Chapman on Broadway gets risqué with new musical

   Drugs, horny lesbians and vaudeville performers are hitting the Memorial Hall stage Feb. 28 when Chapman on Broadway, a studen-run club, is collaborating with the Chapman University chapter of United States Institute for Theatre Technology to put on its first student-run musical.

   Chapman on Broadway chose "The Wild Party," a play written by Andrew Libby and inspired by the narrative poem of the same name by Joseph Moncure March, because of its boundary-pushing qualities that cast members felt would be perfect for a college musical.

   "It's very risqué, the content is relatable and it doesn't require a ton of outside production," said junior Elisa Perez-Selsky, musical director for the show and member of Chapman on Broadway.

   The show is about an outrageous party thrown by a woman in the middle of an abusive relationship to embarrass her lover.

   The show is fully student-run with minimal assistance from a faculty adviser.

   "The theater department has a musical every year, but those musicals are actually closed for theater majors," said junior Eric Parker, president of Chapman on Broadway, which he helped start last year.

   Students from any major could audition for Chapman on Broadway or apply for directing, costume design, light design and sound design.

   Although Chapman on Broadway put on a show last year with various musical numbers, the addition of new members and more funds this year allowed it to take on a bigger project.

   "This year we decided to do a full show, which included buying the rights [to ‘The Wild Party']," Parker said. "We wanted to pick a show that gave opportunities for lead characters to perform but also a show that used an ensemble since there were so many people that were interested in being involved."

   The play features a full stage band headed by Perez-Selsky and conducted by junior music major Kyle Chattleton, which includes saxophones and trumpet solos to create a jazz-influenced show.  

   Tickets will cost $5 for Chapman students and $10 for general admission. The show will play at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and 29 in Memorial Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by emailing chapmanonbroadway@gmail.com.