The Center for the Arts at Elon University was teeming with activity on Valentine’s Day. Parents, students, faculty and other community members came to see the Department of Performing Arts’ latest production – Andrew Lippa’s “The Wild Party.”
As the house music faded and the spotlights came on, a silence swept across the audience. What happened next can only be described as a performance that will get people talking.
“We pushed the envelope really far,” said director Lynne Kurdziel-Formato.
Set in the 1920s, “The Wild Party” tells the story of Queenie, a woman involved in an abusive relationship. In order to get revenge on her lover, she plans an extravagant gathering fueled by sex, alcohol and drug abuse.
“The Wild Party” was the collaborative effort of 25 actors, 12 student crew members and nine faculty members from the Department of Performing Arts.
Each member of the cast brought a unique skill set to the show. They consistently delivered fluid dance numbers and enthralling musical pieces. Even the characters that didn’t speak had stories to show the audience throughout the play.
“The talent literally blew my mind,” said freshman Drew Shafranek.
The show’s technical elements also immersed audience members in the world of the play.
“It was like an actual party happening before our eyes,” said freshman Jordan Bollwerk, a music theater major.
Scenes were accented by cohesive lighting changes and the set featured objects that moved seamlessly on and off the stage.
“The show is nonstop,” said junior Taylor Aucott, who played an ensemble character. “It’s a constant marathon of dancing and singing.”
Despite the show’s challenging aspects, many cast members, including senior Michael Moore, who played Phil D’Armano, said they enjoyed the work.
“It was hard with very long hours, but I couldn’t ask for a better rehearsal process,” he said. “And I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to do it with.”
Cast members sacrificed weekends and a portion of Fake Break to ensure the show would be ready for opening night.
“The Wild Party” was the latest in a string of risque productions from the Department of Performing Arts. Others include “Rent,” “Hair” and, most recently, “Cloud 9.”
Kurdzeil-Formato said “The Wild Party” could be described as a morality tale that ends with hope. Despite its graphic nature, in its two acts the play depicts issues modern students deal with: promiscuity, rape and homosexuality.
“It’s interesting how the struggles they have are the same things we struggle with now,” said April Hill, musical director. “It’s fascinating how it parallels.”
Through the performance, Kurdzeil-Formato said she hoped to convey the message that no matter how far somebody falls, they can still have redemption if they truly desire it.
“The Wild Party” was proof Elon’s Department of Performing Arts can continue to deliver performances relevant to the lives of students.
Though this play has finished its run, both “August: Osage County” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will come to the stage throughout April.