Environmental Consciousness, Corporate Greed and More Fill Berkeley Playhouse's Stage in URINETOWN

In a time when Bay Area headlines feature stories about corrupt politicians, global warming, drought updates, water conservation measures, grass-roots protests, and big, revolutionary Broadway shows coming to town, Berkeley Playhouse is proud to present the three-time Tony Award-winning musical about corrupt politicians, global warming, drought updates, water conservation measures, public protests, and big, revolutionary Broadway shows (but not that one)-Urinetown, the Musical. In a gotham like town in a not-so-distant-future, water is in short supply, and all bathrooms have become regulated under a corrupt corporate system overseen by the Urine Good Company, and its president, Caldwell B. Cladwell. Enter young and idealistic Bobby Strong, the attendant at Public Amenity #9, where the poorest in city must "pay to pee." When Bobby's father can't make the daily bathroom fee, and suffers the horrific, yet totally unknown consequences for doing so, the seeds of uprising are watered-setting the stage for rebellion, unexpected love stories, and a slew of big song-and-dance numbers! An irreverent, smart, and acclaimed satire on everything from corporate corruption to treasured Broadway musicals, Urinetown, The Musical is making its Berkeley Playhouse premiere this month with an all new production. Urinetown, The Musical begins a limited, four-week run on April 6, 2017, with performances running through April 30, 2017 at the historic Julia Morgan Theater in Berkeley. Don't let the terrible title fool you, this laugh-a-minute Tony Award winning, socially aware musical comedy takes on corporate greed and environmental responsibility as vibrantly as it does musical theater, famously spoofing some of Broadway's biggest hits. The original 2001 Broadway production was nominated for ten Tony Awards, taking home Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Musical Score and Best Direction. Press night will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 7pm. Tickets (ranging from $22--$40) are available by calling (510) 845-8542 x351 or by visiting online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

"Urinetown, the Musical could not be coming to Berkeley Playhouse at a better time," says Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley. "Not only is it brilliantly constructed, and contains some of the most musically thrilling song and dance numbers written in the last twenty years, but it makes us laugh like nothing else has of late. It is a gift for those who revel in smart satire, but even more so for those of us who love Broadway and musical theater. The way it takes many of the shows seen throughout Berkeley Playhouse's history and incorporates them into these wonderful new, highly theatrical-and hysterical-moments must be seen!"

Adds Urinetown director, Danny Cozart: "For me, one of the trust tests of a great musical is how it stands up to time. Urinetown, which was written in the late 90s and first presented off-Broadway in 2000, seems to have been waiting for us to catch up to it. I'm excited to explore the many issues Urinetown brings up, and to dive into a musical that was written originally as smart satire and is now layered and brilliant irony." Joining Cozart will be music director Michael Patrick Wiles, choreographer Allison Paraiso, scenic designer BrIan Watson, costume designer ElLen Howes, and lighting designer Brittany Mellerson.

ABOUT BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE: Founded in 2007 by professional theatre actor, director, and teacher for over 25 years, Elizabeth McKoy, Berkeley Playhouse's mission is to create theatre and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving conservatory, a professional main stage season, educational outreach, and a commitment to the development of new family musicals. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work.