Your bladder is bursting. You scramble to get to the nearest public bathroom. Your hand reaches for the door and, hold on, you’re required to pay.
Well, this crazy notion is the basis for “Urinetown,” a satirical musical comedy filled with greed, corruption, social injustice and the possibility that following your heart may just result in that oh-so-cliche happy ending.
Inspired by a trip to Europe in which Greg Kotis, writer of the book and lyrics for “Urinetown,” found himself low on cash. He was forced to save every last penny for the pay-per-use public bathrooms. He later joined forces with musician Mark Hollmann and Tony Award-winning director John Rando where the three got the show ready for its four-year run on Broadway, picking up three Tony Awards along the way.
It was this musical that Binghamton University’s theater department chose for its fall 2008 season.
As Public Amenity #9, the mock public bathroom, sat on stage, the dim blue-lit background and carefully selected set created the eerie ambiance of a looming metropolis.
As the show began a few minutes past 8 p.m., various cast members filled the stage as Officer Lockstock, played by David Melissaratos, spoke the first words. Doubling as both a police officer and narrator, his witty quips and remarks created an extremely funny performance. Along with Little Sally, played by Mallory Schlossberg, the two spoke directly to the audience at various points during the show, giving background information and discussing the mystifying “Urinetown.”
In this city, there has been a terrible 20-year drought causing a water shortage. Private bathrooms are a thing of the past and public bathrooms, controlled by one monopolizing corporation, are the present. To help control the water supply, these bathrooms require a fee to be used. In conjunction with this fee, harsh laws have been enacted for those who attempt to pee without paying, in which they are sent to the mysterious commune known as “Urinetown” and do not return.
BU’s adaption, directed by Anne Brady, was a very professional production. The show ran smoothly, had an incredible set with great costumes and featured actors that were dedicated to their performances. Aaron Rubinstein, a freshman theater major and the technical stage manager for the show, said he was very pleased with the show’s opening night.
“Everyone worked really hard,” Rubinstein said. “The cast really grew as actors. I definitely saw a major change from the beginning of the rehearsal process.”
The other leads included Rebecca Orly Cohen as Hope Cladwell, Matthew Van Vorst as Bobby Strong, Michael J. Gilbert as Caldwell B. Cladwell and Chelsea Pace as Penelope Pennywise.
Judging from the laughs and applause from the audience, it seemed clear that everyone was really enjoying the show. Stephanie Chinapen, an undeclared freshman, attended the show with friends in the theater department and said she was happy she did.
“It was great, there were really cool effects and scenes,” she commented. “I liked all the songs, especially the one that’s stuck in my head, ‘Urinetown.’”
To catch “Urinetown” for yourself, its last two shows are Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. in the Watters Theater located in the Fine Arts Building.