‘Urinetown’ opens Friday at Rogers City Theater
by Dan Gabara Special Contributor
?Urinetown, the Musical.? Wow what a terrible name for a play! I was amazed that a production with a name like that could even make it to Broadway, let alone win several awards. When I heard it was scheduled to be performed here at our own Rogers City Community Theatre, a few flags were waving in my mind. But when I talked director Heather Nordenbrock into loaning me a copy of the soundtrack and listened to the music and followed the story line, I was totally convinced that this play has merits. It?s booked as the best play with the worst title. This could be true, but it?s not any worse than my Mom saying, ?don?t wet your pants? as I was growing up. Or my wife saying, ?excuse me, I need to change my child?s diaper.?
Or better yet, when your child says, ?Mom or Dad, I gotta poop!? Well, we all do you know. And if you really think of it, urine is actually a more proper name for all those other words! So, what is Urinetown, The Musical all about? It?s a story about a draught, and how it affects the whole community. It?s a satire.
You can read into it, you can place your own personal issues into the play and see where it leads you. For me, it makes me think. That?s a good thing. This play is also funny, oh my, is it funny. I?ve been able to stick my head in the door of the theatre a bit and check on the progress of rehearsals, and I must tell you, this play has talent as well. The many fine actors of our area are working hard to provide you with a performance you won?t soon forget. The music in itself will draw you in, and the story is easy to follow, allowing you to interject your thoughts here and there and yes, laugh too!
Most important, it?s all done in good taste. Yes that?s right. Music that will move you, a story line that will challenge you, and it?s in good taste. If you?re worrying about being offended with this one, don?t worry. Without giving away any of the punch lines, or important dialogue, I hope I?ve challenged you to come see this absolutely awesome musical, a musical with comedy and a horrible name to boot! ?Urinetown, the Musical? is the best musical with the worst name.
(Dan Gabara has performed locally in several Rogers City Community Theater productions such as ?Fiddler on the Roof,? ?Oklahoma!? and most recently, ?South Pacific.?)
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?Urinetown, the Musical? opens Friday with a 7:30 p.m. performance at the Rogers City Theater. Other performance times are Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., Friday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. Heather Nordenbrock directs the play, which includes a live band and a large cast.
Cast members include Karl W. Heidemann, Chris Flewelling, Dan Nordenbrock, Meghan Harp, Heather Nordenbrock, Charlie Harp, Pennie Kelly, Robert Starnes, Danielle Farmer, Mike Marx, Sheela Welch
It opened on Broadway in 2001, running until January 2004 for a total of more than 900 performances and has been touring nationally since 2004. The show features music and lyrics by Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for students and $9 for seniors. The theater is handicapped accessible and the play is rated PG for mild offensive language. Advance tickets are available at the Rogers City Theater or by calling 734-3861 for information.