Urinetown: it will make you pee your pants

The UTEP Dinner Theatre production of "Urinetown: the Musical" may be set in the near future, have social implications and have the worst title in history, but it will make you laugh, maybe even cry from laughter.

The winner of three Tony Awards is part of the 2010-2011 season of musicals presented by the UTEP Dinner Theatre.

Urinetown is a classic story of corporate greed and oppressed masses. In a city tormented by a 20-year-drought, a rag-tag group of rebels fight legislation that decrees all who pee must pay for the privilege. Those who don't are sent to Urinetown, a mythical place of exile.

The hopelessness of the city is set into motion early with policeman/raconteur, officer Lockstock, who explains to Little Sally that too much exposition can be exhausting for audience members. Cue the song Urinetown, which sets up the narrative and the impending misfortunes that lie ahead. Hilarious results ensue.

"Urinetown: the Musical" works in a lot of ways that are similar to politics today: Its themes are depressing, it definitely teeters toward the distasteful, but it'll make you laugh out loud. There are many elements of musical theater that are incorporated in this production but none of it is taken seriously. That's the fun of Urinetown.

It comes ripe with vaudevillian-type humor such as sidesplitting repartee and sight gags, as well as satirical poking of capitalism and political corruption.

Taking their cues from the dramaturgy of Brecht and Blitzstein, who explored using theater as a form of political expression, Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman excel in mixing musical theater with political satire.

The absurdity of this musical's premise and characters are performed with much candor that it comes off like a real musical while also shedding light on social irresponsibility. The developing drama is also fun to watch.

This production by the UTEP Dinner Theatre keeps these elements intact by way of some very talented performers with impeccable comic vitality. With a starkly industrial backdrop of pipes and steel, and under the sparsely lit stage by set and lighting designer Michael Spence, director Scott S. Susong guides his cast through the song and dance, doom and gloom and hilarity and expert care.

Don Cieslik leads the way as the law enforcing, musical theater-inclined officer Lockstock, who not only serves as a tool in a corrupt system but as the show's not-so-humble narrator. Danny Lopez plays resident villain Caldwell B. Cladwell, the president of the Urine Good Company, the corporation that controls all public bathrooms. Savoring this tyrant's malice and indignation was perhaps the most entertaining part of the show. Lopez demanded the ire and chortle of the audience in every scene he was in, and you almost feel sorry for his demise because his comedic prowess as the corporate dictator is perfect. As Bobby Strong, played by actor Taelon Stonecipher conveys all the attributes of a musical theater hero, a lot of heart and courage that is foolishly guided by love. Amber Marie Flores' Hope, looking like a silent film star with rosy red cheeks, finds love in one of the poorest, filthiest urinals in town.

UTEP alumna and Dinner Theatre regular Cristen Susong is a true scene stealer as Penny Pennywise, who shares a certain chemistry with the stage. Much kudos also to the diverse chorus of actors and singers who provide the folly to the madness of Urinetown (both the musical and place).

The choreography by Lisa Lopez keeps in line with the tradition of Broadway musical theatre, which fits ideally with what "Urinetown: the Musical" isn't. The farcical aside, the show is really Brechtian, hence revolutionary to its core.

This production not only reminds the audience that what they are seeing is not just a representation of reality but also a message about the gratification that comes from comfort.

 It is also about how we take for granted our natural resources. Interpret the struggle as you see fit.

There is equal opportunity satire for all ideologies to appreciate and think about. But essentially, the place that is Urinetown is our town.

Adam Martinez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.