It’s understandable to hear the title Urinetown and have a few questions. Will the Spring Musical this year be reduced to two hours of potty humor? What kinds of educational experiences will the faculty in the Glenn Korff School of Music and Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film bring to a show that seems to be about one of those things we simply do not talk about (much less sing about)?
However, the 2001 musical by Mark Hollman ad Greg Kotis brings much more to the table than its name might suggest. Urinetown centers around character archetypes who are trapped in a dystopian future where, due to water shortages, people are forced to pay for the “Privilege to Pee” with dire consequences should they refuse. Through the narration of your grisled neighborhood cop and familiar theatrical devices drawing from Weimar-era Kurt Weill, Les Miserables, and other time-honored favorites, the people of Urinetown find their voice. They stand up to fear and class inequities to fight the monopolizing Urine Good Company which has been systematically taking away the rights of citizens. Their journey is accompanied by music and lyrics that are fun, sardonic, jazzy, self-aware, smart, and memorable.
Rehearsals for Urinetown begin March 3rd, with performances April 24th-May 4th. Like last year’s production of Big Fish, this collaboration draws on the talent from across campus. Urinetown will be stage directed by Professor Ann Marie Pollard of Theatre and music directed by Dr. Suna Gunther of Music. Tickets can be bought at https://nebraskarep.org/urinetown.