Kelrik Productions to Stage URINETOWN as Final Show at Unity, 6/7-29

Kelrik Productions announces its final production at Unity, a satirical comedy musical called URINETOWN performing June 7 - 29.

The idea for URINETOWN was born in the spring of 1995 when Greg Kotis, traveling in Europe, encountered pay-per-use toilets at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. It was then that the musical's central idea hit him: a Gotham-like city where all the toilets were controlled by a greedy, crooked corporation with no concern for the poor, bladder-oppressed masses.

According to Kotis, the show "was created in a spirit of defiance against what's typically offered up as stage worthy in America today." The result is pure, hilarious and innovative entertainment. The show parodies many popular musicals and theater conventions and playfully pokes fun at itself. URINETOWN is also rich with social commentary about the American economy, the division between rich and poor, and the way we abuse the environment we depend on.

In the musical, any citizen who refuses to use the public amenities is taken to "Urinetown," a mysterious, no-man's land from which no one ever returns. In response, the citizens stage a revolt against the powers that be, led by Bobby local favorite, Cody Pettit, the assistant janitor of one of the poorest, filthiest urinals in town. But complications arise when the leader of the revolution falls in love with the daughter of the greedy monopolistic corporation president, who he has to kidnap for the cause.

URINETOWN has won three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards. It is a musical for those who love musicals in that it's filled with traditional musical clichés, and for those who hate musicals, in that it mocks those same clichés. Its success in simultaneously commenting on itself and other musicals had made it critically acclaimed and beloved by audiences across the country.

In 1999 URINETOWN got its start when the New York City Fringe Festival was looking to add more musicals to its lineup. URINETOWN became the hit of the festival, and its success led to a commercial production. Flush with the talents of an all-star creative and producing team, URINETOWN took home Tony Awards in 2002 for best director, best original score and best book of a musical. URINETOWN moved on to a national tour and is currently enjoying great success at the educational/community theater level.

URINETOWN is directed by Lester Wilson with Lacey McNamara as Musical Director and Guest Artist Joe Ogren as Choreographer. The design team includes Mark Hughes (Scenic), Erik Austin (Lighting), Keith Wetzel of Costume Capers (Costumes) Christian Clarno (Assistant Director/Stage Manager). Cast members include : Ryan Manus (Officer Lockstock), Dane Svenningsen (Officer Barrel), Cody Pettit (Bobby Strong), Sarah Reggiardo (Hope Cladwell), Debora Schwartz (Penelope Pennywise), Kenny Taylor (Caldwell B. Cladwell), Danielle Mendoza (Senator Fipp), Theresa Riforgiate (Miss McQueen), Jean Miller (Miss Millennium), Sandy Schwarer (Josephine Strong), Arash Shahabi (Old Man Strong /Dr. Billeaux), Catlin Tobin (Little Sally), Chloe Davis (Little Becky Two-Shoes), Soupy Sue (Ali Peters), Redzuan Abdul Rahim (Hot Blades Harry), Audrey Mason (Tiny Tom), John Hollander (Robby the Stockfish), and Emily Riforgiate (Hildago Jane)

Tickets for URINETOWN are on sale now and may be purchased online at kelrikproductions.org or in person at Cheap Thrills, 563 Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays June 7 - 29. at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $20 for all seats.

URINETOWN is the final show of Kelrik's 2013 INSPIRE Season at Unity. This production is made possible through the generous contributions of our Sponsors: Central Coast Family, Costume Capers, Sun N' Buns Bakery and Cheap Thrills. For more information on Kelrik Productions, please visit our website:www.kelrikproductions.org.

Performance run time is 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.

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