotal role in the musical's rise when, in 2016, composer Michael R. Jackson performed a concert version for New Musicals at 54. Little did anyone know that the show would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2020. The cast reunited at "Broadway's Supper Club" to sing a five-song medley led by the show's author to celebrate their opening at the Lyceum Theater on Broadway.
Jackson explains A Strange Loop is "a musical about a young Black gay man named Usher who works as an usher at a Broadway show who is writing a musical about a young Black gay man named Usher who works as an usher at a Broadway show... who is caught in a self-referential loop of his own self hatred." The ensemble of characters joining him are a collection of "fierce but completely obnoxious" "Thoughts" - literally billed in the show's Playbill as "Thoughts 1-6."
The show at the Lyceum clocks in at 100 minutes with no intermission. Even in this small, Tiny Desk (home) version it's easy to get caught up in Usher's whirlwind of emotions as he's tormented by his thoughts. One can only imagine sitting in a dark theater with a bunch of strangers, laughing and crying, spiraling out together on Usher's strange loop.
SET LIST
"Intermission Song"
"We Wanna Know"
"Inner White Girl"
"Periodically"
"Memory Song"
MUSIC AND LYRICS
Michael R. Jackson
CAST
Antwayn Hopper
James Jackson, Jr.
L Morgan Lee
John-Michael Lyles
John-Andrew Morrison
Jaquel Spivey
Jason Veasey
BAND
Rona Siddiqui: music direction, keys
Beth Callen: guitar
Ian Jesse: bass
Marques Walls: drums
CREDITS
Video by Magicshak Media
Camera Operators: Nick Shakra, Anton Ponomarev, Maksim Kataev
Audio: Amanda Raymond
Audio Mix: Josh Rogosin
Directed by Stephen Brackett
Produced by Lilly Claar
Hair & Makeup by Kirk Cambridge Del-Pesche, Dotty Petersen, Elias Prince
Special Thanks: Raja Feather Kelly, Cherie B. Tay, Barbara Whitman, Jimmy Wilson, Arnulfo Maldonado, Corey Umlauf, 321 Theatrical Management, Feinstein's/54 Below
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Josh Rogosin
Video Producer: Michael Zamora
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#NPRMusic #TinyDesk #StrangeLoopBway
Пікірлер: 322
"Periodically" is a master class in what a musical theater song can be.
@cpmatthews
2 жыл бұрын
I came to this NPR with no expectations. Never heard of this musical, I honestly expected it to be some sort of harmony group by the thumbnail. As it started I was like - “oh cool, a musical. Let’s see.” … tears. Just tears. My word I was not expecting to feel so much during this one song in particular. Happiness, laughter, sadness. I am going to see this show, for sure!
@debmurray2734
2 жыл бұрын
@@cpmatthews same
@n.fosbinder6312
2 жыл бұрын
I have to skip this song unless I'm willing to weep on the 1 train
@evanbragin9620
2 жыл бұрын
Brilliant, Brave, Bravo👏
@Vaitb85
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely heartbreaking when Usher joins in at the end of this song. I was privileged to see this last week, and what an emotional wallop of a scene. At the time, I wondered whether Usher felt the same way about his mom (that she is in fact the sinner), but when mom/Usher sing "though we love you", it's painfully clear, these words have been ingrained on Usher for a long, long time.
Everyone’s talking about Periodically but no one talks about Memory Song. How eering haunting and meaningful.
"Periodically" hits SO HARD. I had to pause it for a moment to reflect. Such real and powerful lyrics.
This is the peak of musical theatre writing in my opinion, absolutely jaw dropping
@tammypham1024
2 жыл бұрын
Wait until you see the play (if you haven’t yet.) It’s Brilliant.
@saverioman
2 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more. The play is stunning. I hope you get to see it.
The pianist is killing it...this show is a revelation!
@saraalhashimi2650
2 жыл бұрын
Rona is the best!
@charliebrown4135
2 жыл бұрын
Feels like the drummer is respectfully looking to her for the time
@wowokthenbruh
2 жыл бұрын
Rona is the music director of the show and is also a composer herself! Shes AMAZING!
@skyedotexe
19 күн бұрын
@@charliebrown4135 she's the musical director, so is cueing him for the timing, leaving vamps etc. in the real show they likely play to a click track
This work of art gave me the language to articulate so many feelings that have been hallmarks of my existence!
yes I also did dread and look forward to my mothers voicemail message singing to me on my birthday each year. Those moment as shown on stage is so specific to me and yet I know it’s universal. And yeah I sobbed openly among strangers, like every one else in my row. Especially because it’s a duet. Because it’s hard not to sing along to hate when it’s coming from someone you love, even when it’s hate, the first voice you ever heard, even when it’s hate. the song you sing to yourself, even when it’s hate, cause it sounds like love.
@mayaimani7679
2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful comment
@emmaltheriot
2 жыл бұрын
I hope you are okay. Please know that you are so loved
@annerigby3023
Жыл бұрын
@carlosadeleon that is the most beautiful comment. I haven’t heard the full show and I thought it was lyrics. It is really thoughtful. You should write!
Wow - "Periodically" gotta be the strongest piece of art I have seen in some time. That transition from start to finish is real.
A STRANGE LOOP is absolutely amazing. I felt like I was watching something truly historic on Broadway. Also - I truly think it's impossible for me to listen to "Periodically" without crying.
@Isaiasfanlo
2 жыл бұрын
I have not managed to listen to that song without getting profoundly emotional. And I have tried. I have tried.
@tammypham1024
2 жыл бұрын
I didn’t cry when I watched the play, but later when I heard the “periodically” song sung by one of the cast members on Instagram, I wept. Maybe because the lyrics were written as captions so I caught onto how brutal it was.
@deedeeacquisto8558
2 жыл бұрын
That makes three of us. That song tears me up and makes me tear up.....what an amazing work this play is. A week later, from having seen it, and I am still profoundly moved......
@saverioman
2 жыл бұрын
@@deedeeacquisto8558 Me, too. If you get a chance, buy the book. Reading the lyrics is also magical.
God they're doing this sitting down? Talent always amazes me.
@c.lafont931
2 жыл бұрын
Yep, nothing like talent. There is so much of it packed into this 20 minutes. This just launched my day.
@kazza6078
2 жыл бұрын
@@c.lafont931 I hope you have a great day!
Oh god, "Periodically" HITS. I gotta show this to my mom.
The end of the first song is pure gold.
This musical breaks my heart and sets it free all at once.
Wow the pianist🔥
@tammypham1024
2 жыл бұрын
Yes!!!! I was so caught up listening to every lyric, that I barely noticed the piano till you mentioned it.
@saraalhashimi2650
2 жыл бұрын
Rona is the best!
Memory song has me all in my feelings. Beautiful. I really hope they sweep the Tony's and win everything
Here after watching the performance on Seth meyers. Ok so periodically made me cry… what a journey wow
I will say I was not looking forward to seeing this. Saw it at the first performance last week after COViD. I will say A Strange Loop is something very special. I was crying by the end. What a privilege to be there.
wow, memory song is magical. never seen the show but i want to write a whole essay about it
@saraalhashimi2650
2 жыл бұрын
It sure is! And please do!
I saw this a few days ago and fell madly in love with it. It's absolutely a game changer and I hope it runs for a good long while. Happy Broadway opening, A Strange Loop!
This play is an emotional powerhouse. As a white trans kid who also turned their back on the lord, I feel so much in this music and the play. Similar struggles and traumas linger to haunt me in my times of introspection - this play and music became another source of resilience for me 💕
@jaimeparker2161
Жыл бұрын
have you seen it live?
I saw this show two days ago and it's still sitting so deep with me. Truly so refreshing for Broadway.
Stunning. Praying that this piece stays open on Broadway for so so so so so long - long enough for me to be able to travel out to see it!! MAY IT BE SO!
@obinnammerem5104
2 жыл бұрын
Amen to that..wish I could too
I got dragged to this show a couple weeks ago...now I cannot drag myself away from its music and emotion.....wow.
This musical really moved me. So special and entirely incredible. I feel very lucky that i got to see this group of very talented people make their art.
oh my thank you for introducing me to this wonderful musical, NPR! This is great and now I have a new musical to obssess over.
I saw it on Broadway last Friday and it is such a deep and emotional musical. I plan to go back for sure
I just saw this at ACT in San Francisco with John-Andrew Morrison in the cast. Such a brilliant show. So glad there's a Tiny Desk to commemorate this glorious music/writing and these iconic performances.
Each song is so incredibly profound and touching. This is going to be a great musical. Good hearts always win! Wish I could go and see this in NYC.
I can’t get enough of this play. Have to see it again. I’m addicted.
Easily the best new musical playing on Broadway. If this loses best musical to Six I will riot.
@Isaiasfanlo
2 жыл бұрын
Count me in for the riot if that happens (but it will not happen!)
@lenayedabae313
2 жыл бұрын
I want this show to win too especially because hes from Detroit .I actually love six if this was 2020 then six shouldve took it but... covid
@mctheplaywright
2 жыл бұрын
This losing to anything is a horrible look, THIS is the future of Broadway and we gotta get on board ASAP!!
@BlaiseRashelHarman10
2 жыл бұрын
@@lenayedabae313 HE IS?! I was already obsessed, I didn't this too 😩
@lenayedabae313
2 жыл бұрын
@@BlaiseRashelHarman10 yes he graduated from Cass tech
Sondheim is smiling down👌
Saw the West Coast premiere two nights ago, with JAM as Thought 4 and a talkback with Michael R. Jackson. Incredible.
Saw the very first preview when the show ran Off Broadway in 2019 and I was in complete awe. So thrilled to see this art and these artists getting the recognition they absolutely deserve 💜
this is amazing! I love how musical theatre always seems to take popular music composition to another level- especially from the excerpt of songs in this. Fingers crossed this comes to london
@nicolapowell7730
2 жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing!!
“Periodically” brings tears to my eyes.
my voice teacher works on this show jaquel. i hate how long it has taken me to listen to this show. he is so talented as is the entire cast
6:46 - Get it, Jacquel Spivey! You are an amazing bright and brilliant light! This show is fantastic, the writing, songs, cast, and band are top notch!
Watched this show last week and I'm still thinking about it. I'm definitely going back :)
One of the most incredible, most important pieces of theatre I have ever seen!
My wife and I have been low key obsessed with going to see this show for like 2 years. Loved this performance. What an incredibly talented group.
@RobertSlover
2 жыл бұрын
if the music sucks the message becomes lost.....
@peterporkeristhespiderham988
2 жыл бұрын
@@RobertSlover Well, the Pulitzer prize committee certainly didn’t think that the message was lost. And neither did the vast majority of reviewers that saw the show off-broadway, in DC, or on broadway.
@Ripcookiethief
2 жыл бұрын
@@peterporkeristhespiderham988 I went to NYC to see the show last weekend and it's just a fantastic show. I 100% recommend seeing it.
@commentkun
Жыл бұрын
@@RobertSlover mah my man dont lie it's ok, you know inner white girl is a bop
I saw the show 4th of July weekend without knowing much about it and loved it! Funny, moving, thought-provoking, and the cast is incredibly talented and charismatic.
Every time I hear/watch, I find something else so beautiful and real. Thank you to the Tiny Desk Concerts and the incredibly gifted A Strange Loop cast for doing this. Such a gift to the world that this story is being told!
0:00 Intermission Song 5:08 We Wanna Know 6:45 Inner White Girl 11:15 Periodically 16:10 Memory Song
memory song is composed and written so beautifully, and having michael sing the beginning made me cry.
This is so original. Its the first time I hear this kinda combination.
Saw this Saturday night, it was AMAZING !!!!!
I saw them in DC last January!!! I fell in love with the whole cast and music
I'm not into musicals but i would so watch this musical.... *tears building up* ... please come to LA soon!
This is exceptional-looking forward to seeing the whole show in New York!!
This is the snack I need to hold me over until I can return to the Lyceume Theater and see A Strange Loop again. I loved every minute of this play... thank you Michael R Jackson!! 🙏❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🙋🏼♀️
Miss gurl on the piano was feelin her oats !
Wonderful. I can't believe I'm only discovering this show now.
I love love love this show so much. Thank you Michael for writing it.
Thank you! I’ve been obsessed with this show for months, and I’m so excited for people to hear these songs. 😍
Saw it on opening night , and went back for a second time. I highly recommend listening to the CD before hand . Like Hamilton, alot of the words fly by very fast.
@haroldkloran4323
2 жыл бұрын
The Broadway cast album is NOT released yet
@Nico-yi2bi
2 жыл бұрын
@@haroldkloran4323 Same cast, same songs, different lead. Get the cd and listen to the songs.
Can't stop listening. SOOOOO good! Eleven Tony Nominations.
I randomly came across the cast recording on Spotify and can I just say that I AM OBSESSED. I've been listening to it on a loop since 😉💖
@camilasofge1814
2 жыл бұрын
loop haha
@haroldkloran4323
2 жыл бұрын
The Broadway Cast album is not released yet
@priisawallflower
2 жыл бұрын
@@haroldkloran4323, it's the original cast recording 😊
Watching this a week after the shows win at The Tony's 😍😍😍😍
I got to see this show in its preBroadway run in DC. Truly a phenomenal work!
What I would do to see this musical! Just incredible.
Inner white girl has been on loop for me. This song is so crazy relatable!
@MaidMedicine
2 жыл бұрын
Whew that song brought me to tears.
Gut wrenching, gorgeous, and important. Thank you.
The pianist, the vocalists, the imagery of sin and belonging...just when i think Mother Earth needs to just shake us off like fleas...She can't because there is art like this, so devastating and glorious and full of hope and wonder. This art saves us again and again. ❤
UGHHHH this show is so good
pianist is amazing! She really gets around those keys.
comfort show fr
Love it.thank you for sharing. Wish I was back in New York .The lyrics are great love show biz. 3rd go round needed to digest .👍🏽
OMG, I love this! New fan. This genius and I just knew they were New Yorkers. I know my people.
HOW did I miss this? Welp, I'm glad I got to it, even if I'm late. What a brilliant delight.
This show is so good! I can't believe the views and likes aren't higher at this point.
memory song always gets me
Can’t tell how wonderful it is 🥰 Thank you NPR
Absolutely extraordinary!!!!!
This show makes me cry so much. So f*cking beautiful! And it's about time to take up our place in this world.
Absolutely wonderful! Thanks NPR for sharing this. Made my morning! Beautiful!
Beautiful!
I have been having this on repeat for a few days now. Absolutely love it! Everyone’s voice is so unique and at the same time blend so nicely. Wish I was in the same country to see this live.
Brilliant. What a great show. Thank you for this important art.
This is show is so amazing. Memory Song always makes me cry! Main I've seen this four times now and I'm going to more times because it's healing!
this is so good! i can't wait for the obc recording to release
Beautiful! Can’t wait to go to New York and see this!
Brilliant! Thank you, best wishes...
Powerful!
Love it...awesome...speechless at the depth of the messages in each song.
One of the few musicals I'd actually really want to see live (and of course will not be able to).
words can't describe the depth of emotion I feel watching this- thankful to have my experience mirrored through the mysterious and marvelous medium of musical theatre.
Beautiful! Power to all ✊🏼
I just watched this on Broadway and kept looking around to see who else was overwhelmed by the incredible HONESTY of this show. Such a fantastic show and a privilege to watch.
I love to see my people doing the absolute thang! IYKYK This work is superb.
Low key was the best musical ive seen and ive seen most of the big broadway legends by now would never have gone and had no expectations but got invited and so glad. This writer is a hero!
Just awesome!
i will forever listen to this music and be so grateful for all who have made this possible.
This was PHENOMENAL!!!! 😭🔥🔥
Beautifully done! 🥰 Keep being you !! ❤🌍🌎🌏
Acierto muy bien cuando me doy la oportunidad de dar click en las recomendaciones de KZread. Wonderful guys ❤️❤️❤️
Brilliant!
This was such a lovely tear drop.
This music is brilliant
Memories made me tear up. Such a beautiful melody and those lyrics. Oof.
Beautiful! Bravo 🥰