OCC's Spring Musical Opens Friday, May 8

Orange Coast College will open its hilarious, satirical spring musical, the triple Tony Award-winning “Urinetown: The Musical” by Greg Kotis on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. Performances will continue on May 9 and 10, and on May 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on May 17 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances will take place in the Orange Coast Drama Lab next door to the Robert B. Moore Theatre.

The spring production is directed by Dr. Ann Marie Byrd, with choreography by Ellen Prince and music direction by Jared Scott.

The story opens in a city populated by both an oppressive upper class and the persecuted poor, where a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The poverty-stricken citizens must use public amenities that are regulated by Urine Good Company, run by the malevolent Mr. Cladwell who profits by charging admission for “the privilege to pee.”

Amid the people a hero by the name of Bobby Strong decides he’s had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom, whatever the consequences may be — including capturing the heart of Cladwell’s lovely daughter.

This timely, clever, award-winning musical pokes fun at capitalism, bureaucracy, corporate greed and — most importantly — musical theatre itself. For lovers of musical theatre, Urinetown delightfully revisits and parodies the greatest musicals of our time with warmth, wit and unprecedented creativity.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 online at www.occtickets.com, or by calling the Bursar’s office at (714) 432-5880. Tickets also will be available at the door for $15. Discounted tickets are available for students and seniors for $8 and $10 respectively.