A Review of PSU's School of Theatre's Production of Urinetown

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By Jack Briggs

Urinetown is one of the those shows that slid under the radar when it got to Broadway. Even with its three Tony wins for best direction, choreography, and orchestration, the hit comedic satire opened on September 21st, 2001, a little over a week after the attacks of 9/11, which explains some of the distraction. Despite this, it's still being performed around the world today. When the PSU School of Theatre put on this satirical comedy, they really were able to put something together that not only honors the original text, but also allows a reflection on how our world has come closer to Urinetown, the place, and farther from Urinetown, the musical.

Directed by the School of Theatre's Professor of Practice, David Kersner, Urinetown covers what happens when corporate greed gets in charge of public need. The world of Urinetown is one that is suffering from a lethal drought. It has shaken the Earth and has forced high regulations on water, which affects many things, such as "hydraulics. Hydration. Irrigation. Or just plain laundry." Since the show is a musical, it's simpler to focus on just one thing: in this case, how rationing of water has allowed a corrupt corporation to seize control of the water supply and dictate when, where, and how much people have to pay to use the restroom. 

Amidst the disaster that is the water shortage, Urinetown focuses on a young boy named Bobby Strong (Dante D'Antonio), who has his viewpoint changed when his father, "Old Man" Strong (Zach Doran) is sent off to "Urinetown" after refusing to pay and peeing freely in the streets. He also meets and falls in love with Hope Cladwell (Nat Wiley), who is the daughter of the wealthy man in charge of all the toilets, Caldwell Cladwell (Jackson Pavlik ). Hope convinces Bobby to follow his heart and do what he thinks is right, which leads to Bobby rebelling against the oppressive corporate infrastructure that has been in place for almost twenty years. Given the urgency of our own climate crisis, the musical's message is more timely than ever before. 

With choreography by Natalie Maltoke and a creative team filled by grad student Alivia Cross (Scenic Designer), undergrad students Quinn McDonald (Lighting Designer) and Audrey Lewis (Costume Designer), along with School of Theatre Sound Supervisor Kyle Jensen (Sound Designer), Urinetown is beautiful in both its performance and design. Everything from the set to the lights follows a kind of vaudevillian, noir style.

At the time of writing this, Urinetown is in the middle of its run, but by the time this is posted it will be finishing its time on the Playhouse Theatre's stage. I hope everyone who could see it was able to, and please make sure to follow more of the School of Theatre's performances: up next is Tartuffe, directed by Sam Osheroff (March 19th-30th) in the Pavilion Theatre, followed by Bernarda Alba, (April 11th-14th) directed by grad student Chris Campell. The School of Theatre then ends their season with Falsettos (April 18th-21st), directed by Zach Steel. The final two productions will be held in the Downtown Theatre Centre, located next to the Panera on Allen Street. Please make sure to come and support the arts; all ticket sales directly help the School of Theatre fund future shows.

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