URINETOWN at Vokes

From: "will stackman" profwlll@yahoo.com

Subject: Quicktake - "Urinetown" by Mark Hollman & Greg Kotis

Date: Fri, Nov 3, 12:12 AM

Quicktake on URINETOWN, THE MUSICAL

     If you've avoided this musical satire for one reason or another, the current production at Beatrice Hereford's Vokes Playhouse out in Wayland on Rt. 20 would be a good place to catch what's become one of the most produced musicals across the country--if you can get a ticket. The Newton Country Player's just had a success with Tony winner "Urinetown" over at Lasell, the Lyric opened last year's season with it, and Newton South High's doing the show in the spring.

     Directed by Donnie Baillargeon, the show gets off to a good start with Vokes' stalwart David Berti as Officer Lockstock the narrator and his sidekick Little Sally the urchin, done by Peri Chouteau. The duo catches the show's attitude perfectly. The ensemble is in fine voice, the story which centers around a public revolt against having to pay to pee rings ludicrously true. The music and lyrics by Mark Hollman start off with echoes of Brecht and Weill and evolve into a sendup of contemporary musical theatre. The love story between Bobby Strong public facility attendant, sung by Kendall Hodder, and Hope Cladwell daughter of the urinal magnate, sung by Sarah Consentino, pushes all the right buttons. Supporting roles such as Lockstock's partner, Officer Barrel and Penelope Pennywise, Bobby's boss, done by Bill Stambaugh and Janet Ferreri are edgy. Ferreri's opening number, "It's a Privilege to Pee" helps set the tone for the evening. The energetic ensemble, who play both the downtrodden masses and Cladwell's flunkies, have moments to shine, like Mark Soucy's demented thug, Hot Blades Harry, one of the "good?" guys.

    Steven McGonagle has done another outstanding set for the company with echoes of the original, Mario Cruz conducts the small musical ensemble--out of sight in this production--with the required flair, and Jennifer Condon's choreography sends up all the usual suspects, from Robbins to Fosse to Twarp. It's a goodtime show with serious digs at the potential disaster of overpopulation, depletion of resources, and public indifference. Or as author Greg Kotis, trained as a political economist, ends the show, "Hail Malthus."

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"Urinetown" by Mark Hollman & Greg Kotis, Oct. 26 - Nov. 17(shows added)

Vokes Players at Vokes Theater

RT.20, Wayland (508) 358 - 4034
Vokes Players