It all began with an epic poem entitled “The Wild Party,” Joseph Moncure March’s 1926 exercise in steamy syncopation giving an account of a hedonistic Prohibition-era bash awash in jealousy and bathtub gin. 
Today, Catawba College’s student-directed production of the play, adapted from that poem and intended for mature audiences, is a morality tale set in modern-day Hollywood.
This production of “Wild Party” provides commentary on the role of sex and drugs among today’s celebrities, as well as the role tabloid reporters and the publications they represent have in making and breaking these same celebrities.
The production is offered at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 through Saturday, Feb. 23 in Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on campus. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for all students and senior citizens.
“Wild Party” is co-directed by seniors Jordan Danz of Mequon, Wis., and Tiffany Hogan of High Point.   
Cast members include Sonny Kong of Matthews as Jackie; Jen Short of Jersey City, N.J., as Queenie; Sheldon Rogers of Waxhaw as Burrs; Eleanor Withrow of Abingdon, Md., as Mae; Daniel Hines of Yorktown, Va., as Mr. Black; Jessica Taige of Wauwatosa, Wis., as Nadine; Jordan Ellis of Shelby as Phil; Sara Johnson of Charlotte as Madeline; Candace Neal of Waxhaw as Delores; Mara Stewart of Hurricane, W.Va., as Kate; Robby Lutfy of Charlotte as Oscar; Chris Herring of Oakboro as Eddie; and Nicole Bowles of Monroe as Sally.
Crew members include Meghan Schneider of Berlin, Conn., stage manager; Alysha “Aly” Perez of Waldorf, Md., assistant stage manager; Matthew Kiedrowski of Milwaukee, Wis., music director and composer; Meggie Bumgarner of Newton costume designer; Paul Saylor of Isle of Palms, S.C., set designer; Diana Hagler of Charlotte, lighting designer; Eric Finland of McLean, Va., keyboardist; and Nicole Bowles of Monroe, publicist.
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For more information, please call the Catawba College Box Office at (704) 637-4481. Group ticket rates are available.