'A Strange Loop's Pride Night uplifts LA's LGBTQ+ community

A Strange Loop kicked off its run at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles with a celebratory Pride Night!

The Center Theatre Group, which oversees the Ahmanson, staged an event and performance Thursday of the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning musical specifically for the LGBTQ+ community.

Nearly 1,000 attendees — among them LGBTQ+ celebs, public figures, and business and nonprofit leaders — gathered for a reception with cocktails, bites, and live music at the Music Center campus in downtown Los Angeles. Afterward, guests enjoyed a performance of A Strange Loop and a Q&A with members of the cast and creative team.

Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, the meta show by Out100 honoree Michael R. Jackson (who penned the book, music, and lyrics) follows a Black queer usher (named Usher) who is writing a musical. Malachi McCaskill portrays Usher in this West Coast staging, which is directed by Stephen Brackett and choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly. The cast also includes Jordan Barbour, J. Cameron Barnett, Avionce Hoyles, Tarra Conner Jones, Jamari Johnson Williams, and John-Andrew Morrison, Alvis Green Jr., Dave J. Abrams, Angela Alise, Carlis Shane Clark, and Albert Hodge.

Pride Night is one of several tentpole events to highlight A Strange Loop, which runs through June 30 at the Ahmanson. Others include Black Out Night, Opening Night, and an upcoming Juneteenth celebration. Learn more at centertheatregroup.com.

Scroll through to see photos from the event!