Review: Andrew Lippa's 'The Wild Party' at WCSU

Pictured: Members of the cast of THE WILD PARTY at WCSU Photos by Peggy Stewart

Danbury, CT - Andrew Lippa’s THE WILD PARTY is a musical set decisively in Hollywood in the roaring 20s. As the title implies, most of the action takes place during a very wild party hosted by vaudeville performers Queenie and Burrs. The bathtub gin flows, cocaine is shared, and promiscuity follows; the production is the antithesis of WCSU’s production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE and is definitely intended for adults. Audience members were warned that there would be strobe lights and a simulated gun shot, but the (historic) smoking, drug use and simulated sexual activity probably should have been mentioned as well.

Andrew Lippa did it all for this musical version of a book-length narrative poem by Joseph Moncure of the same name, writing the book, music and lyrics. While on might expect only jazz style musical numbers, there is a more pop-rock sound to the score and I couldn’t help but notice the electric guitar riffs. Given the frenetic feel of the music and dancing, I was a little surprised that parts seemed to drag a bit, for me at least.

Tim Howard directed the talented WCSU students in this fine production and gets the credit for the musical staging. This meant that performers that remained onstage to keep the party going always had something do in the background, all without distracting from the action of the principals. Elizabeth Parkinson crafted the intricate choreography that added much to the action. David Baranowski was the music director and conducted and played keyboard with the wonderful onstage 13 member orchestra.

The students stepped up to the challenge of bringing the revelers to life. Kelsey Lepesko did not have a single misstep as the lovely Queenie (“Queenie Was a Blonde” is the song that opens and closes the show.) The WCSU sophomore from Stratford made the role her own. Sergio Francisco Mandujano, now a senior at WCSU who played big parts in COMPANY, DROWSY, HANSEL AND GRETEL, and THE GONDOLIERS, took on the role of the vaudeville clown Burrs. It was not a surprise that he was fabulous in another starring role because this young actor can do it all.

Alaina Mueller, a junior from Windsor, did well in the featured role of Madelaine True the lesbian; she made the most of “An Old-Fashioned Love Story.” Mark Sumner, who was so good as Che in EVITA, took on the role of Eddie the thug. WCSU junior Brandon Richardi danced beautifully as Jackie the dancer in “Jackie’s Last Dance” and WCSU senior Kayla Hansen (EVITA) took on the role of Dolores the hooker. Senior Joelle Tshudy (COMPANY, VIOLET) played the dimwitted Mae who falls for the thug and WCSU sophomore Grace McGovern played the young Nadine “the minor.”

The lover-brothers d'Armano were played to the max by WCSU junior and dance captain Mike Katz (COMPANY, DISASTER and JCS at Connecticut Repertory Theatre at UConn) as Oscar and Thomas Bergamo (VIOLET, EVITA) as Phil. These two seemed to never stop dancing and did it all very well. WCSU junior Stefan Izydorczak was Keggs, sophomore Carter Flanery Smith (COMPANY0 was Max, Tyler Gallaher followed up his appearance at Sharon Playhouse’s ANYTHING GOES with the role of Sam and the shadowy disgruntled neighbor.

Sasha Renae Brown, a senior from Middletown, rocked the house as Kate; Ms. Brown was Mary Magdalene in JCS at Connecticut Repertory Theatre at UConn. Isiah Bostic, a WCSU junior from Hamden, gave an impressive performance as Mr. Black; Mr. Bostic recently appeared in the ensemble of IN THE HEIGHTS at Playhouse on Park. The ensemble included WCSU senior Ray Cook, Alexandra Colavecchio (Violet in VIOLET, Eva in EVITA,) Liv Kurtz (EVITA, DROWSY as The Chaperone) and WCSU junior Cynthia Rivera (COMPANY, EVITA.)

Elizabeth Popiel designed that set that included a circular staircase and Scott Cally did the effective lighting design. Costumes by Sharon Sobel were skimpy and bordered on stunning. Sound design by Arielle Edwards left some long stretches where I had no idea what was being said or sung, but I could not figure out the reason.

“And we’re inviting you!” THE WILD PARTY runs November 9-18 in the Mainstage Theatre of the Visual and Performing Arts Center. Be sure to get your tickets to THE WILD PARTY at eventbrite.com

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle.She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.