An exhibition of the infamous trio of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll would fall neatly into the ambit of college debauchery, or Hollywood irresponsibility, but performed on stage in a concert hall at the Music Institute of Chicago?

“This is not a wild party, it’s The Wild Party,” says Communication senior Sean Carroll, who stars in the piece and serves as its producer. “The piece is set in an era of America that is so different – no one worried about self censorship or morality.”

Salaciousness defined, The Wild Party exposes the libertine customs of the Prohibition era. Using Andrew Lippa’s musical version, the cast recreates the escapades described in Joseph Moncure’s controversial poem, which was banned in the 1920s. The cast chronicles the descent into an alcohol-, drug- and sex-laden existence.

“The show is, at its core, very dark,” Carroll says. “It touches on the fact that humans are sexual beings, but it also looks at sexuality critically. But there is a thin line we had to walk in terms of mounting the show tastefully.”

The Wild Party flaunts a sexual energy that drives the performance. Communication senior Colby Kline, portraying the coquettish Kate, delivers a sultry song and dance introducing the second act. And driven by jealously, Communication freshman Morgan Karr, portraying the abusive Burrs, delivers a drunken rant, appearing to battle the orchestra and the ensemble.

“I think that this show’s sexuality stems from its diverse musical base,” says Communication junior Travis Greisler, who directs the show. “The music features pop rock, jazz, samba and even guitar licks