'Urinetown: The Musical' at WAMS - My Review

The show chosen for the school year's final mainstage musical at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School was an interesting one. Urinetown: The Musical is a satirical comedy musical written by Greg Kotis, with music by Mark Hollmann and Mr. Kotis. It parodies other musicals like Les Mis and The Cradle Will Rock and the very formula of a Broadway musical itself and this is when the comedy is at its best. Among the ideas it satirizes are capitalism, populism, bureaucracy, municipal policies and probably more that I missed at the closing performance that I attended.

Director Scott Schulte expresses his thanks to the WAMS administrative staff in his notes, "especially to Mr. Leo Lavallee who has been exceptionally supportive of our department these past two years." Sadly, Mr. Lavallee will be leaving WAMS at the end of the school year. Mr. Schulte also thanks Ms. Mary Ruby who is retiring after eleven years.

The cast of 38 WAMS students and two young ladies who played "the children" appeared to be having a great time as they brought this quirky story to life. Ten girls played "the poor" and nine others made up the dance ensemble, along with one very talented young man named Ryan Rabuska. Every one of the members of the cast turned in a strong performance and that is what made this show one of the best I have seen on the Apron Stage. Many in the packed theater agreed with that assessment and felt that the level of professionalism had been raised with this production.

WAMS drama teacher Mr. Schulte used the entire space in his staging and this kept the audience engaged and ever guessing where the next character would pop up. The two- level set was both well lighted and well employed. The choreography that broke up the woefulness of this piece was some of the best I have seen at WAMS.

The students featured in this cast are a talented bunch and even they kicked it up a notch for this production. Liam Alldredge did a great job as Robby the Stockfish, Olivia Blazas was a fine Soupy Sue and Rebecca Dupre sang beautifully as Little Becky Two Shoes. Wilmer Gonzalez couldn't help but be charming as McQueen and Chad Taylor played much older as Old Man Strong. Nolan Cummings carried off the role of the crooked Senator Fipp (and seemed to enjoy giving his brother Bailey a hard time in this role of the villain) and MacKenzie Huneke was her usual wonderful self as mother Josephine Strong.

Alizae Powell was both adorable and wise as Little Sally. Gerald Mullings was a tough Officer Barrel and Isaac Hutchinson was intimidating as the lawman/narrator Lockstock. The latter rocked both the aviator sunglasses and the lollipop and often broke the fourth wall in addressing the audience and exposing the plotline. Danielle Orlando played well the tough Penny Pennywise and the lovely Alexa Campagna had a Cinderella quality in the role of Hope.

Seniors Bailey Cummings and Zach Carter almost stole the show as Bobby Strong and Caldwell B. Cladwell respectively. Mr. Cummings sang as beautifully as he always does and pulled off the broad leading man role. Mr. Carter displayed his pinpoint comic timing and fine dancing skills in the role of the maniacal executive with a bunny.

Mr. Schulte clearly directed this talented group with a tongue in cheek touch and Mrs. Marianna Vagnini helped the singers sound amazing. Sean Lewis played piano for the performances with student Michael Smith on percussion. The set designed by Ms. Michelle Leblanc was appropriate and functional. Costuming by Lucy Christiana and Cara Guerin were well done. Ms. Guerin also served as choreographer (with the help of Mr. Carter) and I was impressed with the high energy dancing.