Urinetown; A Metaphysical State of Mind

If you are looking for a typical musical centered around love or romance like “Beauty and the Beast” or “Cinderella,” “Urinetown” is not for you. “Urinetown” breaks the norms of the typical musical. It is a fast-paced, sarcastic satirical where you aren’t exactly sure what is going on or how you feel about it, but you want to see more.

With 27 cast members and a plethora of people on the Artistic and Production Staff, SUU students and staff brought the broadway musical “Urinetown” to life at the Randall L. Jones Theatre Cedar City on April 13,14, 20 and 21.

Greg Kotis wrote “Urinetown” almost 20 years ago based on his experience in Europe where he had to pay to use the restroom.

The musical “Urinetown” brings thought provoking topics such as capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism and bureaucracy to light.

The premise of “Urinetown” is that due to water shortages and a 20-year drought, the government banned the use of private restrooms. The only way for the citizens to relieve themselves is by paying a fee to use a public restroom. Bobby Strong leads the revolution to help the citizens have the freedom to pee for free.

The unusual thing about this play is that even though “Urinetown” does not end happily, you don’t feel sad while watching it.

SUU cast members did not disappoint in bringing this unusual musical to life. Bobby Strong, portrayed by Keaton Delmar Johns, had a beautiful voice that rang out loud and clear for the whole audience to enjoy.

Officer Lockstock, portrayed by Ian Allred, acted as a liaison between the cast and audience members. Helping the audience members become personally involved in the revolution of having free public restrooms. And Little Sally, portrayed by Sara Funk, was the sweet girl in the play that you couldn’t get enough of.

“Urinetown” is a show you don’t want to miss.

Click here for more information on other performances from the College of Performing and Visual Arts.

Story by
Cassidy Harmon
accent@suunews.com

Photo Credit
Mitch Quartz
photo@suunews.com