The Wild Party

photo: Jennifer Maufrais Kelly

The Gallery Players' production of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party isn't dark and dirty enough; without carnal excitement and a measure of danger in the air, the show becomes a long evening. There is good choreography, and some of the performers make a strong impression (Julie Cardia brings a touch of world-weary to Kate, and Tauren Hagans knocks the "Lesbian Love Affair" number out of the park) but the leads - appealing performers both who do well with the songs - don't convince as knocked-about rough-sex boozers and they don't have chemistry together. Without that, the party never gets started.