Urinetown drenched with sarcasm
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In the distraught community of Urinetown, "expect only the expected." This spring, The Barnstormers are proudly presenting Urinetown. This isn't your typical, happy-go-lucky musical. True to Broadway fashion, it has big musical numbers complete with choreography, but unlike the normal, sappy romantic plots, Urinetown is dripping with sarcasm and dry humor. It's odd and dark, but surprisingly cheerful and humorous.
The audience is welcomed to the show by the narrator and pseudo-villain Officer Lockstock, played by sophomore Mike Wills. The scene opens up to a public restroom, Amenity No. 9. A group of scruffy hooligans line up outside the toilets counting their coins. Due to a deadly water shortage, every citizen must use a public water source for bathing, washing and most important, urinating. The water supply is strictly controlled by the monopoly, Urine Good Company, which keeps prices unnecessarily high. The citizens have been forced into poverty because of the constant price hikes. Officer Lockstock sings with his partner, Officer Barrel, played by senior Jason Maur, "It's the oldest story/Masses are oppressed/Faces, clothes and bladders all distressed."
Our hero, Bobby Strong, perfectly performed by sophomore Bill Fuller, works as the bathroom's janitor alongside Ms. Pennywise, his crass, masculine boss, played by freshman Evelyn Clark. Strong's father has just been charged with public urination and is being brought to the infamous Urinetown. No one knows exactly where or what this place is but no one wants to find out.
The monotonous lives of the people are suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Hope Cladwell, acted by Britt Olsen-Ecker, a sophomore at the Peabody Conservatory. After graduating from the most expensive university in the world, Hope comes to the town to help her father, Caldwell B. Cladwell, senior, Jerome Fox, the filthy rich owner of Urine Good Company. With her upbeat and idealistic attitude, she inspires Bobby to follow his heart and fight for the freedom of his people and the freedom to pee!
Every year the Barnstormers employ a professional director to lead their production. This year they had the honor of working under the direction of Brooke Brod, a graduate of New York University and the University of Texas at Austin. Over the past few years she has worked with several student theatre groups like the Barnstormers. She praised our Hopkins group for their enthusiasm and dedication. She's worked with many theatre and acting majors who all plan on pursuing acting careers, but Brod was proud to say that the Hopkins students she worked with were at the same level.
The music of Urinetown complements the sarcastic, humorous tone of the play. Jerome Fox `07 plays the role of Cladwell with a perfect balance of snobbery and awkwardness. It especially shines through in "Don't Be the Bunny," when he tells his daughter to embrace the power of money instead of the poorer population. Different layers of vocals are intertwined in "Act One Finale." The song includes the entire cast (16 in total), and ends the first act on a very good note.
Though overall the production is well executed, there is a level of professionalism lacking in this particular cast that is seen in past Barnstormers productions. Forgotten lines, misspoken words and individuals failing to remain in character all detract from the experience. It's difficult to see a student as his characters when he unexpectedly itches his noses while singing. Though many of the characters are older adults, the actors didn't play or look aged. It would have helped if Pennywise, Officer Lockstock and Cladwell had all worn more professional stage makeup, which would have created the illusion of wrinkles and graying hair. It seemed especially odd that Officer Lockstock has patchy facial hair, which fails to give the appearance of a beard, and makes him look rather like a typical lazy college student who has forgotten to shave. Mike Wills' portrayal of the sarcastic cop has moments of hilarity, but it seems that he could have taken his character to another level, especially with the undertones of femininity.
The chorus is strong in both their acting and singing abilities. Senior Zach Goodman and freshman Caity Stuhan both stand out amongst the crowd for their outlandish personalities. They never once fall out of character. Another shining star of the production is freshman Erica Bauman, who plays Little Sally, the annoying yet insightful girl who helps narrate. Her spunk and humor strengthens the musical. The lead male, sophomore Bill Fuller, also gives a great performance. His heartfelt acting is touching, but he still remains humorous throughout the show.
Above all, Britt Olsen-Ecker stands out. The tone and clarity of her voice is impeccable. Her positive outlook and cheery disposition seem completely natural. Her level of singing and acting is far above that of the other students. She can masterfully capture the audience's attention without even speaking. Her professionalism adds to the production's overall success.
Although some of the students fail to hit the high notes or portray consistently realistic characters, Urinetown's unique sense of humor entertains everyone. The Barnstormers yet again prove their abilities and their dedication to theatre.
The show is playing April 1, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and April 8 at 2 p.m.
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