AUBURN — Sharp dance numbers and some fine vocal performances highlight Community Little Theatre’s current production of “Urinetown.”
It’s a satirical musical comedy about a time in the future when a 20-year drought leads to a ban on private toilets. This, of course, sets up a perfect situation for a monopolistic company to seize ownership of paid public facilities. The impoverished citizens are forced to pay high fees if they attempt to circumvent the laws requiring strict use of the public toilet monopoly, the Urine Good Company.
Cameron Ramich, a junior at the University of Southern Maine, turns in an outstanding performance in the lead role of Bobby Strong. He leads a rousing dance ensemble presentation of “Run, Freedom, Run.”
Jordan Payne Hay portrays Hope Cladwell, lovely daughter of the evil Caldwell B. Cladwell. She was previously seen as Sister Mary Patrick in CLT’s “Sister Act” and as Mrs. Potts in “Beauty and the Beast.”
Dan Kane plays Caldwell B. Cladwell. He’s the money-grubbing president and owner of the Urine Good Company who gleefully exploits the poor.
Penelope Pennywise, the tough, jaded warden of the town’s public toilet facilities, is well-played by Ashleigh St. Pierre.
Lots of comic relief is provided by Jason Pelletier and Owen Kane as local Police Officers Lockstock and Barrel. Cody Watson plays “Old Man” Strong.
Others in the large cast are Aaron Louque, Lucy Hunter Poland, Olivia DuBois, Sophie Wood, Becca Tinkham, Nicole Chase, Maxwell Draper, Mason Lagasse, Gregory Judd, Hayden Thomas, Sarah Wing, Margaret Grace Brown, Danica Hemond, Charlotte Morin, Kiya Caron, Prophett (single name is correct), McKayla Prophett, Ansley Kate Watson, Carly Georgen and Lynn O’Donnell.
Kay Warren directs “Urinetown, The Musical,” which features some fine dance numbers and vocal performances.
Jake Boyce is the show’s choreographer and he has an on-stage appearance as Tiny Tom.
“Urinetown” premiered in 2001 with music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, and book by Kotis. Its sharp satire hits many targets —the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics.
The show also parodies musicals such as “The Threepenny Opera,“ “The Cradle Will Rock,” “Les Misérables” and the Broadway musical genre itself.
The show ran on Broadway for nearly 1,000 performances.
The characters of Bobby Strong and Hope Cladwell were included on New York Theatre monthly’s list of “The 100 Greatest Roles in Musical Theatre.”
Remaining performances of “Urinetown” are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 12, 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15.
Tickets are $18 regular, $15 seniors and $12 for children 12 and under. For ticketsor information call 783-0958 or go online to www.LACLT.com.
Great Falls Performing Arts Center is at 30 Academy St., Auburn.
Cameron Ramich, left, as Bobby Strong and Jason Pelletier as the Barrel half of the police partners Lockstock and Barrel.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
