Big corporations are not charging us to take a leak — yet.
But the way things are going, you never know.
That dystopian — dysto-pee-an? — premise is the heart of “Urinetown.”
The curtain rises next week on Staples Players’ production of the Tony Award-winning satirical musical. There are 5 performances only: Thursday, March 12 (7 p.m.); Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14 (7:30 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 (2 p.m.).
Grayson Jandora (center) as Officer Lockstock, with the ensemble of “Urinetown.”
This marks the third time that Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long have staged the darkly humorous show.
As with all Players revivals, there are important differences. The show is set in no specific time period. The first 2 times, Roth and Kerry imagined it in the 1940s. This time around, it’s a time “adjacent” to ours.
For the first time, there will be port-a-potties on stage.
And — in a nod both to “Urinetown’s” winking references to “Les Misérables,” and Players’ stunning production of that show last fall — Colin Walker, Jordan Janota and his tech crew have built a barricade out of toilet paper.
“Audiences who saw ‘Les Mis’ will definitely get the reference,” Long says.
She and Roth are as excited about this version as they were the first two.
“It’s very funny. The music and characters are great,” Roth says.
“And it’s really relevant today — the whole idea of big corporations taking advantage of poor people, and resources drying up.” (A 20-year drought has caused a government ban on private toilets; a single company now owns all the paid public toilets.)
Cat Betit (Penelope Pennywise) with Harry McLaughlin (Old Man Strong), and the ensemble. (Photos/Kerry Long)
The directors know that a show called “Urinetown” may cause parents with children to hesitate.
“It’s very appropriate for younger kids,” Roth says. “If your kids talk about peeing, this is fine for them.”
“Children will get the potty humor,” Long adds. “But adults understand the bigger themes — and they’re not as silly.”
As always, Players will collect donations for a good, theme-related cause. This time it’s a UNICEF’s Safe Water for Every Child Fund.
In a special twist, actors will be stationed at restroom doors during intermission. They won’t charge audience members to go — but they will have buckets for cash.
(Tickets are on sale now for “Urinetown.” Click here to purchase, and for more information.)
Dan, I can’t believe it’s true that a company makes toilet facilities that one needs to pay to use! If this catches on, I’ll be broke in two weeks.
Westport – remember how Les Mis sold out and you couldn’t get tickets? Don’t let that happen again. One weekend only to see this really great show. Grab your tickets today!!
Pam, Any relation to Herb Long? He had a brother who graduated in 1958 and his picture is on the same page as Christopher Lloyd.
I’ll confess I am not a fan of musical theater, but in my opinion the title of this production from a marketing perspective might have benefitted from a little workshopping first. “Urinetown” doesn’t really sound all that enticing to me, maybe a sequel “Turdcity” will be in the works? Regardless I’m sure The Players will do it justice.
Tom, I hope you don’t rely on your marketing skills to make a living. Urinetown, without a “workshopped” title, has been one of the most successful off-Broadway musicals:
Urinetown: The Musical has been a resounding success since its 2001 Broadway debut, winning three Tony Awards—including Best Book and Score—and running for 965 performances. Known for its witty, satirical take on corporate greed and bureaucracy, it has reached over 3.4 million people in 3,670+ licensed productions across 34 countries, making it a lasting hit
This show is so funny and brilliant. Incredible singing and costumes and sets. Perfect for Westport. I’m bummed it’s only one weekend.