U of I theatre to present musical comedy “Urinetown”

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho’s Department of Theatre Arts presents “Urinetown,” a musical satire of capitalism, environmental collapse and musical theatre itself. The seven-performance run will open with a preview night at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Hartung Theater, 625 Stadium Drive, Moscow.

Additional performances include:

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15

Written by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis, “Urinetown” tells the story of a Gotham-like city where a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public restrooms, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Among the people, a hero decides he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

“This is a show that is not intended to be realistic or subtle,” said Jess Hirsh, director and choreographer of “Urinetown” and assistant professor of musical theatre. “What I have loved most about working on ‘Urinetown’ is the fact that the show is an absolute feast of a playground for young actors to learn that making a big, bold choice is something that can lead to incredible character discovery and storytelling. I have loved keeling over laughing with these actors during every single night of rehearsal.”

Elise Von Bargen, a senior theatre arts student, will perform in her final U of I show as Hope Caldwell, the daughter of the show’s greedy villain.

“It is such a blessing to get to have ‘Urinetown’ as my last show at U of I,” Von Bargen said. “My favorite part about this role has been getting to try a character very different from the ones I have played recently. Similarly, this is a very different voice part than I am used to, so learning how to grow this part of my voice has been very challenging and very rewarding.”

Tickets are free for U of I students and $6 to $26 for the public. They are on sale now at uitickets.com.

For information about other upcoming events from the Department of Theatre Arts, visit go.uidaho.edu/theatre-productions.

This production of “Urinetown” is licensed by Music Theatre International.

Media contact

Alisa Volz
Communications strategist
Department of Theatre Arts and Lionel Hampton School of Music
208-885-5627
avolz@uidaho.edu