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It’s difficult to imagine a world where “water is worth its weight in gold” and doing one’s private business has become a privilege to be enjoyed by the few.
“Urinetown” explores what life would be like given this reality. When access to water resources becomes limited, the government issues a ban on private toilets and a private corporation jumps at the opportunity to capitalize on citizens in desperate need of relieving themselves.
The musical, which opens this Thursday at Bryon Theatre in the Newman Center, displays the advantage of both time and talent. It boasts the combined talent of students from both the theatre department and the Lamont School of Music. “Urinetown” is the 6th annual musical co-production to incorporate the two departments.
“I know that this cast is the most solid, vocally and acting-wise, that we have ever had in a musical, ” says Maxie Bilyeu, the assistant director of “Urinetown.” She comments on the ensemble cast of students from both departments, remarking with pride on their success.
“They had to come together and create magic onstage, and they have succeeded,” said Bilyeu.
Freshman Keegan Kienzle is one of the many talented actors who will be performing in the show. The Whittier, Calif., native is studying International Studies and plays the role of the quirky and eccentric Mr. McQueen, the right-hand assistant to the villain of the show, Mr. Caldwell.
Keinzle spoke highly of the musical and all those involved in the creative process.
“I absolutely love the show; I think it has a truly genius chemistry between its serious and meaningful aspects and its crass and campy comedic moments. The show is extremely well-written and the music is beautifully composed. It is one of my favorite shows to perform in,” said Kienzle.
But the department of theatre revolves around the quarter system, attempting to produce a stellar play within the first four weeks of the winter quarter and a dazzling musical during week eight.
“Essentially, we build the musical in about four weeks,” said Bilyeu.
Producing a polished, professional performance within such time constraints is no easy feat. Moreover, because the productions are student-built, the cast and crew are sometimes rehearsing before props and sets for the show are complete. Being a part of the process requires an extensive time commitment on the part of all those involved, but also reaps priceless benefits.
“While our friends do homework at a reasonable hour, go to movies and have free weekends, we are working in rehearsal,” said Bilyeu.
“Behind the smiling faces and well-performed musical numbers are hours of work, sweat, frustration and, occasionally, tears,” said Kienzle.
Regardless of any frustrations backstage, Kienzle is confident the show will not only be entertaining, but provide a reminder of what we take for granted in our lives.
“The hope of our director, cast and production crew is that our audience will leave the show with a slightly broader view of what it means to live with the level and quality of life we maintain and how, for many, this level is not only unobtainable, but ridiculous and wasteful,” said Kienzle.
Beyond the moral implications of the show, Kienzle also had more artistic aspirations.
“My hope is when people see our show it will inspire them to want to sing and dance along with us,” said Kienzle.
“We are all passionate about sharing art with the world. Whether we do the show for a packed house or we do the show for one person, we do it because if we can touch one audience member, we have done our job,” said Bilyeu.
Urinetown will be showing at the Bryon Theatre Thursday through Friday – March 2 to 3 – at 7 p.m., as well as on March 4 at 2 p.m. Seats can be reserved through the Newman Center Box office.
