The Wild Party
Deigner
Yingman Tang
Location
Colwell Playhouse, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Illinois, US
Credit
Photo credits: Darrell Hoemann
Production Team
Co-Director: Danny Yoerges
Co-Director: Rachel Rizzuto
Music Director: Julie Gunn
Scenic Designer: Kate Spademan
Costume Designer: KHetag Tasbolov
Lighting Designer: Yingman Tang
Sound Designer: Jaritt Catellier
Intimacy Director: Gaby Labotka
Stage Manager: Allison Vogelmeier
Context
Lovers Queenie and Burrs decide to throw the party-to-end-all-parties in their New Orleans row house. After the colorful arrival of a slew of guests living life on the edge, Queenie's wandering eyes land on a striking man named Black. As the decadence is reaching a climax, so is Burrs' jealousy. To quote the show, “One wrong turn the whole place would burn, but who would strike the match?”
​Experience
I am very grateful for The Wild Party, which taught me how to place lighting precisely within the stage environment. Sometimes compromise is necessary to better serve the overall production.
This was a highly dynamic musical, featuring a busy stage, a trap door, a large cast, and vibrant costumes. As expected, the show required numerous lighting cues. However, I realized that in such a visually rich environment, lighting should not add chaos but instead provide support.
Rather than building an excessive number of cues, I focused on carefully refining color choices and the placement of light. I am especially proud that I collaborated effectively with the other designers, and together we created a cohesive design that supported the actors and enhanced their performances.
