In this side-splitting satire directed by Teddy Bergman (KPOP), a young hero fights to create change in a dystopian world where water is scarce and “Hope” is even scarcer. Set in a city facing a drought, all citizens must now pay a fee for “The Privilege to Pee” at one of the public facilities controlled by a selfish tycoon.
With an incisive score by Tony winner Mark Hollmann, fourth-wall-breaking humor by Hollman and Tony winner Greg Kotis, and a plot with thrilling twists and turns, Urinetown examines the darkest dilemmas of humanity, all while being “audacious and exhilarating” (The New York Times). In this Tony-winning musical, nothing is safe from criticism—capitalism, politics, the establishment, the anti-establishment, and even musical theater itself!
If this Urinetown is neither as starry nor as enchanting as some of Encores!’s other efforts over the past few years, it still delivers a good time. And you’ll seldom be as thankful for the presence of an accessible restroom during intermission.
Director Teddy Bergman has complete control of his forces. Choreographer Mayte Natalio especially keeps the ensemble on the nifty move. Encores! music director Mary-Mitchell Cambell derives cheer and grit from the band, beginning with the Brecht-Weill-esque overture (Bruce Coughlin, the orchestrator). Producing Creative Director Clint Ramos designed the bursting-with-color set, featuring fancy toilet doors anybody would be pleased to enter.
| 2001 | Off-Broadway |
Original Off-Broadway Production Off-Broadway |
| 2001 | Broadway |
Broadway Transfer Broadway |
| 2003 | US Tour |
National Tour US Tour |
| 2004 | Toronto |
Canadian Premiere Toronto |
| 2006 | Chicago |
Chicago Production Chicago |
| 2014 | West End |
West End Premiere Production West End |
| 2014 | West End |
Apollo Theatre Transfer West End |
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
Encores! Concert Revival Production Off-Broadway |
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