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Theater Review: It's Definitely A 'Wild Party' On Brookfield's Stage

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BROOKFIELD — The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts is hosting an all-night party with its current production, Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party, and what a celebration it is!

Queenie (played by Anya Caravella) and Burrs (Jeramie Gladman) are a couple whose life together has become lackluster, impatient, and sporadically violent. Burrs has a temper and takes it out on his live-in girlfriend, yet she loves him still. Theirs is a dysfunctional pairing.

Attempting to reignite the passion in their relationship, Queenie plans a party for their friends, a disparate and debauched group. Queenie wants to arouse Burrs’s jealousy during the festivities in order to win back her man.

In walks Black (Steffon Sampson), in the company of local bad girl Kate (Alyssa Serrambana). Black is instantly and irresistibly drawn to Queenie, the girl in white. Despite obstacles and regrets, they will not be dissuaded. Black is the good guy antithesis to Burrs.

The party is indeed wild, with all the makings for an explosive conclusion. The alcohol flows, cocaine and lust permeate the premises. Every guest is in for the long haul.

This complex and multi-faceted production is well-treated by director and choreographer Todd Santa Maria. The music plays throughout, and the dance numbers are racy, hot, and precise.

The small amount of dialogue is written in rhyme, stringing some of the musical numbers together. The voices that render the lyrics are all astonishing.

Madelaine (Jacqui Owens) sings a bawdy rendition of “An Old-Fashioned (Lesbian) Love Story,” which she delivered with uncanny comedy. As the licentious Kate, Alyssa Serrambana is relentless in her pursuit of Burrs. She is extraordinary in this role, as she slinks and grinds her way through the night. Her voice is powerful and searing. “The Life of the Party” is perfection in her hands.

Dancer Amber Mason plays her role of Jackie to the hilt. She has impressive skills and uses them with the utmost seduction.

Steffon Sampson is magnificent as Black, completely convincing as the man besotted with someone else’s woman. His voice is sublime. When he sings “Tell Me Something,” he melts the audience.

In the vocally demanding role of Queenie, Anya Caravella hits every note with utter perfection. She has gorgeous range and power, which she demonstrates over and over. She is impressive and moving.

Burrs, the troubled and troubling clown, is tragic in the portrayal by Mr Gladman. He is disturbing and yet sympathetic in this production. Mr Gladman is also an amazing vocalist who commits so fully to this role his entire being emanates rage, fear, and grief.

A strong cast of supporting players, including Elizeth Brito, Joe Cebollero, Joseph DeVillis, Bobby Henry, Avery Owens, Victor Roldan, Rebecca Pokorski, Dan Satter, Kellen Schult, Daisy Stott, and Renee Sutherland have obviously worked incredibly hard to offer up this strenuous and challenging musical. The result is a sensory avalanche.

Costumes were designed by Rebecca Pokorski, and they fully enhance the effect, the fringe and sequins adding authenticity to this bacchanalian event set in the Roaring Twenties.

Not for children — but most certainly a theater event not to be missed by anyone who loves a party, with all its inherent drama, longing, and temptation — the abundant talent currently sharing the stage in Brookfield makes this party truly wild.

Performances continue weekends through September 29. Curtain is Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; and Sunday, September 23, at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 students, and they can be reserved by calling 203-775-0023 or visiting brookfieldtheatre.org.

Please note, this production is not suggested for those age 13 or younger due to its content.

The cast of Wild Party at Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, where Andrew Lippy’s steamy Prohibition-era tale will continue to steamroll its way across the stage for two more weekends. (Steve Cihanek photo)
Another view of the cast of Wild Party at Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, which Newtown Bee Theater Reviewer Elizabeth Young enjoyed from the first to final note. (Steve Cihanek photo)
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