Recently, I had the honor of attending the Iona Players’ production of Urinetown. Though the title is slightly off putting, Urinetown is a highly acclaimed Broadway musical that, as always, the talented group of students that make up the Iona Players did justice. The show is a complex comedy musical that satirizes the legal system and corporate greed, while humorously emphasizing the need for social justice.
The show is set in a dystopian world that has been hit by a severe water shortage. Due to the shortage, there is a government ban on private bathrooms, and the only option is to pay to use the one vigilantly watched over by the stern Penelope Pennywise, portrayed by Remy Chila.
Under the supervision of “Urine Good Company,” Pennywise is unwavering in her no-nonsense approach to patrolling the bathroom, as her unassuming assistant Bobby Strong (played by Tristan Kai Rosa) begins to sneakily lead the revolution against this corrupt organization, after
becoming interested in UGC’s leader’s daughter, Hope Caldwell, portrayed by Amelia Gordon.
The cast consists of an ensemble of memorable characters, who were well portrayed by the Iona Players, including Lucas Quintana as the stern and law-abiding Officer Lockstock, Sean Rivera as Mr. McQueen, the sinister second in command to of the UGC, and introducing many making their Iona Players debuts, such as Geoffrey Matthias as the head of the UGC, Caldwell B. Caldwell, and Brooke Michelle as Little Sally, the co-narrator along with Officer Lockstock.
Directed and choreographed by the accomplished Jason Summers, with musical director
Sara Linger, costume designer Maya Hana Evans, and produced by Kelly McKenna Breyer, Iona’s production of Urinetown graced the stage for seven shows between two weekends and was the debut show for multiple members of the Iona Players team.
The casting, direction, and choreography was perfect for the show, bringing the story to life, and allowing the message to resonate with audiences. With the show’s shocking moments and enjoyable musical numbers, paired with the spectacular talent that Iona has come to expect from the players, this show was definitely a memorable one.
Senior Molly O’Shea, a member of the Players and Urinetown’s ensemble, says “Urinetown was a great experience for me, I was so happy to be involved! I’ve been a part of the Players since my freshman year, and it’s been great to see the program grow.”
If you didn’t get the chance to see a showing of Urinetown, there are plenty of other opportunities to catch the players on and off stage. The talented and dedicated group
participates in Relay for Life, Hospitality dinners, and cabaret shows and will be performing the musical Sideshow this spring.
