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Peer Reviews Why, Hello There! This is Urinetown! By Julia Leist Entire contents are copyright © 2007 Julia Leist. All rights reserved.
What is Urinetown? I've got two answers for you. The first one's a secret. I'll let you in on it later in the review. The second answer -- well, obviously, Urinetown is a musical. The University of Louisville's spring production of the popular Broadway hit with the nauseating title may have been produced on the small stage of the once-chapel-now-Playhouse on UofL's campus, but it was done in the grand tradition of the musical genre -- in a big, big way! It's not a happy musical. At least, this is what we are told. How can it be, when the citizens of this fictional provincial town are forced to pay to pee? Think they can escape the toll? Well, think again: if caught behind a bush, well, that just bought you a one-way ticket to Urinetown! Gasp! And now for the secret, revealed by Officer Lockstock (the play's narrator and co-stooge with his second banana Officer Barrel)...THERE IS NO URINETOWN; THEY JUST KILL PEOPLE! Gasp! Don't worry! This is a musical, after all. Our hero, Bobby Strong, and our damsel-turned-heroine, Hope Cladwell, follow their hearts to fight for the freedom to pee for free! No unfair taxation for natural urination! In this cartoon of a town, the powers-that-be are under the influence of one very corrupt and crooked leader of the URINE GOOD COMPANY, Caldwell B. Cladwell. That's right, Hope's father! Gasp! And the plot thickens... Urinetown the Musical is a genius compilation of various musical styles, starting with the traditional chorus-swelling standards to jazzy, gospel-inspired romps that mark the turning point for the people of the town. The lyrics are smart, sassy, and most importantly, correspond well with simple but thoughtful movement and choreography. Unfortunately, a vast majority of the witty repartee was lost due to a combination of mediocre acoustics and mumbling actors. Despite this oratorical flaw, the chorus (who play both the bourgeois members of Cladwell clan and the rag-wearing proletariat) adequately supported a fabulous leading cast. The costumes were superb -- Hollis Jenkins-Evans brought talent and experience to her creations, constructing interesting pieces both practical for the quick changes as well as visually appealing. At first glance, the set seems overwhelmingly cluttered -- an animated world of busted computers, chain-link fencing, brick walls, and general filth. Sort of like a grotesque fantasy land. A successful caricature is never easy to portray -- however, the cast mastered the technique. It requires confidence and commitment to a fictional, farcical world. Brandon Meeks, whose tall frame supports a commanding and boisterous speaking voice and presence, engaged the audience with an animated and hysterical Officer Lockstock. Erik Anthony DeCicco (Bobby Strong) and Bridget Witzke (Hope Cladwell) complemented each other's performances with a unique blend of chemistry and vocal talent. At the beginning of the play, the audience is informed that Urinetown the Musical is just that, a musical. The illusion dissolves. The characters understand that Urinetown is just a play, so why pretend otherwise? At times the stage crew creeps into the light, becoming visible while shifting scenery or helping an actor with a quick change. An interesting idea; however, to achieve the goal of such a kitschy use of stage hands, it should have been done more than twice or not at all. Urinetown the Musical may seem ludicrous to some, but in actuality it isn't so far from the truth of our times. We may not pay to pee, but big business tends to run our daily lives, whether we would like to admit this or not. We are living in a corporate democracy. It's about business, not happiness. You could watch Urinetown and simply enjoy what seems to be a ridiculous concept, or you can recognize in its absurdity the absurdity of our own time. It's not a happy musical. It's not a sad musical either. It's a hilarious musical, with a satirical twist that pokes fun at the sad reality of our own money-driven society. UofL's short run of Urinetown closed Saturday, April 22. You may not have been able to make it to this production, but I strongly suggest you check out the University's website for future shows and dates (http://louisville.edu/a-s/ta/). University theatre is some of the most interesting work you will find. It's refreshing to see students whose cups runneth over with talent and desire to do the work for the pure love of the craft. Urinetown: The Musical by Greg Kotis and Mark
Hollmann Posted Apr. 25, 2007
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