By: Eve Amalfitano, Holy Spirit High School, Absecon
“VOORHEES TOWNSHIP, N.J. — “It’s a Privilege to Pee,” but wait until intermission to not miss a second of Eastern Regional High School’s production of “Urinetown!”
The satirical comedy “Urinetown,” created by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis, premiered in 2001 and has been nominated for 10 Tony awards, walking away with 3 of them. When the water supply is dwindling during a 20 year drought, corporate companies (like the one owned by Mr. Caldwell B. Cladwell) monopolize all the lavatories, charging fees to pee. Former custodian Bobby Strong leads a revolution against this injustice, but things get complicated when he falls for Cladwell’s daughter, Hope. The show is a tale against corporate injustice, about basic human rights, and yes, also love.
Eastern’s cast brought a comedic energy to their performance that had the audience laughing through the show. From the timing of the lines, to the hysterical actions of the ensemble, there was always a chuckle coming from the seats. The crew had the same knack for timing with each scene change, using their student made rotating set to change from the grungy streets of Amenity #9 to the gleaming office of Mr. Cladwell.
Giving the tour of Urinetown (The Musical, not the place) was Officer Lockstock played by Andrew Rickey. Andrew had the crowd laughing with every fourth wall break, and his interactions with Little Sally, played by Alanna Stein, kept the audience on the edge of their seats wanting to know: “What is Urinetown?” Evan Alena who played the Hero of Urinetown, Bobby Strong, led the show with his captivating acting and vocals- as well as the chemistry with his equally talented co-star, Zoey Blackman playing Hope Cladwell.
There was something to look at everywhere on stage at every moment, the ensemble cast never dropping character as they sang, danced, or ran in slow motion. Their energy was infectious, keeping in the audience enthralled and laughing. Sydney Steiner brought Penelope Pennywise to life with her commanding presence, with her killer vocals to go with it. Diya Ramesh and Sierra Jenkins as Little Becky Two Shoes and Hot Blades Harry rallied the rebel poor with their dancing and acting, bringing the story to life with their energy in “What is Urinetown?” and “Snuff That Girl.”
Eastern’s stage crew and production team went all in with the color schemes for their characters. The rich in deep green to match their swanky offices, the poor in their yellows and oranges to match the streets and sewers. Even the lighting changed to the appropriate shades, emphasizing the contrast between the two groups. The all student orchestra even got in on the fun, their conductor being ushered in by the officers before they blew the audience away with their melodic performance.
“Follow your Heart” and it will lead to watching Eastern Regional High School’s comical production of “Urinetown.”
Editor’s Note: Urinetown The Musical continues at Eastern Regional High School on Thursday, March 7 and Saturday, March 9. Both showtimes are 7:00 p.m.
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