Hearing from the Cast of "A Strange Loop" by Michael R. Jackson

Broadway has historically been known as "The Great White Way." The name comes from the preponderance of electric lights that illuminate Times Square billboards and theater marquees. It was none other than Oscar Hammerstein who started the tradition when he built the first Broadway theater back in 1895. The idea caught on in a big way. 

Over time, though, the nickname has developed an alternative connotation as diverse theater professionals have struggled to make their way to Broadway. This was just one of the topics cast members from the Tony-award winning musical "A Strange Loop" discussed at a recent event at Church of the Trinity MCC. What a treat it was to hear from these talented actors. 

"A Strange Loop" tells the story of Usher, a Black gay man writing a musical about a Black gay man writing a musical. (No, that's not a typo -- that's the loop. To make it even more, well, loopy, Michael R. Jackson is the Black, gay man who wrote the musical.) It was a ten+ year journey for the show to make it to Broadway, and most of the cast was with Jackson throughout the process. As a result, these actors were invested in the show's reception and gratified by its success in a different way than performers who get involved just before the curtain rises. Sarasota locals Steven Fessler and Randy Lord were also invested in the success of the show, although in a somewhat different way. Fessler and Lord were members of the team of producers who financed the musical. They were also responsible for bringing the actors to Sarasota for this event and a talk with students at USF Sarasota.  

Jason Veasey, James Jackson, Jr., L Morgan Lee and John-Andrew Morrison

The panel discussion was moderated by WBTT's Nate Jacobs. His first question to the group was when they knew they wanted to become actors. I particularly liked James Jackson's response. When he was a child, he would develop skits inspired by The Muppet Show with his stuffed animals serving as fellow actors. He made tickets for his parents for the performances -- and charged them to attend! What a little entrepreneur he was. But it wasn't until third grade that the acting bug really took hold. James was in a grade school production about cats (not the "now and forever" show of the same name) and was so into his performance that he fell off the stage into the audience. When the crowd laughed, he loved the response and realized that acting was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life. 

The more subtantial question related to the biggest challenges the actors had faced in making their way to Broadway. While this must be a question often asked, their responses seemed thoughtful and honest rather than pat. John-Andrew Morrison began by talking about how challenging acting can be if you don't have the type of body that's considered "right" for many roles. Before what he called his once in a lifetime role in "A Strange Loop," he collaborated with others to create work for "the box that is me." He is hopeful that having received a Lucille Lortel award and a Tony nomination will open more doors for him, but he knows there are no guarantees.

L. Morgan Lee is the first openly transgender performer to receive a Tony nomination. She also received Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel nominations and won an Obie award, all for her performance in "A Strange Loop." Lee also spoke about not fitting into any of the "boxes" for actresses in their 30s. She's neither a "hottie" nor a grandma. It's an uphill battle. 

James Jackson has been told he's too Black to be a Broadway performer. He's also been told he's too gay. For many years he struggled to change himself to fit the traditional view of what actors "should" be. He has now accepted who he is and had the opportunity to show his talent off on the stage of "A Strange Loop." Let the offers come.  

Jason Veasey has had more commercial success than the other actors at the event. You might even  recognize him if you're a fan of "Only Murders in the Building." Veasey plays the recurring role of Jonathan Bridgecroft in Seasons 2 and 3 of the show. He also had a Broadway-adjacent gig in the national touring company of "The Lion King." Veasey said his experience enabled him to come into the production with more armor than the other actors had. His insecurities dealt more with his ability to sing. If his singing voice is anything like his speaking voice, he had nothing to worry about. 

Hearing from these actors was a real treat. I am seriously kicking myself for not staying for the dinner afterwards. In true church style, it was set up under a tent. My friends had a great time chatting with Jackson, who sat at their table. He told them that while the actors keep in touch via a group chat, this was the first time they'd been together since the show closed. So it was a special night for them as well. I love that. 

For more on "A Strange Loop," including a complete list of the awards and nominations received, click here. It's worth noting that the awards include the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. I hope I'll get the chance to see the show in the future, but it seems unlikely (to me) that it's the type of musical that will go on tour. Either way, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to hear from these talented actors about their experiences.