Whitefish Theatre Co. presents 'Urinetown: The Musical'

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its final cabaret show of the 2017-2018 theatre season with “Urinetown: The Musical” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Called a “fresh, original, impudent, colorful, exciting, irreverent, surprising and wonderful musical,” this landmark show opens with a sneak preview night on May 31 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue on June 1–3 and 7–10 at 7:30 p.m.

Winner of three Tony Awards and two Obie Awards, “Urinetown” is a fast-paced, hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, corporate mismanagement and musical theatre itself. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must instead use public, pay-per-use amenities owned and operated by the malevolent corporation Urine Good Company or be sent to the dreaded and mysterious “Urinetown” if they don’t obey. Among the people, a rebellious yet unsuspecting hero emerges to stage a revolt, fighting tooth and nail to win back the people’s most basic freedom. Despite the gutter-laced title, “Urinetown” catapults the “comedic romp” into the new millennium with its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit, and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter.

“When people ask me what this play is about, I often see their faces squish up and their eyebrows rise as I try to describe the plot,” says Director Kim Kempfert Krueger. “But the truth is you just have to experience ‘Urinetown’ in person to understand its biting humor, its fantastic music and its unique story. It’s a mix of a loving parody of the stage musical genre and a tongue-in-cheek satire that takes on the everlasting inquiry of good versus evil. It is all wrapped up in highly energetic musical numbers that end up celebrating the thing we are mocking...the musical itself. Think a little ‘Book of Mormon’ plus a dash of ‘Monty Python.’ It really is a comedic musical unlike anything else you’ve seen.”

Krueger adds, “I promise that people who are fans of musical theatre will love this show. There are so many ‘hidden’ references to famous and memorable musicals, including ‘Les Miserables,’ ‘Fiddler On The Roof,’ ‘Annie,’ ‘Carousel,’ ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Chicago,’ to name a few. The show is funny enough on its own, but it is really entertaining to try and see how many classic musical tributes you can find.”

“Urinetown: The Musical” premiered Off-Broadway at the American Theatre for Actors in May 2001. Soon after, it opened on Broadway in September of 2001 at the Henry Miller’s Theatre. In 2002, it was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning including Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Direction of a Musical. In addition, “Urinetown” has won two Obie Awards, three Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, and the Drama League Award. “Urinetown” has played to worldwide rave reviews with the Chicago Free Press calling it a “uniquely entertaining little masterpiece” and the New York Times praising it as a “zesty and full-bodied original.”

This production features 21 local actors and musicians from around the Flathead Valley, including Don Caverly as the Music Director. The show features David Blair as Officer Lockstock, Erin Grayce as Penelope Pennywise, Mikey Winn as Bobby Strong, Stuart Green as Senator Fipp, Amy Spicer as Officer Barrel, Angie Green as Hope Cladwell and Tony Hernandez as Caldwell B. Cladwell. Krueger praised the cast as not only extremely talented but “some of the most hilarious and dedicated people I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. Don Caverly is also a musical genius who has pulled together some of the most amazing voices we have around to create the crazy yet gorgeous vocal numbers.”

Tickets are $25 for either reserved table/cabaret or theatre seating. Tickets for the sneak preview on May 31 are $12 for adults and $10 for students and are available only at the door with general seating. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performance times. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by the Pitman Family and Rebecca and Ched Lyman.