WLS Review: "White's Lies"

Meet Joe White.  He is a successful New York City divorce lawyer who always wins his cases, both in the courtroom and in the bedroom. Or, as his mother prefers to say, he is a “lying cheating womanizing bastard.” 

No matter how you see him, there is no doubt that Joe [Tuc Watkins] is an id-gratifying nonstop sex machine who is living high off his sexual and professional conquests.  That is, until his estranged mother [Betty Buckley] charges into his office to announce that she has cancer, and her only dying regret is that Joe never provided her with a grandchild.  Her final wish sets off series of scams, deceits, and “lies”, which ultimately force Joe to face himself and ask, “I am happy, right?”

“White’s Lies” welcomes us into Joe’s world of indulgence and takes on a delightful journey during which characters are forced to challenge long held behaviors, consider new ways of thinking, and reach for what they want, often with hilariously disastrous results.  It embraces a fun-loving 1970s-style pre-HIV approach to romance, love, and sex, and invites the audience along for a two hour ride of fun, farce, and frolic.

Tuc Watkins, embraced by soap fans for his scene stealing roles on ONE LIFE TO LIVE and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, does not disappoint in the role of Joe White.  From the moment the lights go up on this nearly naked actor to the final moment of the show, audiences finally get to see Watkins demonstrate the energetic, animated, and comedic agility that we always knew he was capable of in a leading man role. It is a joy to witness Watkins display his talented assets live and uncensored, as well as his hear his sarcastic vocal intonations without a camera cutaway or commercial break. 


Here’s the S.A.S.S. [Short Attention Soap Summary]

WHAT IS IT?:  "White’s Lies," a new comedy, written by Ben Andron, directed by Bob Cline, and starring Tuc Watkins, Betty Buckley, and Peter Scolari, now playing at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street. 

WHY SOAP FANS WILL LOVE IT: Getting insightful glimpses into dysfunctional family dynamics, as well as watching the building and crashing of secrets and lies, will delight soap fans.  Plus you never know who you'll see in the audience.  Tina Sloan happened to be sitting right in front of me!

BOTTOM LINE:  For a good time and a great escape, “Lies” truly satisfies.  Anyone who enjoys Watkins in supporting roles on television will relish the opportunity to see him command the stage here.

VERDICT:  I truthfully don’t want you to feel “blue” for missing out.  So get your tickets for “White’s Lies” here!

Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist seeing individuals and couples in New York City at Mental Health Counseling & Marriage And Family Therapy Of New York.   He is also the author of "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve".