Riverdale Rising Stars' URINETOWN Opens Tonight

The award-winning teens of Riverdale Rising Stars presents the critically-acclaimed URINETOWN: THE MUSICAL, a side-splitting send-up of greed, love, revolution, and musicals in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. URINETOWN will be presented for six performances only, from tonight, May 9 to May 17, 2015.

Performances will be held at the Riverdale YM-YWHA, located at 5625 Arlington Avenue (just off of Riverdale Avenue and West 256th Street), in Riverdale, Bronx, NY.

In a dystopian future, a long drought has led to sever water shortage and a government-enforced ban on public toilets. A private corporation now charges admission for one of life's most basic necessities. Amid the chaos, a hero rises to lead a people's revolution so that someday, it will no longer be a privilege to pee.

Featuring music and lyrics by Mark Hollman and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, the daringly original URINETOWN satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics as it skewers the conventions of musical comedy

URINETOWN is directed Riverdale Rising Stars Artistic Director Laurie Walton, with choreography by Emily Walton and music direction by Justin Fischer. The design team includes Eric Zoback (Sets), Jenna Lyons (Scenery Painting), Penelope Margeotes (Costumes), David Pentz (Lighting), and Denise Eberly (Sound).

URINETOWN premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival in 1999, and made its Broadway debut in 2001, where it won 3 Tony Awards, and eventually ran for 965 performances - over three years. The musical has since received thousands of productions across America and around the world.

Bookwriter/lyricist Greg Kotis got the idea for URINETOWN while traveling in Europe. A traveling student on a budget, he encountered a pay-per-use toilet, and began writing shortly thereafter, joining with composer/lyricist Mark Hollmann for the journey to Broadway.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND PRICES:

Saturday, May 9 at 9:15pm
Sunday, May 10 at 2pm
Thursday, May 14 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 16 at 9:15pm
Sunday, May 17 at 2pm
Sunday, May 17 at 6pm

Saturday evening performances are $13. For all other performances, tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for seniors and students if purchased online at www.RiverdaleY.org/Urinetown, or $22 for adults and $14 for seniors and students if purchased at the door prior to showtime. Tickets may also be purchased by phone 24/7 by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006 and selecting option 1.

Riverdale Rising Stars was created to provide the teens of the Riverdale community and beyond a professional repertory company experience. Since its inception 14 years ago, the organization has expanded its programming to include Rising Stars Jr., Riverdale Repertory Company, and the Riverdale Performing Arts Conservatory (RPAC), an educational program for adults and children. Of greatest importance is the way that all build self-esteem, learn enormous respect for others, develop camaraderie and create lifelong friendships. Together, these award-winning companies provide a world of expression, passion and creativity for all ages.

In addition to URINETOWN, upcoming productions include ANNIE JR. June 4-14 (child performers). For more information about upcoming productions and SUMMER STAGE, our arts camp for children ages 5 to 12, visit www.RiverdaleRisingStars.com.

The mission of the Riverdale YM-YWHA is to be the hub that brings together members of the Jewish and wider community. At the Y, individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities gather to grow, to learn, and to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connections to one another. Rooted in Jewish values, our cultural, social, educational, health and wellness programs offer members of all ages multiple pathways into the richness of our local community life. Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to improve the quality of life in the Riverdale community and celebrate its uniqueness and its diversity. www.RiverdaleY.org

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