You can hear the jazzy gospel-laced echoes of Chicago and Cabaret in Cy Coleman’s score for The Life (book and lyrics also by David Newman and Ira Gasman), being given its L.A. premiere. Joe Greene directs a buffed production (with an excellent onstage band) featuring some great voices, which occasionally slip out of key. Paul Romero’s flashy, Fosse-like choreography has the 18-member ensemble swaying and twitching like an organism. Stella Adler Theater, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Tues.-Sun., 8 p.m.; through December 21. (323) 465-4446. A Jaxx Theatricals production.

Tuesdays-Sundays, 8 p.m. Starts: Dec. 6. Continues through Dec. 21, 2008

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.