In a thrilling announcement that has Broadway enthusiasts buzzing, New York City Center Encores! has completed the casting for its upcoming presentation of Michael John LaChiusa's acclaimed musical, The Wild Party. This highly anticipated production is scheduled to grace the stage at the Manhattan venue from March 18 to March 29. Leading the cast will be the talented Jasmine Amy Rogers, known for her role in BOOP!, who will portray Queenie, alongside Adrienne Warren, celebrated for her performance in The Last Five Years, taking on the role of Kate.
Joining these two stars are several notable performers: Joseph A. Byrd will play Phil D’Armano, while Claybourne Elder, recognized for his work in other prominent productions, will step into the role of Jackie. Evan Tyrone Martin will bring Eddie Mackrel to life, adding further depth to this extraordinary lineup.
Exciting new additions to the cast include Tonya Pinkins, a veteran of the original Broadway production, who will reprise her role as Dolores Montoya. Jelani Alladin, known for his portrayal in Frozen, will take on the character Black, and Wesley J. Barnes will portray Oscar D’Armano. Jordan Donica, who has recently starred in Camelot, will assume the role of Burrs. Other impressive talent includes KJ Hippensteel as Gold, Andrew Kober as Goldberg, Lesli Margherita from Gypsy as Mae, Betsy Morgan from Masquerade as Sally, Meghan Murphy as Miss Madelaine True, and Maya Rowe as Nadine. Additionally, Curtis Bannister and Kyrie Courter will serve as standbys, ensuring the show runs smoothly. The casting was expertly handled by The Telsey Office, known for their exceptional eye for talent.
The Wild Party, adapted from Joseph Moncure March's poem of the same name, has been brought to life by LaChiusa in collaboration with the original director, George C. Wolfe. The narrative unfolds during the Prohibition era in New York City, centering around a lavish party hosted by the couple Queenie and Burrs, whose relationship is unraveling. What starts as a celebration spirals into chaos fueled by an abundance of gin, cocaine, and unforeseen tragedies.
This musical first premiered on Broadway in 2000 at Off-Broadway’s Public Theater, where it garnered an impressive seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Interestingly, its debut coincided with another musical adaptation of the same source material, featuring a different book, music, and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, which was showcased by the Manhattan Theatre Club.
For this Encores! production, Lili-Anne Brown will direct, while Katie Spelman takes charge of choreography. The musical direction will be led by guest music director Daryl Waters. The creative team also includes scenic designer Arnel Sancianco, costume designer Linda Cho, lighting designer Justin Townsend, sound designer Alex Neumann, and hair and wig designer Tom Watson, all of whom promise to create a visually stunning experience.
Presented in association with Concord Theatricals, tickets for this exhilarating theatrical event are available now at NYCityCenter.org. Don't miss your chance to witness this remarkable revival!
