Corner Wars

Presented by Theater for a New Generation in association with Ramy and Robert Sharp, Cindy and Devin Wenig, Jeffrey Lipsitz at the 47th Street Theater, 304 W. 47 St., NYC, Jan. 13-Feb. 2.

The grim realities of life on the street and the battle for daily survival are the topical themes of "Corner Wars." This new play with music by Tim Dowlin was inspired in part by events surrounding the deaths of seven drug dealers in Philadelphia. The fact that a lot of these troubled teens weren't users didn't change the fact that they were being used as pawns in a deadly business.

With a throbbing soundtrack featuring original hip-hop music and lyrics by Strongarm Entertainment/ Roundtable, "Corner Wars" reveals both the creative desires and the competitive edge shared by a group of young people forced to hustle to earn a meager living. Dowlin incorporates everything from junkies who need their next fix to dealers who are trying to get an education, and paints indelible portraits with each new character introduced. The tension in director Mel Williams' staging is palpable from the opening moments, as if viewers can sense that something tragic is about to go down.

The ensemble of actors is adept at balancing harsh outbursts with heartfelt humor. The entire cast deserves praise, including David Shaw, Cornell McIntosh, Eric Carter, Joel Holiday, Omar Evans, Ramon Aponte, Chris Williams, and Ray Thomas as the central group of pushers; Warren Merrick III as an addict who ruefully recalls his former life as a teacher; Erika Myers as an aspiring singer who succumbs to selling drugs; Carolina Rios as a woman torn between love and logic; Kyra Knox as a sympathetic user; Rick Cao as a laid-back buyer; Susie Amato as a social worker trying to make a difference; and Joyce Storey and Michael Daniel Sharp as tough-talking detectives who always show up at the wrong time.

The weather-beaten, graffiti-covered set by Justin Grant credibly captures an abandoned urban feel. Lighting designer Dana Sterling (assisted by Jen Schriever) starkly illuminates the action, and costumes by Hus/Wear and Parnell Gervais are appropriately colorful.