“Urinetown” at New York City Center on W 55th Street is absolutely hilarious! Playing through Feb. 16, this musical has a very clever, amusing book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and tells the story of a time when water is so scarce that people can no longer use the bathrooms in their homes, but instead have to use porta potties owned by Urine Good Company and pay to go. It’s a world where if you don’t have the fee, you cannot pee. People who work for the private company are supposed to get the public to toe the line, even as fees continue to go up. One of the workers, Bobby Strong, delightfully portrayed by Jordan Fisher, decides that enough is enough, especially when his father cannot pay to pee. His dad, Old Man Strong, hilariously portrayed by Kevin Cahoon, is caught committing public urination and is arrested — never to be seen again.
The musical has a marvelous character, Officer Lockstock who serves as the narrator. Greg Hildreth will have you in tears with laughter. In fact, between his character and Little Sally, marvelously played by Pearl Scarlett Gold, you won’t stop laughing.
This musical plays with themes like corporate greed, corrupt politicians and is a real “pisser” to watch. At the performance I attended, Tiffany Mann did a fantastic job with the character of Penelope Pennywise, a loyal worker for the company, who has no pity for anyone who needs to pee (The role is normally played by Keala Settle). Myra Lucretia Taylor is absolutely phenomenal as Josephine Strong, Bobby’s mother. Rainn Wilson is cleverly evil as the heartless head of Urine Good Company, Caldwell B. Cladwell. Stephanie Styles as Hope Cladwell, his daughter, is funny as she first comes home from college ready to join the family business, only to meet Bobby and realize that what her father is doing is incredibly wrong. The scenes between Hope and Bobby are very admirable.
This ensemble cast is incredibly entertaining to watch and also includes Josh Breckenridge, Jenni Barber, Yeman Brown, Joshua Grosso, Jeff Hiller, Taran Killam, Daniel Quadrino, Geena Quintos, Graham Rowat, Keala Settle, and John Yi.
When it comes to creativity, may I say that this production is “off the chain!” There is scenic design by Clint Ramos, costume design by Sophia Choi, lighting design by Justin Townsend, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, and orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin. The production features the fabulous The Encores! Orchestra. The production has enchanting choreography by Mayte Natalio, music direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and spot-on direction by Teddy Bergman. You have got to make plans to go and see “Urinetown,” it will fully satisfy your need for fun, music, great singing, romance and seeing less fortunate people being triumphant! For tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.org.