What happens when a vaudeville dancer tries to ignite more romance with her passionately violent boyfriend by adding equal parts prohibition booze with a lavish party? Find out during Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party, presented by CenterStage from February 15 to March 3.
Based on a long-form poem by Joseph Moncure March, Wild Party is set in 1920s and centers around a vaudeville dancer named Queenie and her passionately violent relationship with a vaudeville clown named Burrs. As their relationship grows stale and resentment grows, Queenie sets out to renew their spark through an indulgent party, using Burrs’ jealousy to her advantage. But when a mysterious stranger named Black arrives, emotions run high and things take an unexpected turn.
Jordan Price, whom is directing the production, is inspired by the project.
“For 15 years, I have listened to this soundtrack, picturing how I would see it come to life on a stage,” he said. “The fact that I get to breathe life into it with a company like CenterStage is amazing.”
CenterStage welcomes to the stage a new face, Landon Sholar, who plays Burrs. A graduate of the University of Evansville, Sholar has worked regionally, portraying the iconic leads in Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd and Jekyll & Hyde.
Also joining the cast are CenterStage favorites Kate Welsh as Queenie, who was last seen as Maria in West Side Story; Lauren McCombs as Kate, whose credits range from Rent to Les Misérables; and Andrew Newton as Black, who was seen as Tony in West Side Story. Choreography is by Zachary Boone; music direction, Julie McKay.
Viewer discretion is advised for this production, intended for audiences 18+.
CenterStage’s 2017-18 season will conclude with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Tickets to these shows can be purchased by calling 502-238-2709 or online at www.CenterStageJCC.org.