Salt Lake City – In a world grappling with increasing concerns about resource scarcity, the University of Utah’s Department of Theatre is presenting a darkly comedic and surprisingly relevant production: “Urinetown, the Musical.” The demonstrate, which opens April 3 and runs through April 12 at the Babcock Theatre, tackles themes of corporate greed, privatization, and the basic human right to necessities – all wrapped in a surprisingly catchy score and a distinctly dry wit. The production arrives as Utah experiences one of its warmest and driest winters on record, adding a layer of resonance to the play’s dystopian premise.
“Urinetown,” with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and the book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, first debuted in 2001, quickly gaining a cult following for its unconventional approach to musical theatre. The story unfolds in a city where private companies control access to public restrooms, charging exorbitant fees during a severe drought. The musical doesn’t shy away from satire, poking fun at both the characters within its narrative and the conventions of the musical genre itself. This production, directed by David Eggers, assistant professor of musical theatre at the U, aims to both entertain and provoke thought about contemporary issues.
The parallels between the fictional Urine Decent Company and real-world instances of corporate influence on essential services aren’t lost on the production team. “We spot this happening all the time,” explains Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell, a dramaturge and associate professor of theatre studies at the University of Utah. “Moneyed interests lobbying to privatize things that should be accessible to everyone, even to the point of criminalizing poverty. The play really highlights how quickly basic needs can be turned into commodities.” This theme of commodification, and the resulting social unrest, feels particularly poignant in a time of rising costs and economic inequality.
Eggers emphasizes the show’s playful approach to musical theatre traditions. “I love that this show parodies and pays homage to multiple other musicals,” he said. “As the director and choreographer, it was really fun to create choreography referencing iconic musicals like ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Chicago,’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ Our ensemble gets to dance all these different styles, and that variety makes the show so much fun to do and to watch.” The production promises a visually dynamic experience, blending familiar musical theatre tropes with a unique, self-aware sensibility.
A Full-Circle Moment for Senior Performers
For several cast members, returning to “Urinetown” is a particularly meaningful experience. Maria Moesinger, a graduating senior, previously played the role of Hope in a high school production. “Being able to compare the two performances and just how much I’ve grown as an artist through my education here at the U these past four years has been so encouraging and exciting,” Moesinger shared. “My professors clearly knew what they were doing!” This return to a familiar role allows her to showcase the skills honed during her university training.
The play’s narrative centers around a brewing revolution sparked by the oppressive policies of Cladwell, the president and owner of Urine Good Company. Cheek-O’Donnell explains, “In ‘Urinetown,’ the people failed to heed the warning signs of an imminent water crisis, which led to the ‘Stink Years.’ Cladwell’s insistence on raising prices and criminalizing basic bodily functions creates the conditions for a revolution.” The question at the heart of the musical, she adds, is whether that revolution will ultimately lead to a more equitable society or simply a return to the status quo.
Performance Details and Accessibility
“Urinetown The Musical” will be performed at the Babcock Theatre, located at 300 South 1400 East in Salt Lake City. Performance dates include April 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Tickets are available for purchase online. The Babcock Theatre provides accessibility information on its website.
A special ASL-interpreted performance with an audience talkback is scheduled for April 10. Requests for ASL interpretation must be made to [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the performance. The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), MTI.com.
Performance Schedule:
- Fri, 4/3 @ 7:30 pm
- Sat, 4/4 @ 2 pm
- Sat, 4/4 @ 7:30 pm
- Sun, 4/5 @ 7:30 pm
- Thurs, 4/9 @ 7:30 pm
- Fri, 4/10 @ 7:30 pm
- Sat, 4/11 @ 2 pm
- Sat, 4/11 @ 7:30 pm
- Sun, 4/12 @ 2 pm
The University of Utah’s production of “Urinetown” offers a timely and thought-provoking exploration of societal issues through the lens of dark humor and musical satire. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing global concern, the play’s message about access to basic necessities resonates with a growing urgency. The Department of Theatre’s 25-26 season concludes with this production, leaving audiences to contemplate the potential consequences of unchecked corporate power and the importance of collective action.
Following the final performance on April 12, the Department of Theatre will begin preparations for its next season. Details regarding the 26-27 season lineup will be announced later this summer on the University of Utah Theatre website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the production and the themes it explores in the comments below.
