MJ Smith

Critique/Review
Musical Theatre Per.6
Urinetown The Musical: It Was a Privilege to See
I thought that I knew this show by heart. So while trekking back to my hometown for my
senior pictures, I decided to treat myself to the Village Theatre Kidstages Teen select Production
of Urinetown: The Musical. From the moment that I entered the small intimate theatre, I knew
something about this show was going to be different. Looking back on my previous experiences
with director Kate Jaeger, I should have known that this journey to Urinetown was going to be
unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Instantly upon sitting in my seat, I was in awe of
Abigail Rouillards set design. I felt like I was there, in this futuristic land where you must pay to
pee. The intimate space really helped transport me into the show. As the well-known overture
began, I will admit that I could not contain my excitement, I was beyond ready for the journey
that these artists who I had worked on so many shows with were about to take me on. As a guest
of the director, I had my favorite seat reserved and I was here and ready. From lights up, this
genius musical, with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann & Greg Kotis was so much more than I
had ever imagined it could be. Those two hours that I spent in that theatre were probably the two
best hours I have experienced in a long time, being a dancer, the choreography and music
direction of Jessica Low and Michael Nutting respectively, my mentor, delighting me the whole
evening. As Bobby Strong fought to lead the revolution to a better tomorrow, I knew I was in
good hands.
When doing a show like Urinetown, your Bobby Strong must be an excellent character
actor and singer which Daniel Geiszler is in spades. This being his first musical, I did not know
what to expect of him but he really impressed me, especially with his rendition Run, Freedom,
Run, the highlight of the entire evening in my opinion. Where most Bobbys in my opinion tend
to fall short, is they tend to fall into the farce that is this show and fail to show us Bobbys heart,
and how he genuinely does want to make a change for a better. Daniel was able to do this from
the first moment that we really get to identify with him on the stage, when he is trying to protect
and care for his father. This was the first time I have ever seen a Bobby who I actually believed,
and he had me and the entire audience on his side the whole night.
You cannot talk about Bobby without commenting on his counterpart, Hope Cladwell.
Whereas Bobby seemed able to really portray his character and make it believable, sadly Greta
Hicks had more trouble on this regard. It is understood that the actress portraying this role has
many obstacles from the outset, simple because the writing of this show doesnt dive very deep
beyond surface level of the daughter of Mr. Cladwell. When it comes to vocals though, in the
few times that Greta was allowed to shine, shine she did. Her voice was amazingly suited to this
role, and her comedic timing was brilliant. In Follow Your Heart, all of these things are
showcased brilliantly and despite the apparent lack of character development, you cant help but

fall in love with her and her lovable character. Seeing Greta in many shows of a more serious
nature it was refreshing to see her take on this larger than life role, and perform her heart out.
Surprisingly, the most well received performance of the night was neither Hope, nor
Bobby, but instead Penelope Pennywise, portrayed by Lydia Weir, a Village Theatre Kidstage
veteran. Even while covered in dirt and muck, and portraying a middle aged less than satisfied
women, Lydia shines. I have never seen A Privilege to Pee done with so much gusto and fire. It
amazes me constantly the vast range of characters that Lydia can portray, and she did it yet again.
I had to at moments remind myself that this was a seventeen-year-old junior in front of me.
To round up some of the excellent performances in this show, Officer Longstock, played
by Joshua Allinson had me dying from laughter all night. This role was simply made for him as
an actor. His comic timing in this show was unbelievable and you could tell that he knew his
character inside and out, and that confidence was a breath of fresh air. Too much Exposition
was played out brilliantly between him and little Sally, it was a very humorous touch to have him
in a storybook like rocking chair telling this story with all of the agonized citizens underneath
him. What people never really realize is that Officer Longstock is a very hard character to get
right, because as the narrator of the show as well, it is very easy for him to become a caricature.
But what was loved so much about Joshuas Longstock was that he accepted the fact that he was
a caricature and rode that train all night.
A show is never complete without the technical aspects, and in this particular show, they
lived up and at times even outshined the performances onstage. The costumes in this show were
brilliantly done, and it was much appreciated in how far they went to portray the destitute people
who inhabit this world. Mentioned earlier, but deserving to be mentioned again, the set design
for this show was incredible. How they managed to turn the whole theatre into this almost postapocalyptic world did wonders when it came to helping the audience into this crazy world. Story
wise, it was very effective how the backdrop was the skyline of the city and then at forefront of
the stage was the gritty world in which most of the show takes place. It really helped further the
battle for justice that occurs throughout this show. The very smart lighting design by Jacob
Sloniker helped set the mood and tone of the show, which was considerably darker than the show
is usually done. It was also very interesting how the lighting design continued from pre-show
through intermission, so it was as if the audience couldnt really escape this world even during
intermission.
Despite how great this show was; it is not a show for everyone. Director Kate Jaeger
chose to go very far in terms of how dark they interpreted the show. Which in my opinion added
a whole new meaning to the show that I didnt really see the last time I was an audience member,
so just be warned of the fact that there is violence and some graphic makeup effects to suggest
open wounds and cuts on the face. With that word of caution aside, go see this show!!! Although
I did not have to pay to see this show, it was beyond worth my time. Even if Urinetown is not
your type of show, go see it simply for the dazzling performance of young artists all under

eighteen years old. Urinetown: A musical, will give you a new love for the art form that we call
theatre. It will leave you dazzled, scared and on the edge of your seats. And most of all, leaving
this show, you will have an added drop of hope in your life. And isnt all you need a drop of
hope?