Hendricken stages freeflowing satirical musical comedy

By John Howell
Posted 8/2/18

Text and photos By JOHN HOWELL The name alone might have people wondering why Summer Stage at Bishop Hendricken chose Urinetown: the Musical as its summer production that opens tonight at the school's Dr. Daniel S. Harrop Theater with performances Friday

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Hendricken stages freeflowing satirical musical comedy

Posted

The name alone might have people wondering why Summer Stage at Bishop Hendricken chose Urinetown: the Musical as its summer production that opens tonight at the school’s Dr. Daniel S. Harrop Theater with performances Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and closes with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

The satirical comedy musical is certain to have the audience questioning where the restrooms are located if they don’t already know. They really can’t be blamed after one of the opening scenes where the riffraff line up to have their meager funds extracted by Penelope Pennywise played by Brigid Fitzgerald in order to pee.

With music by Mark Holliman and lyrics by Holliman and Greg Kotis, Urinetown premiered in 2001. The story revolves around a community suffering from drought, water is a premium and in order to conserve the populace is forced to pay to pee. Officers Lockstock played by Carlin Fournier and Barrel played by Thomas Rocco enforce the law prohibiting peeing. Offenders get whisked off to Urinetown, which has a dark side.

This is not a show where everybody lives happily every after and is a far cry from the popular musicals, which are the fare of most youth summer theater groups. It pokes fun at the establishment, the legal system, municipal politics, corporate managements and much more.

Matthew Beaune, a member of the Hendricken class of 2016 and production manager said he and directors Richard Sylvia and Peter Mancuso chose the musical in the spring and started rehearsals in mid-June. Auditions were held in May and the cast, technical crew and orchestra are made up of more than 70 people, most of them high school students.

Given the focus on water and the tradition of giving back to the community, Beaune said the audience is being asked to bring cases of bottled water that will go to the needy and the people of Flint, Michigan.

He said Tuesday that there are still tickets at $15 and $12 for students and seniors for all performances.

As it has the reputation for doing, Hendricken Summer Theater leaves you wondering what these kids can’t do. They sing, dance, play music and coordinate a technically challenge performance with the ease of professionals. What’s more, they clearly have fun doing it.

Just one word of advice: Make a stop at the restroom before finding your seat.

Comments

1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • Justanidiot

    Ever look at your sewer tax bill? We all have to pay to pee. Except for deadbeats who have others pay their tax bill.

    Wednesday, August 8, 2018 Report this