'Urinetown' At The Waterfront

Considered Broadway's "IT" musical a few seasons ago, "Urinetown" was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and won 3 for Best Score, Best Lyrics and Best Direction. Creators Greg Kotis (book & lyrics) and Mark Hollman (music & lyrics) have devised a show that had critics and audiences alike bursting with accolades. The New York Times proclaimed "'Urinetown'is the most galvanizing theatre experience in town. Hilarious!"

Directing this exuberant musical is Danny Weathers, the Artistic Director for the Key West Players. "Urinetown" features a cast of 16 that includes many of Key West's finest performers, as well as exciting new talent. Atlanta-based musical director, Michael Fauss, will oversee the lavish vocal score with the cast and will also conduct the 5 member orchestra. (Mr. Fauss was the musical director for last year's hit "Naked Boys Singing.") Penny Leto and Christine Maugerite of the Coffee Mill Dance Studio are the choreographers for the dance sequences, many of which pay tribute to such musicals as "Fiddler On The Roof," "Chicago," "West Side Story" and "Les Miserables."

Then there is that terrible title. It's all part of the joke of the musical - even the characters mock the title as being "awful." The concept for "Urinetown" began when creator Greg Kotis was traveling in Europe as a student, trying to survive on a desperately low budget. When he noticed that the public bathrooms required payment, a thought struck him…what if one day all amenities – both public and private – were regulated by a large, monopolizing corporation? Would you have to pay for "The Privilege To Pee" (one of the song titles in the show)?

So began one of the smartest and most subversive musicals of recent times. "Urinetown" worked its way up from being the buzz of the 1999 New York Fringe Theatre Festival, moving on to a sold-out Off-Broadway run, and finally becoming a smash Broadway hit. Entertainment Weekly called the musical "Inspired, fresh, exuberant, even moving. You've got to go. Grade A."

"Urinetown, the Musical" is set in a Gotham-like city that has suffered from a 20-year drought which has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must pay high fees to use public amenities, all of which are regulated by a single greedy corporation (Urine Good Company). Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! However, the real impact of "Urinetown," is its affectionate spoof of musical theatre's most famous traditions. The award-winning score runs the gamut of large choral numbers and dance sequences to soaring ballads, anthems, love songs and a killer gospel number. The Chicago Sun-Times says "'Urinetown' is a subversive love letter to the whole history of musical theater. Brilliant!"

The stellar cast includes John Wells as Caldwell B. Cladwell, the owner of the monopoly which controls all the amenities. Nulita Loder portrays his naively optimistic daughter, Hope. Spencer Gates, who has returned from New York for this role, plays Bobby, the hero who decides to lead the revolution. Guest actor, Mary Falconer, returns to Key West to portray Penelope Pennywise, who runs Amenity Number 9, with a fierce determination and a sordid past. David Black plays Officer Lockstock, the flashy keeper of the peace, who also acts as the all-knowing Narrator for the show. His sidekick, Office Barrel, is played by Gordon Ross. They patrol the streets with truncheons drawn and twinkling toes. Kristen Wilson plays Little Sally, the street-wise urchin with a lot of questions – sort of a Baby June from the Dark Side.

Henry Woods plays the corrupt Senator Fipp and Kyle Caskey plays McQueen, both of whom are lackeys to Cladwell, making sure their pockets are lined. Joanie Sullivan is Bobby's fiercely protective Mother – a sort of whacked-out Mother Courage/Mama Rose. Danny Weathers plays the dual role of Bobby's father who meets a dreaded fate in Urinetown and as a blood-thirsty revolutionary. Christopher Skinner, has been brought in from Atlanta to play Tiny Tom, the innocent who bears the brunt of  much mockery. Carolyn Cooper plays Soupy Sue, a pregnant waif in a leg brace, who still manages high kicks and pirouettes. Johanna Hardardottir (Yoa) plays the fiery and power-voiced Little Becky Two Shoes, always anxious for the noose. Tino do Pinheiro plays the rough and tumble Robbie the Stockfish, who pushes his way to the front of the line. Philip Tabb plays Billy Boy Bill – tall and rubber-limbed, he's always ready to burst into a song and dance. 

The Urinetown orchestra includes Michael Fauss as conductor and keyboard magician, Nancy 3 Hoffman on synthesizer, Georges Hemund on sax and clarinet and guest artists from the Boston area: Susan Goldberg on bass and Max Zemanovic on drums and percussion. Even the orchestra is part of the action.

Scenic designer and technical director, Michael Boyer will once again work his phenomenal magic creating the world of Urinetown. Leigh Hooten creates the distinctive 1930's Depression-era costume design, with assistance from Ruth Cahoon. Guest designer Kim Hanson (who did the lighting for The Glass Menagerie last year) is being imported from New York City to create the highly theatrical lighting for Urinetown. Stage management is by Elizabeth Halbe.  

If you're in town, see "Urinetown." Tickets are available by calling the box office 305-294-5015 or they may be purchased online at their website: www.waterfrontplayhouse.com. A lavish opening night party of February 28 will be sponsored through the generosity of Nikki McCausland and Bill Bradford and the closing night party of March 24 will be sponsored by Abby Moore. Both events will be catered by Great Events. Call the box office for information on their special offer for locals.

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