Well hello there, and welcome to Urinetown!
Not the place of course- the musical!
Urinetown is one of those incredibly unique shows that no one really seems to have ever heard of, but once you’ve experienced it, the music and story never really leave you. The story is engaging and “full of symbolism and things like that” with rich, complex characters, powerful songs and energetic dance numbers. Suffice it to say, there’s a lot more going on in this show than the title (which admittedly, might put some people off) suggests. So thank you so much for taking a chance on a show that I’m sure most of you in the audience don’t know a thing about! I promise you won’t regret it!
I’ve been waiting eleven long years to direct my own production of Urinetown, as it’s one of my all time favorite shows and holds such a special place in my heart. This show quite literally saved my life when I was in high school by giving me a space where I felt seen, accepted, encouraged and loved. I hope that this particular cast also feels that way about this production. I know I do.
It has been my immense pleasure and joy to watch these young actors develop their characters and, along with the dedicated tech crew, bring this show to life. The passion for performance and the unending enthusiasm these students have has made directing this show an experience I will never forget. They have faced every challenge with fierce determination and a wicked sense of humor that inspires me and reminds me daily that I have the best job in the world.
This production was certainly an intense labor of love and I want to take the time to thank a few crucial people, without whom this show would not have been possible:
- To Evandra- who enthusiastically stepped into the role of musical director! Even though I picked one of the most vocally complicated musicals, she "jumped in the river” and worked tirelessly to get everyone sounding amazing. I’m so grateful to have such a wonderfully talented (almost) sister <3
- To Tony: An incredible dancer and one of my favorite people! Thank you for going on this “jumble of a journey” with me. Your positivity is infectious and I’m so grateful you took the time to choreograph some truly stunning numbers that really made these kids EXCITED about dance. You and Ian are truly two pees in a pod and it was incredible to watch you work together.
- To Ian: I’m so incredibly proud of you! Having the role of choreographer in addition to being dance captain AND Hot Blades Harry has been no small task. Thank you for rising to the occasion to choreograph and for always being so professional and positive, even when things seemed “hopeless, down & out” you never gave up and I’m so grateful. Your ability to work under pressure and bring every beat and musical moment to life is truly a gift. Plus your gibbon impressions are pretty cool too.
- To Gage: I’m in awe of your sheer artistic ability and the creativity you possess is unmatched. "Could I hope for much more? I really doubt it!" Thank you for coping with my alarming "lack of a sense of scale” sketches and for designing one of the best sets our humble little student union stage has ever seen.
- To Cooper, Colburn, Jack & Trinity- my amazing alumni production team who once again returned and so freely gave their time, talent and expertise to quite literally make this production happen! Whether it was choreographing fights, rigging signs (and helping me achieve my dream of having a theater with “fly space”), fixing anything and everything revolving around tech, or simply by keeping me company on some very late nights when all we wanted to do was “run, freedom, run away”, spending time with you all is always my favorite part of any production.
