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In its first-ever regional production, now playing at the Zachary Scott Theatre Center, "Urinetown, the Musical," directed by Dave Steakley, gives new meaning to the term "potty humor." The Broadway hit and winner of three Tony Awards is both a witty political satire and a loving tribute to musicals over the decades, respectfully parodying everything from "Fiddler on the Roof" to "Annie." It certainly takes a special show to get a room full of adults giggling about the taboo subject of pee-pee. But don't deem a musical about bodily fluids too offensive just yet - it's not quite "Beavis and Butthead do Broadway."
The shamelessly self-referential musical "takes place in a town like any town that you might find in a musical." Twenty years of drought have led to the outlawing of private toilets, forcing the poor citizens to scrounge for pennies in order to use the public facilities. The city's public toilets are run by the Urine Good Co., a large monopolizing corporation run by the greedy Mr. Cladwell. Any infraction against the UGC, such as not being able to pay or just going behind a tree (there are laws against it), will get you sent straight to Urinetown, a mysterious place where no one ever returns. So what is Urinetown? It is only when the citizens of Public Amenity No. 9 rebel that we find out.
David Sattler plays the courageous hero, Bobby Strong, and Jill Blackwood plays his hopelessly-sweet love interest, Hope Cladwell. The pair's spot-on comedic timing and Broadway-caliber vocals are not to be missed. The experience of Urinetown, however, would not be the same without any one member of the relentlessly hard-working supporting cast and ensemble.
Underneath the absurd subject matter and animated, often dim-witted characters, is an irresistible heart of gold (or some choice shade of yellow). Every ridiculously over-exaggerated gasp, point, shriek, slap and audience glance is surprisingly genuine in a world where pee-peeing (yes, I said it) is punishable by, well, elimination.
The show runs rancid with symbolism and metaphors, all the while still imitating our favorite musicals in choreography and style. "Snuff That Girl" is a snap-driven number reminiscent of "West Side Story's" "Cool," while "What Is Urinetown?" is a loving send-up to basically the entirety of "Fiddler on the Roof". With additional songs like "The Privilege to Pee" and "Don't be the Bunny," "Urinetown" defies definition as a theatrical experience that challenges you to not wet your pants - or at least take advantage of the 15-minute intermission.
The show's creators, Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis, are reportedly now working on both a prequel and sequel to "Urinetown," which they are now calling the centerpiece to a musical trilogy.
So, will fans soon be humming to the tunes of Mucusville and Poop City? Here's hoping ... but don't hold your bladder.
"Urinetown, the Musical"
Zachary Scott Theatre Center
Now playing through March 12th
Student rush tickets available one hour prior to showtime, $15
http://www.zachscott.com
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