Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, the production will be the first to reopen the newly named The Other Palace Theatre (formerly St James Theatre).
Opening for previews from the 13th February, casting for the first major London production of Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party has been confirmed.
Joining the previously announced Frances Ruffelle as Queenie are John Owen-Jones as Burrs, Simon Thomas as Black, Donna McKechnie as Dolores, Dex Leeas Jackie, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Kate, Ako Mitchell as Eddie, Gloria Obianyo and Genesis Lynea as The D’armano Bros, Melanie Bright as Sally, Lizzy Connolly as Mae, Steven Serlin as Goldberg, Sebastian Torkia as Gold, Bronté Barbé as Nadine and Tiffany Graves as Madelaine.
The Wild Party tells the story of Queenie and Burrs, a Vaudeville showgirl and a Vaudeville clown whose relationship is marked by vicious behaviour and recklessness. In an attempt to salvage their toxic union, they decide to throw a party to end all parties. The guests are a vivid collection of the unruly and the undone: a cocaine-sniffing bisexual playboy; a washed-up boxer; a diva of indeterminate age; a fresh-faced ingénue; and a handsome Valentino who catches Queenie’s roving eye. The jazz and gin soaked party rages to a mounting sense of threat, as artifice and illusion are stripped away. But when midnight debauchery turns into tragedy, the revellers must sober up and face reality. After all, no party lasts forever.
The Wild Party is based on Joseph Moncure March’s narrative poem of the same title and was originally performed on Broadway in 2000, with a cast which included Toni Collette, Mandy Patinkin and Eartha Kitt and went on to be nominated for 7 Tony Awards.
Michael John LaChiusa is one of the best known names as a writer for the American musical stage. His work includes Hello Again (1994), Marie Christine (1999), The Wild Party (2000) and See What I Wanna See (2005).
Director and choreographer Drew McOnie is best known for his work on the hit In the Heights, winning the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer for his work on the London production.
The Wild Party will play at The Other Palace Theatre from the 13th February until the 1st April 2017. To book tickets visit Discount Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.