A Strange Loop: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

[@BookMusicLyrics]

"Periodically" is a master class in what a musical theater song can be.

[@cpmatthews]

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]

@@cpmatthews same

[@n.fosbinder6312]

I have to skip this song unless I'm willing to weep on the 1 train

[@evanbragin9620]

Brilliant, Brave, Bravo👏

[@Vaitb85]

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.

[@raflyrio]

Everyone’s talking about Periodically but no one talks about Memory Song. How eering haunting and meaningful.

[@eugenieaikens7254]

"Periodically" hits SO HARD. I had to pause it for a moment to reflect. Such real and powerful lyrics.

[@mctheplaywright]

This is the peak of musical theatre writing in my opinion, absolutely jaw dropping

[@tammypham1024]

Wait until you see the play (if you haven’t yet.) It’s Brilliant.

[@saverioman]

Couldn't agree more. The play is stunning. I hope you get to see it.

[@carlosadeleon]

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]

Beautiful comment

[@emmaltheriot]

I hope you are okay. Please know that you are so loved

[@annerigby3023]

@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!

[@ericwade6186]

Wow - "Periodically" gotta be the strongest piece of art I have seen in some time. That transition from start to finish is real.

[@314ern]

The pianist is killing it...this show is a revelation!

[@saraalhashimi2650]

Rona is the best!

[@charliebrown4135]

Feels like the drummer is respectfully looking to her for the time

[@wowokthenbruh]

Rona is the music director of the show and is also a composer herself! Shes AMAZING!

[@skyedotexe]

@@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

[@meredithchandler73]

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]

I have not managed to listen to that song without getting profoundly emotional. And I have tried. I have tried.

[@tammypham1024]

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]

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]

@@deedeeacquisto8558 Me, too. If you get a chance, buy the book. Reading the lyrics is also magical.

[@marianawilson]

I love certain tiny desk episodes, but this one changed my life. All love to Michael R. Jackson ♥️ Broadway show closed, but I hope they do a revival performance at some point so I can see it

[@kazza6078]

God they're doing this sitting down? Talent always amazes me.

[@c.lafont931]

Yep, nothing like talent. There is so much of it packed into this 20 minutes. This just launched my day.

[@kazza6078]

@@c.lafont931 I hope you have a great day!

[@orlandogastonchandleraziz9855]

This work of art gave me the language to articulate so many feelings that have been hallmarks of my existence!

[@ericam6765]

This musical breaks my heart and sets it free all at once.

[@Ax20414]

Oh god, "Periodically" HITS. I gotta show this to my mom.

[@jadecordaro6078]

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]

have you seen it live?

[@malvonanaliseiv8629]

The end of the first song is pure gold.

[@lindas5656]

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.

[@ccole742]

Here after watching the performance on Seth meyers. Ok so periodically made me cry… what a journey wow

[@chloem6506]

0:00 Intermission Song 5:08 We Wanna Know 6:45 Inner White Girl 11:15 Periodically 16:10 Memory Song

[@coloursfilm2428]

Memory song has me all in my feelings. Beautiful. I really hope they sweep the Tony's and win everything

[@fishbutler6170]

wow, memory song is magical. never seen the show but i want to write a whole essay about it

[@saraalhashimi2650]

It sure is! And please do!

[@arielamorgenstern5638]

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]

Amen to that..wish I could too

[@AllisonKraus1]

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!

[@liv-bv3pl]

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.

[@vickylikesthis]

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.

[@seanrstephens]

I saw this show two days ago and it's still sitting so deep with me. Truly so refreshing for Broadway.

[@joydcalloway1286]

I got dragged to this show a couple weeks ago...now I cannot drag myself away from its music and emotion.....wow.

[@246Austin]

I saw it on Broadway last Friday and it is such a deep and emotional musical. I plan to go back for sure

[@95021105]

Saw the West Coast premiere two nights ago, with JAM as Thought 4 and a talkback with Michael R. Jackson. Incredible.

[@ninagates3390]

memory song is composed and written so beautifully, and having michael sing the beginning made me cry.

[@ejaysgroovygalsguys9234]

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!

[@archiestokes9819]

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.

[@elvinbaptiste6118]

Wow the pianist🔥

[@tammypham1024]

Yes!!!! I was so caught up listening to every lyric, that I barely noticed the piano till you mentioned it.

[@saraalhashimi2650]

Rona is the best!

[@Ripcookiethief]

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]

if the music sucks the message becomes lost.....

[@peterporkeristhespiderham988]

@@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]

@@peterporkeristhespiderham988 I went to NYC to see the show last weekend and it's just a fantastic show. I 100% recommend seeing it.

[@commentkun]

@@RobertSlover mah my man dont lie it's ok, you know inner white girl is a bop

[@MattNightingale]

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.

[@Nico-yi2bi]

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]

The Broadway cast album is NOT released yet

[@Nico-yi2bi]

@@haroldkloran4323 Same cast, same songs, different lead. Get the cd and listen to the songs.

[@beyondthestacks]

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!

[@amarillysrodriguez5030]

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.

[@tammypham1024]

I can’t get enough of this play. Have to see it again. I’m addicted.

[@mxjoeyreyes]

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 💜

[@julsca3738]

I'm not into musicals but i would so watch this musical.... *tears building up* ... please come to LA soon!

[@BiggaTigga]

“Periodically” brings tears to my eyes.

[@tbhv]

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]

I was thinking the same thing!!

[@ruthiebee11]

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

[@shiaho4068]

Watched this show last week and I'm still thinking about it. I'm definitely going back :)

[@margicates553]

Thank you! I’ve been obsessed with this show for months, and I’m so excited for people to hear these songs. 😍

[@jordannickel-dubin9851]

One of the most incredible, most important pieces of theatre I have ever seen!

[@jsalnut]

I saw them in DC last January!!! I fell in love with the whole cast and music

[@priisawallflower]

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]

loop haha

[@haroldkloran4323]

The Broadway Cast album is not released yet

[@priisawallflower]

@@haroldkloran4323, it's the original cast recording 😊

[@jimbo40]

I love love love this show so much. Thank you Michael for writing it.

[@stewartaldentabler]

This is exceptional-looking forward to seeing the whole show in New York!!

[@luckystarship2275]

Wonderful. I can't believe I'm only discovering this show now.

[@jayyr4u]

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.

[@ohlookitsraine]

Saw this Saturday night, it was AMAZING !!!!!

[@AndeLyons]

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!! 🙏❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🙋🏼‍♀️

[@jonahfujikawa3752]

What I would do to see this musical! Just incredible.

[@w8stothyme]

Gut wrenching, gorgeous, and important. Thank you.

[@Sav_07]

I got to see this show in its preBroadway run in DC. Truly a phenomenal work!

[@sharrey48]

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 .👍🏽

[@iLikePotato3s]

comfort show fr

[@oc5939]

This show makes me cry so much. So f*cking beautiful! And it's about time to take up our place in this world.

[@robinnewman6599]

Can't stop listening. SOOOOO good! Eleven Tony Nominations.

[@tshepangmogotsi3964]

This is so original. Its the first time I hear this kinda combination.

[@m.d.schaffer4709]

Inner white girl has been on loop for me. This song is so crazy relatable!

[@MaidMedicine]

Whew that song brought me to tears.

[@samleslie8457]

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.

[@mindymitchell1857]

pianist is amazing! She really gets around those keys.

[@spankierobinson]

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.

[@kazza6078]

UGHHHH this show is so good

[@MsMajige]

OMG, I love this! New fan. This genius and I just knew they were New Yorkers. I know my people.

[@stephaniespeidel352]

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. ❤

[@jamaalanthony5232]

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!

[@danielgally6389]

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!

[@MsMalikkaRogers]

HOW did I miss this? Welp, I'm glad I got to it, even if I'm late. What a brilliant delight.

[@evanbragin9620]

Sondheim is smiling down👌

[@JF-wn2yb]

This show is so good! I can't believe the views and likes aren't higher at this point.

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Brilliant! Thank you, best wishes...

[@ashleymims982]

I love to see my people doing the absolute thang! IYKYK This work is superb.

[@zoegonzalez433]

i will forever listen to this music and be so grateful for all who have made this possible.

[@UKLeonie]

Watching this a week after the shows win at The Tony's 😍😍😍😍

[@isabelladeleon5526]

memory song always gets me

[@Junglemorkva]

Can’t tell how wonderful it is 🥰 Thank you NPR

[@natashadiaz9668]

Beautiful! Can’t wait to go to New York and see this!

[@racheljones9644]

Memories made me tear up. Such a beautiful melody and those lyrics. Oof.

[@vee6802]

One of the few musicals I'd actually really want to see live (and of course will not be able to).

[@oogabooga_1]

Miss gurl on the piano was feelin her oats !

[@nessaaaaaaa7]

this is so good! i can't wait for the obc recording to release

[@K80xcollective]

Absolutely extraordinary!!!!!

[@JacquelineWales]

Wonderful and moving performnces. I will be singing these melodies for a while. ♥♥

[@edleemu]

Well done 👍. I hope I will see this musical.

[@optimismodis4853]

Brilliant. What a great show. Thank you for this important art.

[@kimrobinson5734]

Absolutely wonderful! Thanks NPR for sharing this. Made my morning! Beautiful!

[@neskers]

So looking forward to seeing this tonight. This tiny desk concert is FABULOUS ! ! So soulful so personal

[@saverioman]

Lucky you! The play is a revelation.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Beautifully done! 🥰 Keep being you !! ❤🌍🌎🌏

[@JustinRamelMusic]

This was PHENOMENAL!!!! 😭🔥🔥

[@stephaniemccullough7725]

I can’t wait to see this, and a special shout out to Antwayn Hopper’s magical voice. I saw The Life at City Center a few weeks ago and he was one of the best parts, so happy to see him in this. Tiny Desk does it again 😍

[@theantwaynhopper]

BLESS YOU!🥺😭🥺😭😍😍😍😍

[@stephaniemccullough7725]

@@theantwaynhopper ❤️❤️❤️

[@rimun5235]

He was truly incredible. Just saw the show and I feel like he caught everyone's eye.

[@LitiFernandaMV]

Acierto muy bien cuando me doy la oportunidad de dar click en las recomendaciones de KZbin. Wonderful guys ❤️❤️❤️

[@ec2121]

"Periodically" is physically painful for me to listen to. It embodies the complexities of how parents can traumatize their children even if they don't mean to while simultaneously showing the complicated emotions that adults who were traumatized by their parents feel. I honestly could say so much about how brilliant the writing is, but I won't because we all seem to be on the same page about it 😂. It's such a rare, beautiful thing when art touches so many different people in such a profound way.

[@t.5021]

Being different is good, stand out & be proud of who you are always. Shine Baby 😁🙃

[@marylorenzo1904]

Beautiful! Power to all ✊🏼

[@nikorissi3154]

The hums in memory song get me every time

[@rachelthall3636]

this show has a best musical tony now baby!!!