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What is Urinetown?!

Posted September 15, 2016 in Press Releases

What is Urinetown?!

Do YOU know anything about Urinetown, the Musical? This side-splittingly funny social commentary won THREE Tony Awards in 2002 (Best Original Score, Best Book, and Best Direction)!

But that NAME, though! What the heck? Who wants to go see a show called Urinetown? Who would think that would be a good title for a musical? The answer is that aside from its famously blunt socio-political commentary, Urinetown, the Musical, is an irreverent satire, a clever parody, hilariously written… and its unconventional (absurd?) title reflects that!

For example, Urinetown opens with Officer Lockstock talking to Little Sally (co-narrators of the show), debating the subject matter and the actual title. They discuss how nothing can kill a show like bad subject matter, “Or a bad title even? That could kill a show pretty good.” (You can watch this scene, and get a taste of the style of the show in This Video from the 2008 Tony Awards, which also features one of the show’s most popular songs, Run, Freedom, Run.) Later in the show, Little Sally even says “I don’t think too many people are going to come see this show.” Officer Lockstock replies “Why do you say that, Little Sally? Don’t you think people want to be told that their way of life is unsustainable?"

In the words of Victoria Saxon from MTI:

“Throughout the show, Officer Lockstock and Little Sally continually break the fourth wall, reminding audiences repeatedly that this is just a silly musical, don’t give it too much thought. Thus the audience and performers are always in on the joke. Even the characters names let you know this is a parody. The woman in charge of the Public Amenity No 9 (where the revolution occurs) is called Penny Pennywise. Yes, you have to give Penny your pennies in order to spend a penny. The heroine of the show (who happens to be the big baddies daughter) is called Hope and went to “The Most Expensive University in the Whole World” and seems to have learnt nothing. Something I’m sure no student can relate to…”

Have you left this blog to purchase your tickets yet? Because that’s not all…

As we always strive to do, Near West Theatre brings a fresh perspective to this production; though the show is traditionally presented with an adult cast, Near West Theatre has instead engaged 42 talented youth, ages 9-15, to present this popular production! Placing it in the hands of these thoughtful youth results in a particularly compelling perspective – it is powerful to see the commentary interpreted through their eyes, and impressive to experience their skillful comedic abilities!

Our cast of 40+ 9-15 year olds have been hard at work since August to bring you Urinetown: the Musical, opening TOMORROW, Friday September 16th.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Urinetown, the Musical plays for only 2 weekends… don’t miss out, GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! We’ll see you at the show!

What is Urinetown?!

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