Majestic Repertory Theater’s stunning immersive production puts virtual reality to shame…
Today’s young people are so excited about the wonders of virtual reality. They strap on a headset and feel like they’re somewhere in the meta-verse. As fun as that may seem, it’s still only two-dimensional. Then there’s Majestic Repertory Theater‘s latest offering… THE WILD PARTY. It’s an experience so believable that every sense is engaged. Sounds, temperatures, fragrances, and even taste become a part of the presentation. How? Because it’s one hundred percent REAL!
Most of us have attended a themed gathering. Murder mystery parties and interactive productions like TONY AND TINA’S WEDDING have also been around for quite some time. But nothing can compare to the depth and detail permeating every layer of THE WILD PARTY.
I can save you a lot of reading (and my own writing) by imploring you to watch the clip below. Go ahead…I’ll wait.
Now tell me that wasn’t fascinating!
Troy Heard is the wizard behind Majestic Repertory Theater‘s amazing line-up. Not content to just put on traditional plays, Heard and his team transform the interior of their venue into self-contained universes. From a shocking Times Square peepshow out of the 70s (HOT TRASH) to a creepy cabaret staffed by murderous circus rejects (CLOWN BAR), Majestic is anything but a traditional theater…and THE WILD PARTY is undoubtedly their most immersive undertaking yet.
“It’s really what I like” Heard told VEGAS 411. “I never was into traditional “sit down and watch a play” events. I do them when I have to but my passion is creating new worlds.” Which explains why, every time you step through the Majestic doors, it has transformed into someplace wholly new.
THE WILD PARTY is based on a 1926 book-length poem by Joseph Moncure March. Notorious at the time for what was considered to be “lewd content”, the poem was banned in many cities. Keep in mind that this is when Prohibition and the Roaring Twenties collided, creating a hotbed of contrasts, frustration, and cultural upheaval.
Heard is the writer and director of THE WILD PARTY. It was created by Table 8 Immersive and the Majestic team. Here’s the official synopsis:
Queenie’s throwing a party – and it’s gonna be wild as hell! All the swells from the Bowery to Broadway are here tonight: Madelaine True, the Harlem lesbian; the Siblings d’Armano, a virtuosic songwriting team; Burrs, the jealous clown with a heart of coal; and Black, the sex magnet that catches Queenie’s eye. Bathtub gin flows, passion grows, and there’s a gunshot or two…as we make the 20s Roar Once Again
Guests of THE WILD PARTY are instructed to gather on the sidewalk outside of Majestic Theater ten minutes before showtime. They’re led in small groups to the study of March, whose typewriter sits under a lamp, awaiting a tale. As the poet enters the room, it’s apparent that he’s frustrated by a lack of inspiration. That is, until the sounds of the apartments surrounding him waft in.
As March begins to bang out his famed work in rapid keystrokes, guests take a corridor to the home of Queenie and Burrs. They’re the hosts of an impromptu gathering of friends and associates. A seedy lot, to be sure. And once things get underway, expect the unexpected.
It’s mind-boggling to consider the amount of preparation that went into this undertaking. Each character has a fleshed-out back story and will be part of the evening’s plot. Yet you can step aside with any of them to have a conversation, and move from room to room as you would at an actual party.
I highly suggest mingling with other guests, as there is plenty happening all around. I often found myself unsure as to whether the person I was engaging with was part of the production or a ticket-buyer, as guests are encouraged to dress for the era.
You might find yourself slow-dancing with a flapper as incense fills your nostrils. Sip punch with the neighborhood’s prized boxer, who’s been told to throw a fight. Queenie may invite you to her boudoir to help change into something more comfortable. And keep your eye on what’s happening outside on the fire escape. Is that really cold air flowing in through the window?
As the evening progresses, entertainers will tickle the ivories and belt out songs. Chairs will be pushed aside in order to do the Charleston. Jealousy and scandals will be revealed, and inhibitions will fall…along with articles of clothing. Ultimately, a gunshot will pierce the air.
VEGAS 411 attended a dress rehearsal, which under other circumstances might have revealed weaknesses. However, this writer found THE WILD PARTY to be superlative on every level. Each performance rings true, with actors flawlessly maintaining their characters throughout.
Lighting and sound design have been created by Cory Covell, and both are immensely effective. Costumes by Sean Stuart and a scenic design by Troy Heard will make you truly believe that you’re in 1928.
THE WILD PARTY is a fantastic way to close out a great year of Majestic Repertory Theater entertainment. Even better, it’s a shoo-in for VEGAS 411‘s “Best of 2022” awards.
THE WILD PARTY runs now through December 18th at Majestic Repertory Theater. The venue is located at 1217 S. Main Street in the Arts District (near downtown). Showtimes are Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Due to the nature of the production. guests must arrive before showtime, are encouraged to wear period costumes, and are required to be 21 or over. Click here for more information and to order tickets.
Photos by Chase Stevens and VEGAS 411
