2008-07-13 09:51:03 -
"Better hope your pennies add up to the fee, we can't have you peeing for free" - Officer Lockstock - lyrics from URINETOWN
Imagine a world in which the government controls your ability to engage in one of the most private of functions - going to the bathroom. This is the central conceit of this uproarious send-up of Broadway musicals. The Relevant Stage Theatre Company at San Pedro's Warner Grand Theatre will present Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis's 'Urinetown: The Musical,' winner of three Tony Awards. Evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. on July 31, August 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Matinees will be offered at 2:30 p.m. on August 3 and 10. All performances will be
held at Warner Grand Theatre - 478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731.
Tickets range in price from $5 to $20.00 and can be purchased by calling The Relevant Stage Theatre Company at (310) 929-8129, in person at San Pedro businesses such as Sacred Grounds Coffee House, Williams' Book Store, Off The Vine, The Corner Store, and fINdings Art Center or by visiting therelevantstage.com. Group discounts are available. Patrons are encouraged to bring canned goods to the theater for distribution to those in need.
The idea for 'Urinetown' was born in the spring of 1995 when Greg Kotis, traveling in Europe, encountered pay-per-use toilets at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. It was then that the musical's central idea hit him: a Gotham-like city where all the toilets were controlled by a greedy, crooked corporation with no concern for the poor, bladder-oppressed masses.
According to Kotis, the show 'was created in a spirit of defiance against what's typically offered up as stage worthy in America today.' The result is pure, hilarious and innovative entertainment. The show parodies many popular musicals and theater conventions and playfully pokes fun at itself. 'Urinetown' is also rich with social commentary about the American economy, the division between rich and poor, and the way we abuse the environment we depend on.
In 1999 'Urinetown' got its start when the New York City Fringe Festival was looking to add more musicals to its lineup. 'Urinetown' became the hit of the festival, and its success led to a commercial production. Flush with the talents of an all-star creative and producing team, 'Urinetown' took home Tony Awards in 2002 for best director, best original score and best book of a musical.
Ray Buffer, founder and artistic director of The Relevant Stage Theatre Company is the director of 'Urinetown.' The choreographer is Kristin Taylor. Kristin's love of dance lead her to New York for a while where she worked with Noah Racey the Assistant Choreographer for the 2002 Best Musical of the Year Thoroughly Modern Millie. The musical director and conductor is Chip Colvin. He is currently working towards his Masters in Collaborative Piano at The University of Southern California. Costumes have been envisioned by Kara McLeod. Set design is by Brooke Corpus.
This revival of Urinetown, will not be a traditional production. Gone is the 1930's prohibition era theme, in exchange for a new post-modern vision.
The cast includes: Carie Millard, Daniel Gordh, Daniel Thomas, Felix Sotelo, Emily Melton, Sam Cavanaugh, John Downey III, Natalie Kollar , Dayna Price, Alpha Takahashi, Brian Chapman, Kenny Taylor, Tristan Nieto, Elizabeth Tarantino, Rhiannon Franck-Thompson, Kaitlyn Tice, Elena Muslar, and Mercie Maes.
