“You’re doing a show about pee?” I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked that over the course of the past year. “Yes,” I responded. “Urinetown is a Tony winning musical set in a dystopian society where water is so scarce, you have to pay to pee.” If that doesn’t work, I usually follow it up with “It’s the exact same story as Newsies, but replace the newspaper with toilet paper.” I’m not sure that my responses have turned any hearts, but I have tried my best.
We have had a lot of fun putting Urinetown together. The sarcasm, wit and comedy that are built into the show are enjoyable to implement on stage. Add to that, there are numerous musical and music references built into the music. We have also added these references into our blocking and choreography. Be on the lookout for our musical theater homages to Annie, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Legally Blonde, Les Miserables, Little Shop of Horrors, Phantom of the Opera, Pippin, Pirates of Penzance, Rent, and West Side Story as well as popular icons: Elvis, the Macarena, and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Special thanks go out to my team: Maria, Julianna, Val, Melissa, Jeramie, Jordan, Kevin, John, Jen, Lindsey, and Michelle, and our stage manager Chloe Markus, who have been able to take the vision from my head and turn it into a tangible reality on stage. I would also like to give a shout out to Eric Scheidly, Josh Samors and Angel Sigala, all former CP staff, who moved on to other adventures this year. Their dedication to the Players over the years has helped shape our program. Additionally, I want to mention the passing of longtime staff members Maddy Braun and Joe Franciso, both of whom left a lasting legacy in the Colonial Players, may they rest peacefully.
The Colonial Players are lucky to have the Colonial School District’s continued support for the performing arts. Special thanks to Dr. Bacani, Dr. Christian, The Colonial School Board, and PW administration and support staff for providing the resources and support necessary for students to fulfill their potential in a variety of areas, especially in the arts. This support helps in providing our students with the skills to succeed and the space to dream. We are excited to announce the success of some of our alumni this year. Angel Sigala will be premiering on Broadway this spring and Colin Mash is currently on a national tour. It is so inspiring for our current students to see actors who were in their place not so long ago, move on to make a living doing what they love. You can read more about what they are doing and how the Colonial Players helped them in their journey later in the program.
Finally, a well deserved thanks to my wife, Carrie, and children, Luke, Lance, and Bryce, for putting up with me each year as we take this crazy journey that is musical theater. Their support and belief in me are the key factors that allow me to continue to be a part of this wonderful world of the Colonial Players. I love you all.
Enjoy the show,
M. Engel
