Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

[tag]Urinetown[/tag]. Doesn?t sound very pleasant, right? It is quite possibly the worst title for a musical ever, and the characters know it. That?s part of what makes this [tag]musical-to-spoof-all-musicals[/tag] so clever, and if you can get past the title, you?ll find some laughs in Contra Costa Musical Theatre?s production at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts.

The story of Urinetown, the Musical[/tag] takes place in the aftermath of a drought which has resulted in public amenities being a precious commodity (or is that ?commode-ity??). Capitalizing on the water shortage, the wealthy Caldwell B. Cladwell (Scott Phillips) levies steep public toilet fees from his offices at Urine Good Company. Cladwell?s sweet, innocent daughter Hope (Rena Wilson) is caught between Daddy and the stout-hearted hero Bobby Strong (Nephi Speer) who leads the poor in a revolution to pee freely. Through it all, Officer Lockstock (Steve Rhyne) serves as twinkle-in-his-eye narrator, occasionally assisted by precious street urchin Little Sally (Danielle Levin).

Less scatological than one might think, the humor in Urinetown really comes as a send-up of its own genre. The satirical plot, exaggerated characters, and Tony Award-winning book by Greg Kotis delight in lampooning musical theatre stand-bys. Mark Hollmann?s score also garnered a Tony and offers further opportunities to lovingly parody classics like Les Miserables, West Side Story, Evita, and Fiddler on the Roof, to name a few. Dan Uroff?s choreography recreates these icons, making terrific use of the energetic, talented ensemble. Production numbers ?Mr. Cladwell? and ?Snuff That Girl? are among the show?s hilarious highlights. The troupe?s equally accomplished vocals are a credit to Musical Director Matt Smart. Smart?s intimate band is merely adequate, but the tight harmonies onstage are excellent.

Of the production?s leads, Speer is a sensational standout. He is perfect as the head-in-the-clouds hero, and his strong, soaring voice makes the inspirational spiritual ?Run Freedom Run? an absolute blast. Opposite Speer, Wilson fits the sickly sweet ing?nue to a T complete with lovely lyric soprano. An equally sharp comic actress is Levin. Her Annie-esque, precocious Sally is a hoot, packing a pleasant surprise in her melodic vocals. Rhyne struts his shticky stuff as Lockstock, good vocally but great when engaging the audience or traipsing around with his partner, Officer Barrel (Joel Roster).

The veterans stumble a bit. Phillips is powerfully pompous as Cladwell and has contagious fun with ?Don?t Be the Bunny.? However, his muddy diction results in lost lyrics. As proprietor of Public Amenity #9 Penelope Pennywise, Equity actress Anne Buelleman is vibrant and likeable, but the break between her high and low register is all-too-apparent in her spotlight number, ?It?s a Privilege to Pee.?

CCMT?s technical production is solid. Peter Crompton?s efficient set evokes a deteriorated metropolis and works well with Scott Denison?s effective lighting. While opening night troubles plagued Jeff Mockus? sound design, Marianna Ford?s costumes strike a perfect chord throughout. Director Jeff Collister does a laudable job of tying it all together, but despite the numerous splendid moments, the piece and Collister falter in transitions that cause lags in energy and momentum.

Urinetown?s awareness of itself as a musical is unique and sets the stage for wit with a wink and a nudge. A comic gem for musical theatre lovers, the show is an inside joke that won?t translate well for first-timers but promises light, laugh-out-loud fun for buffs. For tickets and info, visit www.ccmt.org or call 925-943-SHOW(7469).

Be Sociable, Share!

•