Review: 'Urinetown'

The title's awful!" comments the street urchin known as Little Sally in Urinetown. She's right, but don't let that that deter you from seeing this subversive musical comedy being given a first rate staging by the students at Sheridan.

The Tony award-winning book for this show began when author Greg Kotis found himself in Paris so broke that he did not have the required fee to use the city's pay facilities. He turned that experience into a play set in the not-too-distant future where a water shortage has made pay toilets a necessity. They are all under the control of the Urine Good Company who keeps raising the fees. Anyone who refuses to pay is immediately arrested by Officers Lockstock and Barrel and sent to Urinetown.

It is all very Brechtian. Even the Overture mimics the one from The Threepenny Opera and that is not the only musical that Urinetown spoofs. There are parodies of West Side Story and Les Misreables among others. Acting as the show's narrator, Officer Lockstock - played with superp seriousness by Mark Nivet - frequently reminds us that we are watching a musical.

The musical values are well taken care of thanks to the team of five musicians under the expert direction of Michael Barber. This provides excellent support to the cast. Caleb Cosman demonstrates his mastery of all musical theatre disciplines playing the idealistic Bobby Strong who leads the citizens in revolt. His powerful voice and his flawless diction make every number land. He is paired with Alicia Toner as Hope, who balances a sweet voice with the ability to make the character believable even in the most outrageous situations. Their duet "Follow Your Heart" was delightfully staged in a mock ballroom setting.

Katie Edwards as Little Sally provides amusing barbs throughout the evening and Kyle Higgens playing Mr. Cladwell - the supercilious president of the Urine Good Company - amuses with his song "Don't Be the Bunny."

Mark Norman has directed the production with both speed and flair, keeping the action moving at a fast pace and working with his choreographer Candace Jennings to weave the scene changes into the staging.

The only area where the show needs some work is the sound, which frequently cuts in and out. If this could be corrected the show would be sheer perfection. As it is, it's pretty close - despite the "awful title."

URINETOWN continues performances at Theatre Sheridan, 1430 Trafalgar Road until April 19. Performances are Tuesday through Saturdays at 8 pm, with a 2 pm performance on Saturdays. For tickets call the box-office at (905) 815-4049.

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