You’re not in Kansas anymore…

A thrilling exposé of the darker side of 1980’s New York, The Life is a defiant and heartfelt musical lament for the old Times Square. A world of pimps and prostitutes, innocents and opportunists, it’s a gutsy and gritty joyride filled with both pathos and fun.

Queen and Fleetwood are just trying to get by. New York has hit a moral rock bottom, and opportunity is becoming a scarcity. Queen is now selling herself to anyone with cash in Times Square, while Fleetwood is spending that cash on his nightly fix. Such is a regular story for those in The Life – just ask Sonja, whose market value as a hooker is depleting. It seems that nothing ever improves for those in The Life, but when a mysteriously innocent farm girl named Mary shows up, and Memphis and Joio, the biggest players in town, offer to help Queen out, will things start looking up?

Described by the New York Times as “Broadway’s best kept secret” The Life features a rarely heard score by celebrated composer Cy Coleman (City of Angels, Sweet Charity). The original production of The Life, directed by Michael Blakemore, opened on April 26, 1997. It received 12 Tony Nominations of which it won two, and 9 Drama Desk Awards of which it won three, including Best Musical. 20 years later to the day, Michael Blakemore will be directing the musical again, starring stage legends Sharon D. Clarke and Cornell S. John.

Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Cy Coleman. Based on an Original idea by Ira Gasman. Original Broadway Production produced by Roger Berlind, Martin Richards, Cy Coleman and Sam Crothers.

Please note: This production contains strong language, violence and partial nudity.

Thursday 30th March
Post Show Q&A with the company of The Life, hosted by Matt Wolf.