The Life

Updated June 26, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

This musical about pimps and hookers in early 1980s Times Square hustles jokes and stereotypes as old as the spotlighted profession. White brings down the house with soulful energy and an oxymoronically lively performance of a hooker who's plain worn out. But the overall tone is frustratingly mercurial, and despite the raw vitality of some standout performances and a spicy jazz score, the production unloads its share of cringing moments. It tries valiantly to drive home the realities of life on the street corner with unexpected spikes of violence; the result, however, is more jarring than illuminating. Among the creatures of the night are a prostitute who pines for a home and marriage (Isaacs), a coke-head pimp (Raimsey) and an affable old bartender (Bagneris). The production occasionally resonates with pain and longing but, overall, this Life is in need of resuscitation.