Imagine a time when the world’s natural resources are in such short supply that people have to pay to take care of their private bodily functions.
That’s the premise of the humorous musical “Urinetown” that rolls onto the stage at Theatre in the Park through Sunday July 29. “Urinetown” is under the direction of David Hastings, director of theater at Olathe South High School, with musical direction by Martha Risser and choreography by Ann McCroskey. This show is rated PG.
Show time for all productions in the 2012 season is 8:30 p.m.; gates open to the theatre bowl at 7:30 p.m.
“Urinetown” is sponsored by Bob Hamilton Plumbing + Heating + A/C + Rooter, a family-owned plumbing and HVAC company that has been servicing the Kansas Metro area since 1983.
“Urinetown” is a fun, satirical musical that takes place when there is a global water shortage; water is controlled by one corporation-Urine Good Company. The poorest people have to pay to pee; and if they don’t, they’re sent to the mysterious Urinetown. The poor rise up against UGC and the rich and the funny tale unwinds. It’s a funny tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in an environmental context that’s not far from reality.
“This show is honest and raw yet it is fun to watch,” Hastings said. “It’s an enjoyable show that flirts with teaching you a lesson.”
The “Urinetown” company and Bob Hamilton have teamed up to help others beyond the footlights with a toilet paper drive. Theatre patrons are asked to bring a 4-pack of toilet paper to the Bob Hamilton table and in return, they will receive a small token of thanks. All of the toilet paper will be donated to the non-profit organization Giving the Basics that will be distributed throughout the metro area to those in need of basic dignity products.
“This is a match made in heaven,” Hamilton said. “When or where else can a plumbing company sponsor a musical about bathrooms and give back to the community rolls of toilet paper? When I found out about the opportunity, I almost pee’d my pants.”
Curtain time for all productions in the 2012 season is 8:30 p.m.; gates open to the theatre bowl at 7:20 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children (ages 4-10); children under three are free but do require a ticket for entrance.
The final production of the season is “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the fun musical based on the beloved Peanuts cartoon; show dates are Aug.3-5 and 9-12.
The Theatre in the Park 2012 season is sponsored in part by SPRINT, SHAWNEE MISSION MEDICAL CENTER, JOHN DEERE and ENTERCOM ENTERTAINMENT. To learn more about Theatre in the Park, please visit www.theatreinthepark.org
The Theatre in the Park is a program of Johnson County Park and Recreation District, and is the largest outdoor community theater in the country. TTIP provides high-quality live theatrical entertainment including Broadway style musicals and a host of special events. Visit TTIP online at www.theatreinthepark.org. For more information, call the TTIP office at (913) 236-1237 or visit www.theatre in the park.org
“Urinetown” Cast
(Role/Actor/Residence)
Bobby: Eric Geil, Grandview, MO
Hope: Alyssa Cooper, Lee’s Summit, MO
Caldwell: Eric Magnus, Roeland Park
Pennywise: Catherine Boone; Overland Park
Lockstock: Kipp Simmons, Kansas City, KS
Little Sally: Jennifer Cannady, Leawood
Soupy Sue: Rebecca Johnston, North Kansas City
Leaky Liz: Shannon Lowe, Kansas City, MO
Twitchy Tess: Trudy Hurley, Shawnee
Little Becky: Jan Lord, Overland Park
Secretary Gail: Liz Allen, Overland Park
Mrs. O’Henry: Allyson Golladay, Lenexa
Mrs. Millennium: Stacey Uthe, Kansas City, MO
Barrel: Curt Crespino, Olathe
Senator Fipp: Christopher Geil, Grandview, MO
McQueen: Reed Uthe, Kansas City, MO
Hot Blades Harry: David Thompson, Olathe
Tiny Tom: David McTeer, Louisburg, KS
Robby the Stockfish: Aaron Redburn, Louisburg, KS
Mickey Needles: Nathan Short, Wellsville, KS
Billy Boy Bill: Michael Allen, Shawnee
Jittery John: Christian Owen, Lenexa
Dr. Billeaux/Old Man Strong: Chip Buckner, Overland Park
Josephine Strong/Old Woman: Ruth Baum Bigus, Overland Park
Mr. Quigly (UGC): Bryan Burkholder, Overland Park
Mr. Tanek (UGC): Brian King, Overland Park
