Andrew Lippa’s sexy, dangerous jazz-aged musical The Wild Party returns to the NYC stage this weekend only with a star-studded Encores! Off-Center revival led by Sutton Foster, Steven Pasquale, Brandon Victor Dixon and Miriam Shor.
While the score is full of fabulous songs, most people go in knowing Kate’s (Joaquina Kalukango) big party-girl anthem “Life of the Party”, which is why we will all be waiting with bated breath at New York City Center to see what Kalukango does with the showstopper. But before we get there, let’s look back and rank YouTube’s 15 best “Life of the Party” performances.
15. Janine Picconi
Working that staircase, working that dress, working it out.
14. Florence Odumosu
There’s so much passion in this performance—and those growls.
13. Nina Sturtz
There’s real pain in her Kate and it’s so interesting to watch. The acting choices make her rendition really her own.
12. Natalie Peyser
She’s great and the direction is everything.
11. Jonathan Groff
This Hamilton star won my heart for the dance moves alone (though the vocals are clearly on fleek).
10. Alex Zeto
This Texas State star nails it.
9. Rachel Potter
Beautiful.
8. Amy Tipton
#BlownAway
7. Summer Strallen
What’s amazing about Summer’s rendition is how she is isn’t trying to sound like Idina—she’s doing her own thing and it’s awesome.
6. Emily Hannawa
This is from Brookhaven 418 Theatre's production, and when she gets to that “hand in fisted glove” you know you’re in for a treat…then it just continues to get better.
5. Cassandra Nuss
This model/actress (who can currently be seen as Extraordinary Girl in LA’s American Idiot) slays! Come to NYC, Cassandra.
4. Kate Rockwell
The Rock of Ages & Bring It On alum has a lot of fun with the song and the vocals are just insane. Wait til you get to the end.
3. Lea Michele
:::Praise Hands:::
2. Hannah Zazzaro
Such a cool, unique voice and bonus points for doing a shot mid-song. (You aren’t ready for 2:15 to the end.) She’s such a legit badass here, you really believe the lyrics.
1. Idina Menzel
There’s just no way Idina is not #1. It’s her song.
Don't miss 'The Wild Partyt' at New York City Center July 15-July 18.
