Corruption, dancing, singing flood ‘Town’


By Nicole Southern

Imagine a world where humans were treated like animals…or even worse: a world where you had to pay money to do something that you physically couldn’t live without doing.

Urinetown brings this horrible reality to life in a story about a town devastated by water deprivation and conniving corporate companies. Life becomes hard for the residents of the poor town as the drought forces private bathrooms to become a thing of the past. Town members have to pay to use public facilities. Employees of the corporate giant, Urine Good Company, are rolling in dough as they abuse the poor residents by taking what little money they have for use of the public bathroom.

Bobby Strong (junior Judah Frank) is an assistant custodian for Amenity No. 9, the only public facility for miles. His life is turned upside-down when his father (junior Kevin Feehery) is whisked off to “Urinetown” after his lack of adequate funds forces him to partake in public urination. After a chance meeting with Hope Cladwell (junior Rachel Yucht) later that night, Bobby learns that true love does exist and that he must listen to his heart to make things right.

Bobby follows his heart and revolts, letting everyone use the facility for free. When word gets back to the almighty Urine Good Company, president Caldwell B. Cladwell (senior Bjorn Stowers) gathers his crew and fights back.

The cast did an amazing job of portraying the distraught townspeople, relentless policemen and money-hungry employees that coexist in the town. They worked together to produce a masterpiece of a play with an interesting message.

Frank delivered a magnificent performance as Bobby Strong, his passion never ceasing to shine. His prominent poses brought life to his character and stole the stage. His vocal performance awed audience members as well. His rendition of “Run, Freedom, Run” made the song sound as though it was written just for him and left a lasting impression throughout the theater.

Newcomer freshman Joanne Nosuchinsky was flawless in her performance as Little Sally. Her funny walk and her hilarious one-liners threw the audience into hysterics throughout the play. Her sidesplitting facial expressions and nervous body movements added to her comedic performance and had audience members convinced that she was a young girl.

One of the most amusing scenes from the play was the scene in which the rebellious townspeople celebrate in their secret hideout. An outpouring of singing, choreography, back flips and other exciting happenings filled this scene. An out-of-the-ordinary chair routine helped to make the scene truly memorable.

Another interesting scene occurs when the Urine Good Company staff tries a series of pick-up attempts on Hope, then breaks out into song praising her villainous father. The number doesn’t end before it features what could be the most unusual kickline of all time.

The presence of a narrator also sets this play apart from others. Senior Ed Egan plays Officer Lockstock, the narrator and one of the policemen who reprimands the townspeople for relieving themselves in “illegal” fashions. Throughout the play, Lockstock stops to explain the important aspects of the story to Little Sally.

The set offered an eyeful of color to audience members. Two rolling ladders lend to the set’s brilliance and are used for a multitude of purposes. A large prop is also utilized for both the amenity and the corporal setting, a simple turn separating the two.

The costumes in the play really help to set the tone. The townspeople wear ragged and cut-up clothes, with dirty faces and uncombed hair. In contrast, the employees are clad in expensive business attire and are clean and well groomed.

Although the theme for Urinetown was peculiar, the play hit new levels of extraordinary. Students should go out this weekend and catch the last two performances, because this is one play they definitely won’t want to miss.