SYNOPSIS
"In the not-so-distant future, a terrible water shortage and 20-year drought has led to a government ban on private toilets and a proliferation of paid public toilets, owned and operated by a single megalomaniac company: the Urine Good Company. If the poor don’t obey the strict laws prohibiting free urination, they’ll be sent to the dreaded and mysterious “Urinetown.” After too long under the heel of the malevolent Caldwell B. Cladwell, the poor stage a revolt led by a brave young hero, Bobby Strong, fighting tooth and nail for the freedom to pee “wherever you like, whenever you like, for as long as you like, and with whomever you like.” A brilliant satire modeled off the plays of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, Urinetown is a wickedly funny, fast-paced, and surprisingly intelligent comedic romp."
CONTENT WARNINGS
Death, guns, violence, mild adult language, flashing lights, and loud noises
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Dear Audience,
Well, it has been quite a year. When putting together a theatre season there are so many variables taken into consideration. You have your performers and technicians, a musical piece that has catchy tunes, and a piece that will entertain your community and creative team! You also need an administration that understands your mission and trusts/supports you. We are lucky here at Langley to have all of these things.
In the spring of 2003 one of my college roommates/acting cohort and I decided to take the train into the city (NYC) to see a Broadway show. We were originally going to see a play (I have forgotten the name) about a guy that died and was a ghost. We were getting our tickets from the TKTS booth in the middle of Times Square. However, when we got to the front of the line the show we were intending to see was sold out. The ticket attendant suggested that we see the musical Urinetown. Yes, our reaction was probably the same as yours. What the heck is this show about and would I “really” like it? They swore by it. So, we thought well, we’ve traveled out here from Long Island, let’s do it.
As the lights went out in the theatre and the overture started we both thought, “Hum. That’s fun music.” Then the narrator of the show (Officer Lockstock) takes the stage and we are entertained by this insanely crazy story filled with so many talented performers and technicians. I don’t think I truly understand or focused on the political notes that the story commented on but I was so engaged with the musical theatre humor and jocks that this double satire shared. I never laughed so hard in the first 15 minutes of a show before. Just pure entertainment and joy.
So, this brings us to, “Why this show at Langley?” This show has so many great characters, cameos, fun musical numbers, and a ridiculous storyline. I find that this show helps feature all aspects of our program both technically and performer-wise, and is very entertaining for our community.
For the next two hours, kick back and relax. Let this silly, over-the-top humor take you over, and applaud this amazing Saxon Stage theatre group (cast & crew) for their creativity, talents, and interpretation of this satirical piece. Thank you and enjoy the show!
Sincerely,
Mr. Brian Kaufman