Staples High School Players Presents 'Urinetown' In March

WESTPORT, CT — The Staples Players will present the satirical musical Urinetown in a series of performances beginning March 12, offering a darkly comic look at themes including corporate power, environmental degradation and social inequality.

The production is directed by David Roth and Kerry Long, with choreography by Rachel MacIsaac Myers and music direction by Emily Lomnitzer. Costumes were designed by Christie Stanger, sets by Jordan Janota and technical director Colin Walker, and lighting by Kevin Gleason.

Performances are scheduled for March 12 at 7 p.m.; March 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.; and March 14 and 15 at 2 p.m.

Roth said the creative team felt the musical was timely.

"“We thought this was the perfect time to present such a sly and hilarious musical that deals with
big issues in such a bold and brave way," Roth said in a statement. "The kids have enthusiastically embraced this tale. It truly speaks to the power of art to shine a light on timely and relevant problems, using comedy to disarm the audience and make them think deeply."

Urinetown premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival before opening on Broadway in September 2001, where it won three Tony Awards. Set in a future marked by a prolonged drought, the story centers on a society in which private toilets are banned and access to public restrooms is controlled by a single corporation, the Urine Good Company. Those who violate the rules risk being sent to the ominously named “Urinetown.”

The musical follows a rebellion led by a young protagonist against the company’s owner, Caldwell B. Cladwell. The work is a satire inspired by the style of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, blending political commentary with humor.

Blake Raho (SHS '27), who portrays Cladwell, said "As part of the stylistic satire and political commentary, Urinetown takes on the antagonist in full caricature. Preparing to play this character has allowed me to use pieces of real political figures to modernize the show and also to connect to the audience on a relatable and current level.”

Sadie McEntee (SHS '27) plays Josephine Strong.

"Urinetown is exactly what a musical should be: hilarious, unique, and so, so much fun! Not only that, but it’s got some important messages baked into it as well; it’s not just jokes for the sake of jokes," McEntee said. "This is one you’re not going to want to miss!"

Added Long, "We know that the Westport community will appreciate the way this show introduces big and timely issues with a wink and a nudge. We hope to spark a lot of important discussions about environmental stewardship, corporate greed, and speaking truth to power."

Staples Players Presents Urinetown
Book: Greg Kotis
Music: Mark Hollmann
Lyrics: Greg Kotis, Mark Hollmann
Conceived by: Greg Kotis
Age Guidance: Rated PG (Pee-Gee!) for cartoon-like violence

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Production Team
Directors: David Roth & Kerry Long
Choreographer: Rachel MacIsaac Myers
Music Director: Lauren Pine
Costume Designer: Christie Stanger
Set Designer Jordan Janota
Technical Director: Colin Walker
Pit Conductor: Lauren Pine
Sound Design: Daniel Bria
Lighting Designer: Kevin Gleason

Performance Schedule
March 12 at 7:00 PM
March 13 & 14 at 7:30 PM
March 14 & 15 at 2:00 PM
Run time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)
Rated PG-13

Performance Location
Staples High School Auditorium
70 North Avenue
Westport, CT 06880

Tickets
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at Staplesplayers.com or in the lobby 30 minutes
prior to performances, subject to availability.