The first reaction I get whenever I mention the show “Urinetown The Musical” is, “Ew.”
Yes, the show was poorly named. But no, it’s not about bodily fluids.
It’s about a dusty city after a 20-year drought, and the government-type who decides to charge people to use public bathrooms. The fees would ultimately line his dirty, deep pockets. But as is the case with most narcissists, this antagonist thinks his lower ranking citizens are idiots, so he’s blindsided when they rebel. Not only do these humble folks insist on “going” when nature calls, they have no intentions of paying for the privilege.
The Delaware All-State Theatre will perform the Tony Award-winning Broadway show at the DuPont Theatre June 18-27.
Here’s the tricky part: The All-State troupe is comprised of high school kids. Can they handle this mature theme?
So far, the All-State actors have been fearless, tackling big guns like “Les Misérables” and “West Side Story.” These are two difficult productions to mount, sing and act—even for the pros. Such shows require maturity beyond these actors’ years, but All-State performances have so far been believable and entertaining.
But “Urinetown?”
All-State founder Jeffery Santoro knew it would be a stretch. “By taking our group in a completely different direction, we had some hiccups—the biggest was teaching the art of comedy to young people,” he says. “Learning timing is truly an art form, and I am proud of the amazing work that was accomplished in such a short rehearsal timeline by our student performers. They’re funny and their characters are engaging. The show itself has a great musical score and some very humorous scenes that everyone will be able to relate to at some point during the two-acts.”
Delaware All-State Theatre was started in 2008 with several mission points in mind. “Obviously giving elementary, middle, and high school performing arts students the unique opportunity to showcase their vocal and performance talents on the world-famous DuPont Theatre stage is a huge deal for them,” Santoro says. “For most of our kids and teens, working with union professionals brings a whole new level of fear.”
Our minds are open.
Contact info: 656-4401, or duponttheatre.com
