Urinetown the Musical premiered off-Broadway in 2001 and was so successful that it transferred to Broadway later that year. And it’s been playing ever since throughout the country and now enjoying sell out crowds at Theo Ubique Theater housed in the Fred Anzevino Theater in Evanston.

Urinetown is a satirical musical about an unknown city imposes a government ban on the use of private toilets which leads to a water chortage3 and the need to charge people to pee…all under the evil policies of the Urine Good Company until a young hero, Bobby Strong, rises up to save the day. The show makes fun of the traditional musical with irony, but with an absurd premise that satirizes capitalism, corporate greed and corruption in government. It’s a heck of a lot of fun.

Joining in the conversation are: Maya Tanaka Allwardt (as Little Sally) who makes her Theo debut, and is known for her work in improv and sketch comedy; Luke Nowakowski: (playing Bobby Strong) making his Theo debut and has been recently seen in 42 Balloons, Lord of the Rings (in Chicago and New Zealand), Titanique, and much more. And, Drew Longo (portraying the villain, Caldwell Cladwell) has appeared at Theo before in “The Lady’s Not for Burning,” as well as Mary Poppins and Million-Dollar Quartet at Metropolis).

The cast goes deep about the underlying themes of the show and all in all, the interview is fun and the show is an absolute delight. See my review below.

Urinetown the Musical runs through January 4^th and tickets can be purchased at: www.Theo-U.com

REVIEW: Urinetown

By:

Paul Lisnek, WGN+; WGNRadio.com

***1/2 out of 4

Urinetown the Musical is chock full of wit, laughs, imagination and a keenly talented ensemble cast! From the very first note, the stage bursts with energy! The lyrics and music are joyfully over-the-top in the best way!

The production’s razor-sharp satire came on to the off-Broadway stage in 2001 followed by a transfer to Broadway; I saw this show both off and on Broadway and was so thrilled to see that Theo was going to put on this production under the capable directing hands of Danny Kapinos with fun choreography by the legendary Brenda Didier which keeps the pace brisk, the moves well done. Most importantly, the tone beautifully blends a sense of slapstick with true underlying poignancy.

And now, more than 2 decades after its debut, its underlying commentary on corporate greed, social responsibility and the price of revolution continue to ring with uncanny current relevance.

And who doesn’t appreciate moments of homage which this show strongly gives to both Les Miserables (another tale of revolution) but also, more subtlety to West Side Story (you have to listen carefully to the music to catch it) another tale of class warfare….you see, you can take this show in on its surface, or you can dig more deeply and see the reflection of our past.

The show could have been a one note parody but rather it bursts with energy and an embrace of the absurdity of the story – a dystopian city where citizens must pay to use public bathrooms- never taking its eye off of biting humor. Pay attention to almost every line and you’ll hear the cuts on individualism with the reference to so many as so-and-so…and those with the dream to overturn the tyrants…well, they are often told to “keep their head out of the clouds…” Funny? Yes. Impactful? Indeed.

My criticism is a bit of a nature of the beast. Theo founder Fred Anzevino always wanted the productions to be immersive, keeping the audience as an intimate part of the evening…and that is always accomplished. However, with several mini-stages set out in their small space, some of the cocktail tables sit pretty much center stage and truthfully, the amount of neck and body turning one has to do to be sure you follow the action can be uncomfortable. Again, the nature of the beast in this fabulous space but it may be a concern for some patrons.

I love this cast! Luke Nowakowski as Bobby brings the necessary innocence required but with a strength of determination and a fantastic voice that shows his power. Indeed, every voice in this Theo cast is strong and formidable as they always are at Theo…but a special shout out have to go to Little Sally strongly played by Maya Tanaka Allwardt, Mrs.  Pennywise by Alicia Berneche both making their Theo debut (welcome aboard!) and Officer Lockstock who walks thru the narrative in a humorous and captivating way…played by Ryan Stajmiger. 

Urinetown the Musical, consistently reminds the audience that great humor can also bring uncomfortable truths to light, and at Theo, it’s likely you’ll delve deeper as you watch and thoroughly enjoy the production.

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