GAC’s Musical, The Wild Party, Hits the Right Notes

The Wild Party is a tour de force performance of acting, singing, dancing and orchestral music, that brings the decadent 1920s to life with exuberance, pathos and heart. A steamy prohibition tale, based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 narrative poem of the same name, the musical debuted off-Broadway in 2000. The Greenbelt Arts Center (GAC) production is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre international. As the story begins, bored lovers Queenie and Burrs decide to throw a blowout party in their Manhattan apartment, with anticipated bathtub gin, drugs and sex. The apartment fills with their colorful friends, a coterie of eccentrics living life on the edge, and multiple song and dance numbers advance the various subplots of the main storyline. As the evening progresses Queenie’s wandering eye falls on Black, a striking new guy who’s also attracted to her. It’s obvious that trouble is coming. Drunkenness and debauchery reach their apex when Burrs turns on Queenie and her new paramour with jealousy and violence. The actors playing the major characters get the most musical numbers, which highlight the wonderful voices and dancing abilities of Lindsey Litka (Queenie), Luis “Matty” Montes (Burrs), Brian Dauglash (Black) and Melanie Kurstin (Kate). There are standout performances by them and the rest of the cast, including Judah Canizares, Matthew Cibak, Daniel Dausman, Jessie Duggan, Kit Flaherty, Lauren-Nicole Gabel, Becca Glatt, Katrina Jackson, Dash Samari and David Yarmchuk. Director Jeffery Lesniak, music director Elizabeth Alford and choreographer Rikki Lacewell have inspired terrific performances from the cast members, whose chemistry is obvious on stage, and from the musicians. This engaging production leaves the audience laughing, tapping their feet and listening in appreciation to soaring voices (solo and in harmony) backed by the fantastic orchestra. The musicians are David Booth, Phil Cannon and Stan Potter on reeds, Earl Smith on trumpet, Tyler Golsen on guitar, Chip Racster on bass and Larissa Hannon on drums. The score was especially powerful when the music veered into jazz, vaudeville and gospel melodies. Also notable is the costume design by Rikki Lacewell and Shemika Berry. From the vintage underwear in the burlesque-like scenes to the outfits worn by the flappers and their beaus in other scenes, the attention to detail helps create an authentic 1920s atmosphere. For a thoroughly enjoyable two hours of music, drama and mayhem, don’t miss this production, which will be performed at the GAC Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. on September 6, 7, 13 and 14 and matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays, September 8 and 15. Note that The Wild Party contains adult situations and language, and is inappropriate for children. For tickets and to find out about other productions coming soon, visit greenbeltartscenter.org.