Urinetown

Burke Street Studio Theatre was transformed into a dystopian future for the setting of Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre’s second year student production of Urinetown. The unassuming theatre provided the perfect venue for the students to showcase their talents and skills honed over their time at the Academy.

Written by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis, Urinetown is a satirical musical lampooning politics, power, greed and corruption. When the water shortage reaches crisis levels, private bathrooms become untenable, and citizens have to use public amenities instead. And if you can’t pay the fee? Well, then you get shipped off to Urinetown. The musical is bleak, funny, heartwarming and above all contains a wonderful score, peppered with moving solos, duets and group numbers.

Director Penny Farrow used the large stage area of the Burke Street Studio Theatre to excellent effect. The blocking was dynamic, well thought-out and believable. The scene of Bobby’s demise was incredibly effective.

Musical Director Heidi Loveland did an outstanding job with the music. The musical numbers were performed faithfully to the score, the harmonies in ensemble numbers were well-balanced and the diction in all songs, especially ‘Cop Song’ was crisp and understandable.

Choreographer Dan Venz imbued a large amount of movement into this show. His choreography in numbers such as ‘Mr Cladwell’ and especially the tap number in ‘Snuff That Girl’ was energetic, entertaining and a joy to watch. It was unfortunate that torches were not used in ‘Cop Song’ as that is usually a highlight of that number.

Lighting Design by Keith Clark was memorable. His choice to keep the stage rather dimly lit contributed to the bleak feel of the show. The lighting change in ‘I See A River’ was a spectacular visual moment.

Sound Design by Andy Griffiths was competent. The sound quality was good and the microphones were operated with skill. However, overall the sound was very loud and at times it made the show uncomfortable to watch.

Costume and prop design was handled by the second year students. The costumes were clever, especially those of the citizens. The mis-matched shoes on Little Becky was a nice touch.

Oliver Palamara and Ashley McLaren served as the shows two narrators, Officer Lockstock and Little Sally. Palamara effectively guided the audience through the show and McLaren’s rendition of ‘Tell Her I Love Her’ was heartfelt.

Nick Smith was triumphant as the show’s protagonist Bobby Strong. His rapport with his co-stars was tender and his performance of ‘Run Freedom Run’ was polished.

Alyssa Mastromanno was a lovely Hope Cladwell. She inhabited Cladwell’s innocent yet deluded nature perfectly and her beautiful soprano voice resounded in ‘Follow Your Heart’ and ‘I See A River’.

Charlotte Sligar was the runaway star of the show as Penelope Pennywise. Her rendition of ‘Privilege to Pee’ was exceptional. Sligar is an amazing talent who could easily grace the stages of Broadway or the West End.

Finlay Underwood was a perfect Caldwell B Cladwell. He carried himself with a dapper charm and his performances were energetic and entertaining. Vocally, he excelled in ‘Mr Cladwell’ and ‘Don’t Be The Bunny’.

The rest of the cast matched the professionalism and talent of the leads. The ensemble numbers were vocally on point and the choreography was sharp and in unison. The entire company formed a cohesive cast to bring this quirky show to life.

Overall, the second year students of Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre triumphed in their production of ‘Urinetown’. The talent and professionalism exhibited by the students on that stage is a testament to their training. It was a joy to watch these young performers shine before they begin their professional careers. No doubt, audiences will have the privilege to see these talented individuals on stages around the world.

Yasmin Elahi