More Theater Monday - The Wild Party

We received complimentary tickets to The Wild Party for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: The Wild Party

Where: New York City Center

             131 W. 55th St.

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 18 and Up

When: Through March 29, 2026

A limited run of John LaChuisa's The Wild Party (not to be confused with Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party, which involves the same subject matter and was originally produced around the same time) is currently running as part of New York City Center's acclaimed Encores! series. The show revolves around Queenie and Burrs, a vaudeville dancer and clown, respectively, who are engaged in a passionate but volatile relationship, and the all-night crazy bash they throw for their friends. 

Very much like an actual out-of-control party, the show is just nonstop from beginning to end. You can't take your eyes off it for a minute, or you'll miss something. It is full of violence and sexual situations as well as some drug use. Accordingly, it is extremely unsuitable for children. 

Even though there are a lot of characters, they are each given their due. Most, if not all, have at least onelp990\song, so you really get to know them and can][=[7p------777777777777differentiate them. The characters are mostly somewhat heartbreaking, so the show is permeated by a kind of sadness.

As per usual, for Encores! productions, the cast is stellar. Particular standouts are Jasmine Amy Rodgers and Jordan Donica as the central couple. Rodgers' Queenie is an over-the-top adrenaline junkie with a marshmallow core that just wants to be loved. Donica is frighteningly fierce in his role of Burrs. Adrienne Warren also particularly shines in the role of the confident Kate, best frenemy to Queenie, whose arrival with the mysterious Black sets off the show's tragic conclusion. 

And that's our view. For more about The Wild Party or to purchase tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.org/events-tickets/2026-encores-series.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All The Wild Party production photos by 

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission.  Address any concerns regarding image usage here.