Review: URINETOWN, THE MUSICAL at THE BARN PLAYERS AT THE ARTS ASYLUM

URINETOWN, THE MUSICAL a production of Barn Players directed by Korey Childs opened to a golden shower of audience applause. Flush with talent and plumb full of hilarious comedy this 2001 Broadway musical takes a swipe at political mismanagement and corporate greed run amuck. The story of Urinetown swirls around Bobby Strong and Hope Cladwell who find themselves falling in love during a time of severe drought. The town has forced residents to eliminate private bathrooms in favor of paid public "amenities" which are run by the top "1%" at Urine Good Company who makes everyone pay to pee. Lead by Caldwell B.Cladwell who pays off the politicians to do his bidding, there is a continual push to charge more for this service, until finally the "poor" begin to rebel.

When the heroic Bobby Strong decides to let everyone into the public amenity without charge, Little Sally sees blue skies ahead. Officer Lockstock dampens her: "Dreams only come true in happy musicals, Little Sally." But Sally doesn't give up easily as she replies, "When a little girl's been given as many lines as I have, there's still hope for dreams!" Sally, who is the resident waif, carries her beat-up teddy bear everywhere, and Officer Lockstock, whose police partner is Officer Barrel, have little to do with the central plot, as they narrate through the show like philosophical tour guides.

As Bobby and Hope's forbidden romance continues it opens her eyes to her father's wickedness and she joins the rebellion. Cornered, the top 1% are toppled, however, there is not a happy ending. As the rebels take over they fail to control consumption and end up in worse shape than they started, as if the cruel toppled tyrants were somehow right after all.

Valerie Martin's choreography smartly gives power to the people as the chorus stomps and swaggers their way through one after another parody numbers. There are subliminal references to other musical theater shows (like Fiddler, Les Mis, etc...) and the music is somehow reminiscently familiar. Kevin Bogan leads a skilled orchestra and well rehearsed chorus through one after another rousing number. The true strength of this show lies in the chorus and the Barn Players do not disappoint. The chorus is filled with well structured characters who drive this show and give it depth.

Abbey Downs plays Hope Cladwell with naive sweetness and a clear and melodic voice. Zach Faust, as Bobby Strong, has a lyric quality to his voice yet provides the drama as the character demands. These two actors lead a marvelous cast who craft a well performed show. David Martin plays officer Lockstock and provides the perfect deadpan satirical voice. Jennifer Cannady is Little Sally (channeling Gilda Radner's little girl character from Saturday Night Live) who is innocently sweet, yet wise beyond her years. Kay Noonan's strong voice gives Penelope Pennywise an authoritative quality and Ray Ettinger as Cladwell is a song man who can tap dance while being a slimeball. Doug Jones belts out a fine Mr. McQueen and Craig Aikman gives the role of Senator Fipp an evasive yet predatory turn. Jon Rizzo as Officer Barrel is a danger with a shovel and several cast members play dual roles effectively. Paul Brennan III as Hot Blades Harry is commanding in "Snuff That Girl" and Jessica Alcorn as pregnant Little Becky Two Shoes really...delivers.

While the title "Urinetown" may seem - unappealing, I encourage everyone to shrug off apprehension and see this fun show, but hurry...you know what happens if you wait too long!

Urinetown runs April 19-29, 2018 at the James & Marjory Russell Theatre, part of The Arts Asylum, 1000 E 9th St., Kansas City, MO For ticket information go to www.thebarnplayers.org

Photos courtesy of The Barn Players

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