Title

Urinetown

Files

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Publication Date

11-2007

Language

English

City

Philadelphia

Keywords

The Masque

Disciplines

Theatre and Performance Studies

Comments

Producer's Corner

Last year's season brought The Masque to dark drama with Jekyll & Hyde, and light, witty grace and style with The Philadelphia Story. However, The Masque of La Salle's 2007-2008 season starts out on a completely different note with the wacky musical satire, Urinetown.

Many of you may be asking yourselves, what on earth is this "Urinetown", and why is The Masque doing a musical about pee? Well, I can't answer the first question for you (I wouldn't want to spoil the show) - you'll have to watch and learn for yourselves. But as for the latter, I believe I can shed some light You see, despite the gruff and un-P.C. exterior of the title, Urinetown is about more than just paying to use public restrooms. Although not exactly a "message show", Urinetown does have a message of underneath all the jabs at musical theatre. It is my hope that you will leave this theater not only with your side aching from laughter, but also thinking about what "Urinetown" is, and what it might mean outside the world of theatre.

A search over the summer turned up a few new faces to aide our incredibly talented cast and crew in this production. Director TJ. Sokso has brought to the table a unique sense of humor which perfectly suits Urinetown. Barrymore Award-nominated choreographer Samuel A. Reyes brought on the heat and kicked the cast into shape physically, while we welcomed back musical director Michael Borton for a second production to kick us into shape vocally. Between these three incredible professionals and the talent, hard work and dedication of the cast and crew, we've put together a remarkable production.

So sit back, relax, don't forget to use the restroom, and enjoy Urinetown (not the place, of course, the musical)!

Kate Pendola
Producer and President


Director's Notes

Well, hello there, and welcome to Urinetown. Not the place, the director's notes. I had never seen Urinetown, nor worked on it in any artistic capacity, seen a production or read the script, but I knew the premise of the show. To my delight, I got a copy of the script and laughed myself silly and knew I had to direct this show. This is the time where I'm supposed to tell you all about my vision of what the show is and how I approached directing this production. Most people look at Urinetown as a spoof or a review, a very funny, but tongue-in-cheek. show with no real depth or substance. I am not one of those people. Urinetown does have its moments of tribute to other shows, but it must be played within the context of its own storyline. If it is not, the whole production becomes one confusing, spastic mess. The characters in this story need to be real, normal people in exaggerated circumstances, not the other way around. Urinetown has its own messages to tell and it was a great journey creating those moments. I had a great artistic team to collaborate with and the process was so much fun because of their talent and energy. The production team made me forget that I was working on the collegiate level; I could have been at any professional theatre in the city. The actors are so full of life and energy that it was a pleasure to work with each and every one of them. That's all for me, so sit back, relax and enjoy Urinetown (the musical)!

T.J. Sokso
Director

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Urinetown

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