BWW Reviews: New Line's WILD PARTY is Wildly Entertaining

Andrew Lippa's musical adaptation of Joseph Moncure March's epic poem, The Wild Party, is a brilliant work, especially if you're anything like me, and you like your entertainment on the dark side. It's a decadent jewel gleaming with sinister possibilities, and thus, far removed from the current trend toward sunny shows with predictably happy endings. Though set in 1928, it manages to perfectly capture the current mood of cynicism that seems to have run rampant through our country over the course of the last fifteen years. New Line Theatre's current presentation of The Wild Party is a deliriously engaging experience, easily making it one of the best productions of the year so far.

Aging showgirl Queenie and alcoholic and abusive Burrs have a sexual chemistry that ignites into fireworks when the pair share a bed. However, their relationship outside of lovemaking is strained at best, and often volatile and violent. When Burrs gets a little too tipsy and insults Queenie before taking her by force. she decides that it's time to move on. But, not before she concocts a plan to embarrass and humiliate Burr. Her scheme involves throwing a party whose invitees appear to have been carefully selected for their ability to imbibe huge amounts of alcohol, reefer and cocaine. The event is a wild one indeed, and Queenie ends up getting results that far exceed her expectations.

Margeau Baue Steinau is outstanding as Queenie, bringing considerable dramatic depth to the role, as well as acquitting herself well vocally. The score is demanding, but Steinau works her way through it in admirable fashion. Jeffrey Pruett is a marvel as the self-described scary clown Burrs. He's completely captivating, even as he seems to be descending into madness. Deborah Sharn is very good as Kate, an old flame of Burrs' who brings along a young stud to stir the pot. She shines on the bluesy opener for act two, "The Life of the Party". Keith Parker is also strong as Black, the man Kate brings to the party. His light, gentlemanly manner is a good contrast to Burrs, and it's easy to see why he catches Queenie's eye.

The supporting cast is terrific and features: Zachary Allen Farmer, as a punchy pugilist named Eddie; Emily Berry as his girlfriend Mae; Mike Dowdy and Joel Hackbarth as flamboyant composers Oscar D'Armano and Phil D'Armano, respectively; and Nikki Glenn as Madelaine True. Other members include: Mara Bollini, Theresa Hermann, Macia Noorman, Eeyan Richardson, Michell Sauer, Troy Turnipseed, Aaron VanderYacht. All the supporting players provide lush vocal support, producing a sweet sound as they harmonize.

Lippa's score is an interesting genre-hopping affair that takes tours through blues, jazz, gospel and vaudeville, but arranges and orchestrates the music with an eye toward cool jazz and the oft-maligned "space age bachelor pad" sound of the late 1950's and early 1960's. Standout musical numbers include: "An Old-Fashioned Love Story", which is given a deliciously lascivious workout by Nikki Glenn; "Two of a Kind", which might just be the most perky and upbeat song in the show, and which features winning vocals by Farmer and Berry; and the rousing "Raise the Roof".

Scott Miller does a wonderful job of balancing his directorial duties with his work as pianist and conductor. The show is fast and tight, and Miller's playing is impeccable. Robin Michelle Berger's superb choreography aids in keeping the action moving, and with there being so little dialogue, her efforts do not go unnoticed. Thom Crain's costumes and Todd Schaefer's slightly expressionistic set (the windows have a definite Caligari vibe to them) conjure up the era of the late 1920's with considerable aplomb. Shannon Fedde's lighting scheme makes the most of each dramatic moment, while Trish Bakula's props lend an air of authenticity.

The band, along with the aforementioned Miller on piano, is an excellent group of musicians that includes: D. Mike Bauer (guitar), Dave Hall (bass), Clancy Newell (percussion), Cliff Phillips (trumpet), and Marc Strathman (reeds). Their work throughout the evening was stellar, with particular attention given to keeping the volume reasonable and balanced, while still retaining the proper amount of punch in the mix.

New Line Theatre's awesome production of The Wild Party plays through May 15, 2010 at the Washington University South Campus Theatre.

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