A Port-a-Potty was placed conspicuously outside Hart House this week, hiding a pleasant surprise for all who dared to venture inside. Inside the stall awaited free tickets to Urinetown, the 2009 UC Follies production opening tonight at Hart House Theatre.
The annual University College musical is a tradition dating back to the 1920s. According to director Neil Silcox, “people have really come to expect a quality production from the Follies.” Silcox, who recently played Edgar in Hart House’s King Lear, is one of the few professionals in a cast comprised largely of U of T students. Adds Andrew Knowlton, who stars in the role of Bobby Strong, “It’s a great match between those who are experienced in the world of theatre and those who are just getting started. It creates a really great energy.”
Of course, a certain vivacity is required to pull off a piece like Urinetown. “It’s a fun, hum-able script,” explains Knowlton. “Every song is an homage to a different musical, from Miss Saigon to Les Misérables. But at the same time, it’s meant to be a satire of the musical genre.” Whereas musical theatre tends to take itself quite seriously, the self-deprecating Urinetown isn’t afraid to make fun of itself.
The story centers on a village in which a prolonged drought has led the government to outlaw private toilets. When the corrupt Urine Good Company intervenes to create a pay-per-use public washroom, the right to pee becomes a privilege: those who refuse to pay for toilet access are shipped off to a faraway, unknown colony called Urinetown. Citizens are left wondering how they will possibly be able to relieve themselves from the dire situation.
“Clearly, there are lots of built-in jokes about urine,” laughs Silcox. “But while we could stick with sophomoric gags, we’re aiming for smarter sense of humour. So, when the occasional lowbrow joke comes up, it’s much more effective.”
The farce of the play owes much to the Neo-Futurist theatre troupe that first produced Urinetown in 2001. This Chicago group aimed for honesty and modernity above all, and Urinetown fit in perfectly with their values.
“This could be a true musical, set in the real world,” explains Silcox. “There’s no Hollywood feel. The ‘bad’ characters aren’t entirely bad, but the ‘good’ ones aren’t quite good either.”
Although Urinetown mines the hilarity of a world gone topsy-turvy over bladder concerns, it also presents a warning to where society may be headed. The concept of a water shortage rings true against current unease regarding limited resources and sustainability. “We do want people to think about environmentalism,” explains Silcox, “but we also want them to have fun. It’s a really fun show.”
A fun show, but not necessarily comprised entirely of light themes: Urinetown also delves into issues of corporate abuse and citizen rebellion, climaxing on a less-than-happy note. Will Silcox’s lighthearted approach translate well to the story?
“I’m enjoying the chance to play it ‘schmakedy,’ to play it big,” attests Naomi Skwarna, acting in the part of Soupy Sue. Accordingly, if Urinetown is fun for the actors, it’s bound to be a whiz for the audience as well.
Urinetown runs at Hart House theatre tonight through February 14. Tickets are $14 for students.
