THE WILD PARTY Book, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Based on the poem by Joseph Moncure March Opened at the Manhattan Theatre Club, City Center Stage 1 - 24 February, 2000 (88 perfs) SYNOPSIS New York, 1929. Queenie lives with her lover, a vaudeville clown named Burrs.They have been together for 3 years and their relationship is growing stale. On a typical Sunday morning in the apartment they both share, Burrs is festering. Queenie is still in bed. She lazily asks Burrs for a cup of coffee and Burrs loses his temper and attacks her. She escapes him by kicking him in the groin and pulling a large kitchen knife on him. He retreats to the bedroom as Queenie laments her situation and longs for a change.The perfect way to get back at him occurs to her: they'll throw a party. She suggests the idea to Burrs and he jumps at it. Night descends and the guests arrive, announcing themselves as they enter. Finally, Queenie enters, looking ravishing, and kicks things off by inviting them all to "Raise the Roof ". As the guests mingle, Burrs flirts with Nadine (a minor) and Queenie vows to "raise her skirt and make him hurt." Just then, a semi-reformed hooker, the vivacious, trouble-making Kate arrives with her boyfriend of the moment, the suave, impeccably dressed Mr. Black. Queenie immediately sees in him the opportunity she's been looking for to arouse Burrs' jealousy. Black is also drawn to her, seeing her as a victim of Burrs' abuse. Meanwhile Kate intends to lure Burrs away from Queenie so she can finally have him for herself, while Burrs wants to hold on to Queenie no matter what the cost. Madelaine True, is unsuccessfully cruising the party for prospective lovers. Feeling sorry for herself, she longs to recreate "An Old Fashioned Love Story". As the tension mounts for Queenie, Burrs, Black, and Kate, everyone at the party begins the latest dance craze, "The Juggernaut". Queenie's dance with Black enrages Burrs. He grabs Nadine and starts kissing her forcefully, until Kate pulls Nadine away from him and throws her down on the floor. Burrs abruptly interrupts Queenie and Black. He warns Queenie to "Lay off that guy, it's the bad news," and physically threatens her.They are distracted by the young composers, Oscar and Phil d'Armano, who choose this as the perfect moment to showcase a number from their new, sureto-be-a-hit musical, based on the Bible titled,"Good Heavens". As everyone congratulates them, the party is momentarily interrupted by a neighbour who shouts at them to quieten down and threatens to call the police.The huge hulk of a boxer, Eddie, and his diminutive girlfriend, Mae, speak for the whole group, telling him to forget it and go to bed.They then celebrate their feelings for each other. A few hours pass and Queenie and Black are sitting on the floor behind some furniture, talking quietly as the party continues behind them. Black expresses concern for her and suggests she leave Burrs. In spite of her confusion (she is starting to have real feelings for Black), Queenie defends her life with Burrs. In the bedroom, Burrs admits to Kate that he can't stop thinking about Queenie.The first act ends with Black and Queenie kissing passionately as Burrs rejects Kate's pleas to go to bed with her and forget about Queenie. Act II opens with Kate onstage alone, wondering why she isn't "The Life of the Party". Queenie retreats to the bathroom where she attempts to sort out her feelings. Black finds her and they share a few moments of fun together, leading Black to reveal his feelings for her.They kiss as Burrs enters, surprising them. He suggests that Black leave, asks Queenie's forgiveness, and begs her to stop the party. Just then, Kate enters and the
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