Encores! at New York City Center on W 55th Street is presenting the phenomenal, poignant musical “The Wild Party” through March 29. This powerful musical — with music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by LaChuisa and George C. Wolfe, based on the poem by Joseph Moncure March — is enjoying an absolutely stunning show brilliantly directed by Lili-Anne Brown.
In “The Wild Party,” the audience is taken to a party thrown by Queenie and Burrs in Harlem. Most of those in attendance are part of the entertainment industry. Queenie and Burrs like to live life on the wild side: drugging, smoking, drinking, dancing, and trading sexual partners at the drop of a hat. This is a party where there are no rules; it’s just about having a good time. The more out-there a person is, the better for this crowd. Their party guests are a mixed group including homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals, heterosexuals, and an interracial couple, and the audience gets to know all the characters and why they are attending the party. Some just want to have a decadent time, while others have goals. Broadway producers Gold and Goldberg are moving to Broadway and many of the guests are hoping to go with them, to have a show produced on Broadway.
The cast is stellar and includes Jasmine Amy Rogers as ‘Queenie’ and Jordan Donica as ‘Burrs.’ They have a great chemistry on stage and deliver amazing, stellar performances of their characters, who deal with a number of issues including jealousy, betrayal, and violence. The partygoers are portrayed by some phenomenal thespians. Adrienne Warren is tantalizing as ‘Kate,’ Queenie’s friend/enemy. Veteran actress Tonya Pinkins is memorable and forceful as ‘Dolores Montoya,’ as she looks to make her Broadway comeback. Jelani Alladin is riveting as ‘Black,’ Kate’s boy toy, who discovers greener pastures. Wesley J. Barnes plays ‘Oscar,’ and Joseph Anthony Byrd plays ‘Phil,’ lovers who entertain the group, play the piano, and play around.
Lesli Margherita and Evan Tyrone Martin pack a punch as ‘Mae’ and ‘Eddie.’ Eddie is a former champion boxer and Mae is his wife, who has to deal with all the women throwing themselves at him and his partaking in what they offer. Meghan Murphy and Betsy Morgan beautifully portray ‘Miss Madelaine True’ and ‘Sally.’ Madelaine is an older woman and Sally is her young lover. Maya Rowe plays ‘Nadine,’ Mae’s younger sister who desires a life on the stage, with such naive energy. Claybourne Elder is deliciously selfish as ‘Jackie,’ a playboy who cares only about his own happiness and satisfaction as he enjoys all life has to offer. KJ Hippensteel and Andrew Kober play ‘Gold’ and ‘Goldberg,’ producers. They come to this party, not realizing what they are about to experience. Every person in this cast is intoxicating to watch. The way that the ensemble gels with each other is incredible. The vocals are off-the-charts throughout this musical.
“The Wild Party” is definitely a good time, but it also contains messages about life and the demons that we all carry inside.
The creative team includes scenic design by Arnel Sancianco, costume design by Linda Cho, lighting design by Justin Townsend, sound design by Alex Neumann, hair & wig design by Tom Watson, and choreography by Katie Spelman. It features The Encores! Orchestra. Do yourself a favor and go and enjoy this incredible production. For tickets, visit nycitycenter.org.