“Loop” isn’t exactly politically correct on this sensitive subject. Usher’s predilection for wanting to “take it” is very much an extension of his Low Self Esteem, which is actually a character in the show (seen walking across the stage on numerous occasions) and “My Inner White Girl,” which he sings about. No, Usher is not a happy gay camper and never does he turn into one. In this show’s Off Broadway world premiere, Larry Owens in the lead role owed much to Harvey Fierstein in the original “Torch Song Trilogy” without every stooping to play it cute to win our empathy.
In his spectacular Broadway debut, Jacquel Sivey now uses his heft to embody Usher’s large appetites, resentment, defiance and talent.
