Urinetown The Musical in Adelaide Hills

To open their 2024 season, Hills Musical Company will present the musical satire Urinetown The Musical, which pokes fun at the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatisation of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself — nothing is off limits!

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amidst the people, a hero decides that he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!

Director Ruby Pinkerton says:

“I came across Urinetown The Musical a few years ago and was immediately drawn to the show. It is the perfect combination of silly and clever, first drawing you in before delivering a sucker punch about the effects of water consumption and highlighting the dangers of power and corruption. The writing is intelligent and tongue-in-cheek, with the script and score parodying well known musicals such as Les Mis and Fiddler on the Roof. It is a joy to watch and leaves audiences giggling while in true Brechtian style forcing you to think about the issue at the heart of the show.

“I love Brechtian theatre — stories with a social or political message that grab an audience through humour and self-awareness, and then force them to think about the issue in more depth. Urinetown The Musical is the story of a community who lives in excruciating poverty and is completely powerless to oppose the elite at Urine Good Company, who wield their power to manipulate the masses and keep funds coming in.

"For audiences, it is a reminder that we are privileged to have access to fresh water while across the world there are people who struggle with this daily. I hope our audiences leave the theatre thinking about their own water consumption and considering how they could make their lives more sustainable. I also hope they leave the theatre without peeing their pants with laughter...”

Urinetown The Musical is directed by Ruby Pinkerton, with music direction by Ben & Kristin Stefanoff and choreography by Jemma Allen.

“This cast is ridiculously talented. I spend most rehearsals cackling with laughter and at one point had to leave because in true Urinetown The Musical fashion I thought I might pee my pants. I am so grateful to work with such a spectacular cast and production team and to be able to watch this show every rehearsal. I hope that audiences love it as much as I do,” says Pinkerton.

Liam Phillips takes on the title role of Bobby Strong with Megan Davidson as Hope Cladwell, with Andrew Crispe in the role of Office Lockstock, Josh Barkley as Caldwell B. Cladwell, Katy Driver as Little Sally, Sarah Hamilton as Penelope Pennywise and Sam Davy as Officer Barrel.

They are supported by Karen Muller as Josephine ‘Ma’ Strong, Jethro Pidd as Old Man Strong, Brad Tucker as Hot Blades Harry, Michelle Davy as Little Becky Two Shoes, Gus Smith as Senator Fipp, Nic Equid as Mr McQueen, Simon Barnett as Robby the Stockfish, Amber Fibrosi as Soupy Sue and Dylan Rufus as Tiny Tom, with Matt Barnett and Will McCall.

Urinetown The Musical opens on May 10 and runs for a strictly limited season until May 25. Tickets are on sale now at www.hillsmusical.org.au/urinetown .

All ticket bookings available at www.hillsmusical.org.au/urinetown

Ph: 0493 392 013 or e: tickets@hillsmusical.org.au

Tickets $35 Adults, $30 Concession, $27 Groups 8+ 

Performances are May 10 - 11, 17 - 18, 24 - 25 at 7.30pm. Matinees on May 12 and 19 at 2pm.

Photo credit: Daniel Salmond