'Urinetown, The Musical' Comes to West Morris Central Stage

This spring, students at West Morris Central High School will perform Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis’s Tony Award-winning musical, Urinetown. Set in a Gotham-like city, Urinetown tells the story of a terrible water shortage caused by a 20-year drought. In response to the water deficiency, the government institutes a ban on private toilets, and, as a result, the citizens use public amenities regulated by a single malevolent company which profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people emerges a hero, Bobby Strong, who plans a revolution in order to lead his fellow poor and downtrodden to freedom!

Kotis initially developed the idea for Urinetown in the spring of 1995 when encountering pay-per-use toilets at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. According to Kotis, the show “was created in a spirit of defiance against what’s typically offered up as stage worthy in America today.” The result is pure, hilarious, and innovative entertainment. The show parodies many theatre conventions and popular musicals (notably West Side Story, Chicago, and Les Misérables). In addition, Urinetown pokes fun at itself in playful and charming fashion. But, underneath this clever comedy is also a rich and poignant commentary about the American economy, the division between rich and poor, and the consequences of individuals absent mindedly abusing their environment.

Senior class member John Humcke plays Bobby Strong, the show’s hero. Junior Lauren Layfield plays the leading lady, Hope Cladwell. Other prominent roles include sophomore Aiden Carrara as Officer Lockstock, senior Kevin Wehrhahn as Caldwell B. Cladwell, senior Jenniece Vazquez as Penelope Pennywise, and senior Libby Kallins as Little Sally.

In total, the production boasts 36 student performers, all of whom are under the direction of English and drama teacher Jeff Hogan, with musical direction by Tracy Witko and choreography by math teacher Dana Harrington. Band teacher Margret Schaefer conducts the pit orchestra, while Long Valley residents Ron Kadri and Susan Thompson once again lend their creative talents in set construction and costumes, respectively. In addition, art teacher Harmony Dougher assists in properties design and special education teacher Tanya Cavallo oversees hair and makeup.

This family-friendly, tongue-and-cheek musical will be performed Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m., and twice Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students, $12 for general admission and $15 for reserved seating.

For more information, email Urinetown Ticket Sales at greenchair@comcast.net.

Subject: Urinetown Tickets

Press Release Credit: Jeff Hogan