Musical theatre production, ‘Urinetown’ starts Thursday
Red Oak High School vocal music students will present the musical theatre production “Urinetown the Musical” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 23 with a 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 matinee at the Wilson Performing Arts Center in Red Oak.
The musical is being held at the WPAC due to construction at the high school, explained Tim Marsden, high school vocal instructor and musical director. He said to not to let the title of the musical determine a person’s attendance to the show.
“Don’t let the title put you off,” said Marsden. “Urinetown the Musical” is a satire of most musicals. It parodies the style, structure, and story of a typical Broadway musical. It also jabs at the legal system, capitalism, corrupt corporations, environmental waste, and peoples’ sense of entitlements.
This is the first time that “Urinetown” has been produced at ROCHS. The show originally premiered on Broadway in 2001 and won three Tony Awards.
“Urinetown” takes place in a time of desperation and desolation. A massive water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, means that private toilets have been outlawed and the public now must pay “for the privilege to pee.”
“These public amenities, as they’re known, are run by the evil Urine Good Company (or UGC) headed up by the villainous Caldwell B. Cladwell. If citizens relieve themselves in public or refuse to pay the fee, they’re sent to the infamous Urinetown,” Marsden said. “When our hero, Bobby Strong’s, father is carted off to Urinetown and never heard from again (except in ghost form) he conspires to lead a revolution against the corruption and oppression. Ultimately, Bobby ends up being taken to Urinetown himself, which as it turns out is not a place.”
He added “Urinetown” is filled with great music, larger than life characters, hilarious comedy, and even some sweet and tender moments.
“While the title may sound a bit crass, the show is quite innocent and would be considered appropriate for family viewing. Make plans to come and see our wonderful cast of students bring this witty and very funny show to life”
Students involved in this year’s production are: Ethan Horn, Libby Mensen, Connor Koppa, Eva Sherman, Brandon VanHoose, Madison Bruce, Jenna Klyn, Mason Perkins, Caitlyn Butz, Garrett Hurt, Sam Ross, Madison Hewett, Kadee Gass, Aidan Eubank, Courtni Lidsay, Halee Myers, Avery Graham, Grayson Hewett, Rhenn Rolenc, Kate Edie, Aedynn Graham, Mya Southwell, Lindsey Porter, Alissa Rice, Lillian Johnson, and Emily Peterson.
Assisting Marsden with the musical is Trinity LaMar as stage manager and Eva Sherman as choreographer. Tickets can be obtained for the show at 623-3183 for tickets.