By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Ginny Lee, Patti Walker, Jon Douglas and Zac Campbell star in "Urinetown: The Musical."
For the first time since its 1999 theatrical debut, the Tony Award-winning “Urinetown: The Musical” will make a splash on a university’s stage.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Sept. 28-29, Oct. 4-6; 8 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 1; and 2 p.m. Oct. 2 in Taylor Theatre at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Creators Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis squeeze out every drop of bathroom humor from lines to lyrics with character names like Penelope Pennywise and song titles such as “Privilege to Pee.” The play spoofs overwrought productions of the “serious” musicals: West Side Story, Evita, Les Misérables, etc.
In the near-future, a lengthy drought leads to a business opportunity for monopolist Caldwell B. Cladwell, the president of Urine Good Company. He demands a fee to use his company’s regulated toilets or else. A hero decides he’s had enough and plans a revolution to provide the public with relief.
In the future, water may be scarce, but love still blooms.
“If you’ve seen any musicals, you’ll get at least some of the inside jokes,” says Director John Gulley. “But even if you get none of the references, I promise you’ll enjoy the show. The story is outrageously funny and the music is surprisingly catchy considering much of it is about peeing.”
Rodney Luck is the choreographer, April Hill the musical director, Melissa Guyer the scene designer, Jennifer Baker the costume designer, and Will Lowry the lighting designer. The principal cast members are: Patti Walker, Jon Douglas, Zac Campbell, Josh Purvis, Ginny Lee and Amanda Martin.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for groups of 10 or more, $6 for UNCG students with ID. For more information, call the University Box Office at (336) 334-4849 or visit ww.uncg.edu/the. Free parking for evening and weekend performances is available behind the Weatherspoon Art Museum.
“Urinetown” is part of the 2005-06 theatre season, which also includes “Firebugs” Oct. 28-30, Nov. 1-6; “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” Nov. 12-13, 15-20; and Flannel Shorts Nov. 30-Dec. 3.
