BWW Reviews: THE WILD PARTY at Ignite Theatre

Ignite Theatre is known for taking on edgier shows, so it's no surprise when the cast of their current production struts onto the stage baring skin with sexy attire. And this isn't the first time.

Ignite's original production of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party premiered in 2010, and this is the company's first remounted production. The show debuted off-Broadway in 2000, coincidentally during the same season as a Broadway production with the same name written by Michael John LaChiusa. Both were based on Joseph Moncure March's controversial 1928 poem.

Directed by Reace Daniel, the show vibrantly showcases 1920s Manhattan's jazzy prohibition era, where bathtub gin flowed in backrooms. Vaudeville performers Queenie (a blonde dancer) and Burrs (a clown) are an intensely sexual couple hosting a party. Their relationship's on the rocks, and Queenie's looking to find a solution. In comes Kate, Queenie's frenemy of sorts, with her latest man, Mr. Black. Queenie's enticed, and Burrs is a jealous man.

Returning original cast members include Keith Rabin (Burrs), Erica Trisler (Madeline True), Amy Osatinski (Mae) and Wayne Easter (Max). The rest of the cast features Shelby Varra (Queenie), Abby McInerney (Kate), Alex Burse (Black), Carlos Jimenez and Ammon Swofford (the D'Armado brothers, Phil and Oscar), Jay Miller (Jackie), Thairone Vigil-Medina (Eddie), Rachel McCulloch (Sam), Chelsea O'Grady (Dolores) and Kelsey Weinstein (Nadine).

The show flows poetically, of course, thanks to its source material, which is lovely lyrically. Lippa's score is driving, but it's the ballads that really penetrate. It's got the jazzy flair it needs, but it's complemented by hints of modern pop. Think Chicago's sexier cousin.

The action mainly surrounds the four main lovers, but there's an occasional departure that gives a bit of life to some of the party guests. It's welcome and entertaining, but occasionally it distracts from the main action that could use a bit more substance.

Varra's Queenie is dominating. She bring intrinsic sex appeal and knows precisely where to go with it. Her connections with other principal cast mates deepened the core of the story. She'll give you goosebumps in every song, but her "Maybe I Like It This Way" sends chills.

Rabin gives a ferocious performance as the manic clown Burrs. His rage is evident throughout the show, and he doesn't let go. Rabin drives fury through each lyric, delivering an emotional outcry on several spectrums.

McInerney's Kate is deliciously revelatory. Her magnetic presence gives the show a vibration. When she's on stage, it's Kate's show, and the indulgent floozy grasps onto the crowd. McInerney's vocals are a passionate powerhouse, and she frosts them with a sharp charisma.

Burse brings Black the suave subtlety he requires. His vocals are as smooth as the confidence he lends to the character. When he sings, you feel it.

The entire ensemble is filled with standouts. Trisler's True is commanding and quick-witted. Osatinski and Vigil-Medina are delightful as the pair of lovers Mae and Eddie. Miller's fluid movements as Jackie inhale the choreography. Speaking of, the choreography by director Daniel is absorbing.

The band, led by music director Linda Luchtenburg, sounds straight off an old record with screaming trumpets and a rich, brassy texture. The striking and sultry costumes (by Laura High) and gorgeous set (by Mike Uhlenkamp) speak to an era of speakeasies.

Ignite Theatre's remounted production of The Wild Party plays weekends through May 8 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center Studio. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday as well as a 2:30 p.m. Performances continue May 20-21 at The Armory Performing Arts Center in Brighton. Tickets can be purchased online at IgniteTheatre.org or by calling (866)811-4111.

Photos by Olga Imaging

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