Review: Urinetown - SCC delivers a wonderful performance of a satirical musical comedy

URINETOWN, The Musical

Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollmann

Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis

Directed by Deborah Hathaway

Musical Direction by Dr. Charles Enlow

Choreography by Carissa Meisner-Smith

Set Design by Richard Schaefer

Shoreline Community College

October 8 through October 16, 2016

Review by Doug Gochanour

If you’re in town, come experience Urinetown. This lively play is a satirical musical comedy. You may be visualizing Lesley Gore singing, “It’s my potty, and I’ll cry if I want to.”

But, there is much more to this frenzied show, as it takes on corporate greed, the legal system, political irresponsibility and essentially, capitalism gone to pot.

Once again, Shoreline Community College Theatre Program delivers a wonderful performance by cast, crew, and musicians. Everyone involved deserves great praise. The company masterfully spins a story, with wonderful costumes, energetic singing and dancing, a well-designed set, and with playful potty humor thrown into the mix. Even the theatre itself has been refreshed for your enjoyment.

A 20-year drought has ravaged the community of Urinetown, causing a water shortage. This led to a ban on private toilets in order to control the use of available water. The people of Urinetown are required to use only pay toilets, owned by the evil, monopolistic, megalomaniacal toilet proprietor of Urine Good Company.

That would be Mr. Cladwell, played well by Dima Pogrebniak. He amassed a huge pile of cash by taking advantage of others, and with No Regrets.

As you may expect, the poorest folks are provided the filthiest Public Amenity. In fact, if you don’t have money for your daily urinal admission, you are up a certain creek. If you pee in the street, you will be arrested by the police and carted off to Urinetown. And, this will be your downfall, literally, from the rooftop.

Marshall Link is outstanding as Bobby Strong, as is Clara Todd as Hope Cladwell. They bring high energy that fills the room. Camaira Metz is wonderful as Little Sally, keeping the drama lively and fun. Jay Vilhauer amazes us with two roles. As the Narrator, he delivers delightful commentary on the flow of events.  He is also part of that two-person police force ~~ Lockstock and Barrell.

Unfortunately, it is far too easy to find real-world situations, where injustices and atrocities do occur. Where business leaders become very wealthy at the expense of others, and with no regrets. Perhaps as we enjoy this delightfully entertaining play experience, we may come away reminded to do our part to make the world around us a better place. Improve upon your own Urinetown situations.

Performances run October 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30pm, and October 9 and 16 at 3pm. Advance tickets available now through Brown Paper Tickets and at the door. Free Parking on campus! Beer, wine, and light refreshments available one hour prior to performance time.