Players by the Sea is pushing the creative envelope with Andrew Lippa’s “Wild Party,” opening April 26.
According to the Jacksonville theater, the play has garnered a “wild” array of theatrical awards from Manhattan’s Off-Broadway biggies, including Drama Desk, Obie and the Outer Critics Circle. “Wild Party” is a steamy Prohibition tale, roaring its way across the stage as a darkly brilliant show that features “one of the most thrilling, pulse-racing musical scores ever written,” as described by the theater in a recent press release.
Patrons can add in an exciting jazz-age angle to the Players by the Sea theatrical month every Friday and Saturday night during the entire run of “Wild Party.” The playhouse is hosting a Speakeasy Party for only 50 VIP guests who want to begin their evening in “Club Manifest,” a 1920s Speakeasy with a spirits tasting party featuring Manifest Distilling and bar bites provided by 927 Events. The private 1920s party brings together the show’s gangsters, flappers, musicians and guests for an hour of festivities before the curtain goes up on a cast of more than 20 actors and actresses in “Wild Party.”
The musical “Wild Party” follows Queenie and Burrs, two lovers that throw a “party-to-end-all-parties” in their Manhattan apartment. Their guests are a wildly colorful array of people living life on the edge at the height of 1920s decadence. Queenie has her wandering eyes on a striking man and Burrs’ jealousy erupts into a violent rage. Words are slung and shots are fired, but who’s been shot?
The spring Players by the Sea production is co-directed by Lee Hamby and Niki Stokes. Stokes is heating up the choreography with Cathy Dooley, musical director.
The play is running from April 26 to May 18. General admission is $28, with discounts to $25 for seniors, students and military. Every Thursday, performances are special Student Night with half-price tickets for students who show a valid ID.
Club Manifest is $50 on Friday and Saturday nights for the first 50 VIP reservations, which include the Private Speakeasy Party, plus reserved seating for the show in the Mainstage Theater.
Season ticket holders can reserve the Club Manifest party for $25.
“Wild Party” contains language and situation suitable for mature audiences. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.PlayersByTheSea.org. Players by the Sea is located at 106 Sixth St. N. in Jacksonville Beach.
