Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party—the musical adaptation of Joseph Moncure March's 1928 narrative poem about a violent, boozy Jazz-Age party which played Manhattan Theatre Club in 2000—is currently being staged by the University of Buffalo's department of theatre and dance.

According to the school, this is the first time the show has been mounted since its New York debut.

The Off-Broadway version of The Wild Party starred Brian D'Arcy James, Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs and Julia Murney. Many thought the ambitious, dark-hued show would transfer to a commercial run, but reviews were mixed and it stayed at MTC. Its fate was further troubled by the existence during the same season of another show based on the March poem, a Broadway venture by George C. Wolfe and Michael John LaChiusa. Still, Lippa's score had its fans and was committed to CD by RCA.

The U of B show began Nov. 14 and will continue through Nov. 24. It is directed and choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato. Alie Light plays Queenie, Daniel Korzelius plays Burrs, Christian Donnelly is Black and Christine LaDuca portrays Kate.

Reportedly, Lippa himself will attend the production on Nov. 22 and 23. Tickets are $12 for the general public, $5 for students and seniors. Call (716) 645-ARTS for information and directions.

— By Robert Simsonson