Welcome to ‘Urinetown’
Where you have to pay to use the restroom. Seriously
Posted on February 21, 2008
A town by any other name would smell a lot sweeter.
The school of theatre and dance and the school of music present Urinetown,” this year’s spring musical. The show stops short of nothing, including making fun of itself and other popular musicals in this satirical comedy. It takes the fun of political humor and the mischief of potty language and rolls it into one fantastic, but not-so-happy-go-lucky production.
It is set in a “Gotham-like city” many “stink years” ago. A twenty-year-long drought has caused people in power to completely monopolize the city’s water. Private bathrooms have been outlawed by the dominating “Urine Good Company,” and residents must shell out cash to use public facilities. Residents are forbidden to use any other restroom, or any other means of relieving themselves and are constantly reminded that it is a “privilege to pee.” Any person directly defying this law by peeing anywhere else is banished to Urinetown. The mystery lies in exactly where Urinetown is located.
The emphasis on ensemble singing leaves a lot of room open for comedic interpretations of all the actors. Songs such as the “Cop Song” and “Don’t Be the Bunny” are humorous twists to the show, and were enjoyed by the audience. The element of surprise is added during songs such as “Run Freedom, Run,” a gospel-like tune that had most of the cast singing passionately.
The production was well cast, with each actor playing off of one another in a supportive and humorous way. The lead characters Bobby Strong, played by senior Joel Adam Gerlach, and Hope Cladwell played by junior Briana Marcantoni, share a great deal of singing and acting talent and have a thorough understanding of their characters’ roles. However, the characters of Officer Lockstock played by senior John Kownacki; Little Sally by Sarah Gawron; and Little Becky Two-Shoes by junior Sarah Miles, completely stole the show.
Kownacki plays the role of the narrator with an amusing air of irony that keeps the audience engaged.
Gawron’s childish accent alone is enough to have the audience constantly giggling, and it is heartbreaking to watch her scrounge for a few cents and by pleading, “A penny for a pee, sir?”
Miles dominates the stage while banging on her pregnant belly to the beat of the drums during musical numbers and hobbling around with a crippled leg.
This musical is full of many turns and is deceptive by its cheery and upbeat tunes. Audience members are constantly reminded that this is not a happy musical. Viewers will certainly recognize the value of their seat in the theater and “other places.”
“Urinetown” runs in Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre every night at 8 p.m. The final show is Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 with a JAC Card, $12 for regular admission.
