Theater Review: 'Urinetown the Musical' at Newtown High School

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Newtown High School Drama is presenting “Urinetown The Musical” on the stage of their auditorium.

“Urinetown” is wrapped in music and lyrics by Mark Hoffman and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis. Jane Matson is in her 14th year of directing the spring at Newtown High School, with technical director/producer Staci Stamm. Music director Anna De Masi conducts the onstage orchestra. The wonderful choreography was designed by Matthew Farina.

Matson answers the question “What is Urinetown?” in the printed program. She notes that it has been “described as spoof, a satire, and a comical mirror held up to show the worst and best that society can be. For me ‘Urinetown’ is an homage to all musical theatre. A love letter to the greatest musicals of all time.” Be sure to check the list in her Director’s Note of some of the shows that are referenced in the show…”Happy hunting.”

Madeline Roe makes her mark with her performance as Officer Lockstock, the cop that opens the show and narrates the story. Ella Grace Renak is the perfect partner as Officer Barrel.

NHS senior Julia Forlenzo is a strong actress/singer as Penelope Pennywise, as is Jules Kessler as the young hero Bobby Strong. Gabriella Corona (“12 Angry Men”) is perfect in the role of Little Sally, bringing childlike moves and cheeky wisdom to her performance. Senior Sadie Gureasko-Moore is lovely as the earnest Hope Cladwell, with junior Theo Anderson covering the role of her villainous father.

In supporting roles are junior H. Warner Bacon as Senator Fipp, Cameron Barr as Old Man Strong and Cameron Barr as Tiny Tom. Adlien Ekman plays Soupy Sue and senior Reese Wheat portrays Little Becky Two Shoes. Zoe March, a senior who went blind last year, returns to the stage in the role of Mrs. Millennium.

Sadie Baimel plays McQueen, junior Ashton Almeter is Hot Blades Harry, senior Alex Kirkman (“The Addams Family” with Musicals at Richter) is Robby The Stockfish and senior Vilis Allende plays Billy Boy Bill. Ava Baroody, who was part of NewArts for nine years and is now a high school senior, plays the mother of Bobby, Josephine Strong.

The dancers and singers in the ensemble have mastered Farina’s choreography, with Morgan Harrison as dance captain and Gabby DeNicola and Ella Grace Renak as dance lieutenants. I loved the tap dancing in “Cop Song.” The pit musicians, that make the score sound fabulous, include three students: Kyle Boughan (woodwinds) Howard Schuster (drums) and Greg Trefny (percussion.)

Overall, the blocking and the use of the space is very strong. I loved the manner in which the ensemble members get Cladwell’s bags of money to the stage and the use of the stage extension over the pit area. The musicians are encased in the set, but can still be seen at times.

“Urinetown” runs at the Newtown High School auditorium March 14-17

Costumes designed by Marie Armstrong matched the theme of the unwashed, with more upscale ensembles for the upper class. Lighting designed by Katherine Allen (“12 Angry Men”) set the tone very well and scenic art by Carissa Soriano brought the set to a new level.

Performances are:
THU MAR 14, 2024 AT 7:00 PM
FRI MAR 15, 2024 AT 7:00 PM
SAT MAR 16, 2024 AT 2:00 PM
SAT MAR 16, 2024 AT 7:00 PM
SUN MAR 17, 2024 AT 2:00 PM

Tickets at https://nhsc.booktix.net/