Review of 'Urinetown' at The Ridgefield Theater Barn

Pictured above: The cast of URINETOWN at The Ridgefield Theater Barn

Dedicated to Kristin, my copilot

Ridgefield, CT - The Ridgefield Theater Barn opened its 53rd season with the satirical comedy URINETOWN the Musical on Friday evening to a sold out house. It was my first visit to this little gem of a community theatre tucked away near (and not to be confused with) the Ridgefield Playhouse and I came away wishing that I had managed to get there much sooner. This production of the odd yet timely musical (with the unfortunate title that is actually debated in the show) was Strong in every way; by the final bows my printed program was filled with notes of the touches that made the Theater Barn’s URINETOWN a privilege to attend. I strongly urge readers to try to get tickets before it closes on Sept. 28 and to use the restroom before they leave the house.

So URINETOWN The Musical features music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and a supremely clever book and lyrics by Greg Kotis. The host of ills that it satirizes include capitalism, the legal system, social irresponsibility, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and even the form of the Broadway musical itself.

Debra Lee Failla is the director/choreographer of this incarnation of URINETOWN and the only word to describe her work is “brilliant.” From her most creative dance moves to the pinpoint accuracy of the delightfully comic touches (as in the literal nose-to-nose delivery of lines) that enhance the satire, Ms. Failla’s direction in her RTB directing debut did not miss a chance to made this cast shine despite the darker tone of the material. The memorable staging for the musical numbers are too numerous to list. Adding much to the show was the musical direction of Lisa Riggs Hobbs, who grew up in Ridgefield and holds a Master of Arts in Education (Music K-12) from Manhattanville College; the singer’s voices were perfectly blended and the onstage musicians sounded great.

The musicians included Seymour MS music teacher Nate Dobas (Svec in ONCE at the Warner) on percussion, Sarah Favinger on upright bass, WCSU grad Patrick Lombardo on reeds and New York University grad Joe Petrizzo on trombone. I love when the musicians get a page in the program for their bios and wish more venues did the same. I appreciate the way an actor came out at the beginning of both acts to give the music director her cue in a fun way.

Leading this talented cast as Officer Lockstock was Michael Valinoti (06-07 National Tour of JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT as Jacob/Potiphar) in his RTB debut; this narrator was commanding and very funny. Sharing the narration duties was Monica Harrington in the role of Little Sally in her debut with this company; her take on what for her is a dream role and where she gets to constantly question the play’s logic was a privilege to watch.

Chris Balestriere (Warner in LEGALLY BLONDE at Richter) sang wonderfully as our hero Bobby Strong in his RTB debut and he had appropriate chemistry with the lovely Meaghan Elliot as the virtuous Hope Cladwell. What a beautiful soprano voice this young actress displayed in her debut with this company.

Elyse Jasensky (FOLLIES at the Warner, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU in Goshen) took on the role of Penelope Pennywise for the third time and gave a performance I will never forget. She displayed superb comic timing and wow, can she sing! Duane Lanham (NOISES OFF in Brookfield, SPAMALOT with Two Planks) was the nasty Caldwell B. Cladwell and he got to wear wonderfully big bunny slippers for “Don’t Be the Bunny.”

Joseph Caputo was a riot as Officer Barrel and Stephen Emerick (Emmett in LEGALLY BLONDE at Richter) was memorable not only because of his eye patch in the role of Hot Blades Harry. His “mate,” the very pregnant Little Becky Two Shoes was played by Samantha Holomakoff and their duet in “Snuff That Girl” was priceless.

Lesli Allen did very well in her RTB debut in the role of Ma Strong and her uber talented son Shawn Tyler Allen stood out as the character Tiny Tim. Mr. Allen, a student at SCSU who has worked with Elm Shakespeare Company, nailed the role of Dewey Finn in SCHOOL OF ROCK with NewArts. Rachel Lotstein (DAMN YANKEES at TBTA, LA CAGE aux FOLLES at Two Planks) stepped out of the ensemble to play Soupy Sue.

Bill Warncke (Prof. Callahan in LEGALLY BLONDE at Richter) made his debut with RTB as Old Man Strong. Rachel Lewis covered the roles of Robby the Stockfish and Dr. Billeaux. Brendan Garnett has some great reaction moments in his RTB debut as Billy Boy and James Hobayan made his debut with this group as Mr. McQueen. There was clearly not a weak link in this talented and very busy ensemble.

The set design by Pamme Jones and Cathy Malloy worked for the most part, although there were some sight line issues for the people at my table. The set designers also were in charge of the props and the spray cans that accompanied each scene with actors back from the dead were priceless. Costumes by Claudia Nerreau set the gritty tone very well and the lighting designed by Mark Hanklu made the most of the tight space. Some sound issues made it hard to hear some of the vocals, at least for those of us in the front.

On opening night, the audience included volunteers involved with the upcoming MAMMA MIA at Curtain Call directed by Tom Coppola with music direction by Peter Randozzo. They had come out in force to support their fellow community theatre performers before their tech Sunday this weekend. I am looking forward to seeing Juliette Koch in the role of Donna.

I highly recommend a trip to Ridgefield to catch this stellar production of URINETOWN, especially if you have never experienced this fine satire.Doors open one hour prior to curtain and seating is cabaret style with audience members invited to bring their food and beverage of choice to enjoy before the show and during intermission. You can also purchase a signature cocktail in a specimen cup. Arriving early will help you secure a place to park and to find your way to the Barn. And even if you don’t feel the need to use the unisex restroom at intermission, I would encourage you to head to the lobby anyway to check out the line.

Urinetown, The Musical
Music & Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Book & Lyrics by Greg Kotis

Directed by Deb Failla
Musical Direction by Lisa Riggs Hobbs

Sponsored by J. Mulvaney Plumbing and Young's of Ridgefield

September 6th - September 28th, 2018
Friday & Saturday evenings at 8pm
Sunday Matinees: September 16th & 23rd

Nancy Sasso Janis Photo by J. Timothy Quirk

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle and now serves on the board. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre