The Middlebury Campus

Issue date: 11/30/06 Section: Arts

Media Credit: Nirvana Bhatia "Urinetown" examines the darker side of human nature with a comic twist, as demonstrated in one of the final scenes of the satirical comedy in which the townspeople try to avenge their leader's murder by disposing of their hostage. [Click to enlarge]

Last weekend in the Hepburn Zoo, passionate actors, shouting in protest and crying for revolution, demanded the right for their inherent privilege to pee. Directed by Maegan Mishico '08.5, the Middlebury College Musical Players' production of "Urinetown's" out-of-the-ordinary humor and talented performance was anything but mundane.

This popular Broadway musical is set in a town plagued by a 20-year drought, making water so scarce that public toilets have been banned. At the mercy of a single, dominating corporation led by Cladwell B. Cladwell (Mike Tierney '09.5), which maintains a monopoly on the single public toilet, the townspeople are forced to pay ridiculously high tariffs and taxes to carry out their basic needs. However, out of the masses of destitute citizens arises a hero, Bobby Strong (Mike West '09.5), who proceeds to lead his fellows against the tyranny of Urine Good Company, falling in love with Cladwell's daughter Hope (Kristen Faiferlick '10) along the way.

Drawing from musicals such as "West Side Story" and "Les Miserables," this comedy features a humorous satire of the corporate world as well as numerous parodies of traditional theatre conventions - even poking fun at itself. "Urinetown" was nominated in 2002 for ten Tony awards and walked away with wins for best director, best original score and best book for a musical. The actors took full advantage of this acclaimed musical's script and score. Chelsea Minton's '08.5 portrayal of Little Sally was especially potent. Playing a young child is difficult enough, but playing the role with humor is even more impressive. Minton had the audience laughing at almost every line due to her outstandingly dynamic voice and comical facial expressions. The stage chemistry between Minton and Patrick Martinez '09, who played Officer Lockstock, was also exceptional. Martinez, who excelled at the duel role of playing a cocky and witty police officer as well as the cynical narrator of the show, also worked remarkably well with the cute and loveable Little Sally. The two were obviously at ease with their roles and kept the energy going throughout the play.

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