The Wild Party

Book, lyrics and music by Andrew Lippa.

The Wild Party is based on Joseph Moncure March's 1928 narrative poem of the same name.

A prologue introduces the audience to two vaudeville performers, Queenie, a showgirl and Burrs, a clown. They appear to be a perfect match, since both are attracted to sleaze and kink, and they move into a Manhattan apartment together.

After a couple of years, boredom and distrust have replaced the passion in their relationship. Tired of Burrs and his physically brutal ways, Queenie makes plans to throw a party where she can embarrass him. Their guest list is a motley mix that includes Kate, a semi-reformed prostitute who is Queenie's best friend and biggest rival; her latest lover, Mr. Black; a prizefighter named Eddie and his wife Mae; the flamboyant and incestuous d'Armano brothers; Sam Himmelsteen, a theater producer; Dolores, a hooker and her lesbian madam, Madeleine True, and a mute dancer, Jackie. Queenie sees Mr. Black, who is immediately attracted to her, as her opportunity to make Burrs jealous. At the same time, Kate is determined to nab Burrs.

The tension between the two couples becomes obvious to all, and the d'Armanos suggest that Queenie and Burrs perform a number from their new Broadway show. Her performance fascinates Mr. Black even more, and the two discuss their growing feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Kate finds she is unable to attract Burrs, who is becoming increasingly drunk and begins to hallucinate. He makes a pass at Mae, prompting Eddie to fight with his host. Burrs takes quite a beating until Mr. Black intervenes. Kate offers Burrs cocaine to ease his pain.

The party soon evolves into an orgy. Burrs, finding Queenie with Black, pulls out his gun. He and Black struggle for it and Burrs is killed, leaving Queenie to wonder how her plan could end in such tragedy.

Show Dates

October 30-November 3, 2009

Cast

Queenie: Jessica Cruz

Burrs: Matt Jacques

Black: Alex Daly

Kate: Jamie Serkin

Eddie: Ben Muller

Mae: Olivia Myrick

Madelaine True: Jessica Sorgi

Phil: Travis Wright

Oscar: Justin Smith

Jackie: Michael McWaters

Delores: Jenna Whetzel

Nadine: Lauren Josey

Sam: Cameron Nadler

Max: Josh Peterson

Ensemble:

Emily Ellis

Jennifer Farrell

Rita Glynn

Cierra Hinton

Stephanie Linas

Dani Nowell

Edmund Poliks

Kelsey Reinhard

Cydney Swofford

Pit Orchestra

Conductor: Laura Hartley

Reed 1: Katherine Hagerty

Reed 2: Kerry Townsend

Reed 3: Alex Poetzschke

Trumpet: Adam Pasour & Ben Phillis

Bass: Emily Lopez

Violin: Anna Wilson

Keyboard: Grace Lloyd

Percussion: Ryan Levin

Production Staff

Producer: John Charles Clark

Director: Nick Culp

Music Director: Jessica Dean

Assistant Music Director: Grace Lloyd

Choreographer: Ellen Ambrose

Assistant Choreographer: Stephanie Linas

Stage Manager: Elissa Rumer

Assistant Stage Manager: Will Gorham

Set Designer: Joncie Sarratt

Lighting Designer: Leah Thomas

Costume Designer: Katy Werlin

Sound Designer: Aaron Salley

Technical Director: Joncie Sarratt

Properties Manager: Aaron Salley

Portrait Artist: Rachel Entwistle

Hair and Make-up Design: Allison Bonner & Katy Werlin

Assistant Costume Designer: Ellen Ambrose & Gretyl Kinsey

Assistant Orchestra Conductor: Danny Stellini

Cast Captain: Lauren Josey

Dance Captain: Michael McWaters

Dramaturg: Dayna Bowers

Light Board Operator: Ashley Soucar

Sound Board Operator: Cameron Eric Simmons