The Wild Party Official

Because the original 1928 poem entered the public domain, two composers adapted the exact same story simultaneously:

The story of The Wild Party centers on Queenie, a 1920s vaudeville dancer, and her violent, passionate lover Burrs, a vaudeville clown . To distract themselves from their toxic, deteriorating relationship, they decide to throw a decadent, alcohol-and-drug-fueled party in their Manhattan apartment. As the night descends into chaos and inhibitions fade, Queenie attempts to make Burrs jealous by pursuing a handsome guest named Mr. Black, leading to a climax of jealousy, rage, and a fatal gunshot.

: A wild assortment of Manhattan's fringe society arrives, including a minor named Nadine, the trouble-making Kate, and Kate's suave companion, Mr. Black. The Wild Party

: This production focuses heavily on the intense, tragic love triangle between Queenie, Burrs, and Black. It won the Outer Critics Circle Award and features high-energy, driving jazz numbers.

: Queenie aggressively flirts with Black to get back at Burrs. Meanwhile, Kate tries to wedge herself between Queenie and Burrs by aggressively pursuing him. The Climax The Wild Party - New York City Center Because the original 1928 poem entered the public

: After a physical altercation on a Sunday morning, Burrs suggests they throw a massive party to relieve the tension and entertain "all the old gang".

: Queenie and Burrs have been together for a few years, but their dynamic has turned abusive and stale. Black, leading to a climax of jealousy, rage,

: Directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Toni Collette and Mandy Patinkin, this adaptation leans heavily into the dark underbelly of the era, operating as a character study of a wider variety of colorful, desperate guests. 📖 Plot Summary