My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

The Life

Closing: June 07, 1998

The Life - 1997 Broadway History , Info & More

Ethel Barrymore Theatre (Broadway)
243 West 47th St. New York, NY

The New Musical


You're Not in Kansas Anymore


Get The Life Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

SEA OF MEMORIES Set For 40th Anniversary Concert For Anne-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers Company
by Marissa Faith Curley - May 23, 2026


Anne-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers Company returns to The Performance Garage in Philadelphia for SEA OF MEMORIES, a two-performance 40th anniversary concert featuring reconstructed works, world premieres, and film.

ST NICHOLAS by Conor McPherson to Open at Black Button Eyes Productions
by A.A. Cristi - May 20, 2026


Black Button Eyes Productions will stage Conor McPherson's one-actor play ST NICHOLAS at City Lit Theater in Chicago, with Kevin Webb as a Dublin theatre critic entangled with vampires, directed by Ed Rutherford.

Krysta Rodriguez Will Join CHICAGO as 'Roxie Hart'
by Stephi Wild - May 20, 2026


Krysta Rodriguez will join the cast of Chicago as Roxie Hart. She will begin performances in June at the Ambassador Theatre. Rodriguez most recently appeared on Broadway in SMASH.

Ensemble Studio Theatre Reveals Inaugural Memorial Writers Fund Recipients & Legacy Gifts
by Stephi Wild - May 20, 2026


Ensemble Studio Theatre announced legacy gifts from the families of playwrights Arthur Giron and Bridgette A. Wimberly, including a Memorial Writers Fund honoring Wimberly, with Stephanie Berry and Cassandra Medley named as inaugural recipients.

CINDERELLA Cast Announced at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 19, 2026


Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre announced the cast for Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, with two newcomers set to star as Cinderella and the Prince. The Indianapolis production offers $10 discounts for children ages 3-15.

Cast Set For Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA at Beef & Boards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2026


Two Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre newcomers will star in Cinderella, being presented at the venue this spring and summer. As Beef & Boards' 2026 Family Show, Cinderella tickets for children ages 3-15 receive a $10 discount.

DISNEY'S HERCULES Will Host Charity Toga Run Benefiting Make-A-Wish UK
by Stephi Wild - May 18, 2026


DISNEY'S HERCULES at Theatre Royal Drury Lane has partnered with RunThrough to host a 5km Toga Run benefiting Make-A-Wish UK, with a warm-up at the theatre and an exclusive finisher's medallion for participants.

Montego Glover, Robert Sean Leonard, and Jean Lichty Will Lead AN AMERICAN DAUGHTER Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2026


La Femme Theatre Productions has announced the cast of its upcoming production of Wendy Wasserstein’s play An American Daughter. Learn more about the play here!

HAUNTED, a Dance Opera by Paul Salerni & Dana Gioia Will Come to Sierra Madre Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - May 13, 2026


Sierra Madre Playhouse will present HAUNTED, a one-act dance opera with music by Paul Salerni and libretto by former California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia, featuring baritone Rod Gilfrey and three dancers.

Royalty, Fame and Humanity Take Center Stage in DIANA – A PRINCESA DO POVO (Diana: the Musical)
by Claudio Erlichman - May 10, 2026


Following a successful run in Rio de Janeiro, Diana – A Princesa do Povo arrives in São Paulo on May 15 at Teatro Liberdade. Directed by Tadeu Aguiar and produced by Estamos Aqui Produções, the large-scale musical stars Sara Sarres as Diana, Princess of Wales in a Brazilian non-replica staging that explores the emotional, public, and political dimensions of the beloved royal icon. The production traces Diana’s journey from shy aristocrat to global humanitarian figure, highlighting her compassion, vulnerability, and enduring legacy. The cast also features Claudio Lins as Prince Charles, Simone Centurione as Queen Elizabeth II, and Giselle de Prattes as Camilla Parker Bowles.

Interview: John Riddle on Playing Cal and Finding Freedom in Chaos
by David Clarke - May 11, 2026


After helping launch TITANIQUE in its scrappy downtown beginnings, John Riddle has returned to Broadway as Cal, bringing swagger, sincerity, and sequined villainy to one of the musical’s most unexpectedly lovable characters.

THE MONSTERS Cast & Creative Team Unveiled at La Jolla Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026


La Jolla Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for THE MONSTERS, a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Playwright Ngozi Anyanwu stars alongside Sullivan Jones in the sibling drama set in the world of mixed martial arts.

Royal Ballet and Opera Unveil New Stage Curtains at Special Gala Performance
by A.A. Cristi - May 5, 2026


The Royal Ballet and Opera will unveil new stage curtains at a landmark Gala performance featuring dancers, operatic soloists, and a rediscovered Kenneth MacMillan pas de deux believed lost since 1984.

NJPAC Will Present Itzhak Perlman, Max Richter, ACME and Canadian Brass in Final Classical Concerts of 2026
by A.A. Cristi - May 5, 2026


NJPAC announced its final classical concerts of the 2026 season, featuring violinist Itzhak Perlman, composer Max Richter with ACME, and Canadian Brass at its Newark, NJ venues.

Darlene Love Documentary in Production with Taraji P. Henson as Producer
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2026


A new feature documentary spotlighting the life of R&B singer and Broadway performer Darlene Love is in production from director Barry Avrich and producers Taraji P. Henson and Mark Selby.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN Starring Anthony LaPaglia Returns for Melbourne & Brisbane Seasons
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2026


Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Anthony LaPaglia will reprise his role as Willy Loman in DEATH OF A SALESMAN, returning to Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre and making its Brisbane debut at QPAC.

A History of Musicals About Friendship
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 10, 2026


Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

Interview: Will Allan & Behzad Dabu of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE at TimeLine Theatre Company
by Angela Lin - May 1, 2026


Before the long-awaited inaugural production at TimeLine Theatre’s new home, BroadwayWorld sat down with TimeLine Company Members Will Allan and Behzad Dabu, who play brothers Dr. Thomas Stockmann and Peter Stockmann in An Enemy of the People.

HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and More Set For Beck Center 26-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026


Beck Center for the Arts announced its 94th professional theater season, featuring a world premiere comedy by Cleveland playwright Eric Coble, regional premiere musicals, and a collaboration with Oberlin College & Conservatory Music Theater Program.

EVITA Starring Rachel Zegler to Open on Broadway in 2027
by Michael Major - Apr 29, 2026


BroadwayWorld has just learned that Jamie Lloyd's revival of Evita, starring Rachel Zegler, will open on Broadway in 2027. The reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical will make its Broadway debut next spring.

Robert Lindsay In Conversation and More Set For Riverside Studios' 50th Anniversary Celebrations
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2026


Riverside Studios has announced details of more special events being staged to celebrate the West London venue's 50th anniversary. Learn more about the lineup here!

Review: LOVE STRUCK by Macha Theatre/Films at Odyssey Theatre
by Shari Barrett - Apr 25, 2026


We never get a sense of what draws these two women to each other (other than sex), or what they have in common other than auditioning for acting work. Nor do we witness them falling in love, which makes it difficult to care whether or not their relationship succeeds.

REVIEW: Disney’s THE LION KING Returns To Sydney To Delight A New Generation With Julie Taymor’s Award Winning Production
by Jade Kops - Apr 25, 2026


Almost 30 years since it’s Broadway premier in 1997, THE LION KING still brings gasps of awe as Julie Taymor’s musical theatre adaptation of Walt Disney Animation’s 1994 film returns to the Sydney stage. 

John Leguizamo Will Host BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Encore 'Dance Along' Performance
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026


Following its first sold-out “dance along performance,” the Tony and Grammy-winning Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will host an encore “dance along” performance, hosted by John Leguizamo. 

Third Eye Blind And Six One Five Collective Added To Riveredge Park Summer Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 20, 2026


RiverEdge Park in Aurora has added concerts by Third Eye Blind and Six One Five Collective to its 2026 summer season. The performances will take place in July and August as part of an expanded lineup following venue renovations.

The Life History

Other Productions of The Life

1990   Off-Broadway Showcase
Off-Broadway
1997   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

The Life - 1997 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
The Life — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Pamela Isaacs
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Ann Ruth
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Ann Ruth
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Martin Pakledinaz
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Musical Michael Blakemore
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Sam Harris
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical Lillias White
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design Richard Pilbrow
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Cy Coleman
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestration Dan Sebesky
1997 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Orchestration Harold Wheeler
1997 Drama League Awards Distinguished Production of a Musical 0
1997 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Cy Coleman
1997 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical Ira Gasman
1997 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Musical David Newman
1997 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Actress - Musical Pamela Isaacs
1997 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Choreography Joey McKneely
1997 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical David Newman
1997 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Ira Gasman
1997 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Cy Coleman
1997 Tony Awards Best Choreography Joey McKneely
1997 Tony Awards Best Costume Design Martin Pakledinaz
1997 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Michael Blakemore
1997 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design Richard Pilbrow
1997 Tony Awards Best Musical Sam Crothers
1997 Tony Awards Best Musical Roger Berlind
1997 Tony Awards Best Musical Martin Richards
1997 Tony Awards Best Musical CyColeman
1997 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Harold Wheeler
1997 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Don Sebesky
1997 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Ira Gasman
1997 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Cy Coleman
1997 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Chuck Cooper
1997 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Sam Harris
1997 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Pamela Isaacs

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL
Hot Show
Tickets From $58
Hot Show
Tickets From $133
Hot Show
Buy Tickets
Hot Show
Tickets From $77