What better way to show the ridiculousness of capitalism by using toilet privileges as an example.
This absurd topic is explored in Urinetown, Scarborough Music Theatre's latest show.
Absurdity aside, the group outdid themselves in their opening performance and garnered a standing ovation while providing a uniquely memorable evening of theatre.
With book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, and music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, Urinetown is said to be inspired by a trip Kotis took to Europe where he encountered a pay-per-use toilet.
This satirical musical comedy takes a wacky subject and turns it into a commentary on the privileges of the wealthy versus the poor, and the drying up of our natural resources.
The opening number Urinetown explains it all. There has been a water shortage so dire in this unnamed town that private toilets have been outlawed and people must use filthy public amenities and pay for each usage. Of course, the rich have no problems, but the poor wait for hours each day just to relieve themselves.
The mistress of the public restroom, Ms. Pennywise (Andrea Van Slyke), along with Bobby Strong (Thom Speck), makes sure everyone pays their fees, answering to the owner of the public amenities, and Urine Good Company, Caldwell B. Cladwell (Michael Schneider).
Cladwell's daughter Hope (Jaime Lynn Brown) joins the company and shortly after meets Bobby, who is torn about the state of the toilet usage. Hope, not knowing the nature of his inner conflict, inspires him to follow his heart and the two fall in love.
Bobby decides enough is enough after his father is sent to exile to Urinetown for relieving himself in the bushes. He decides to stage a revolt, fueled by the injustice of a structured urination system and his new-found love for Hope.
Bobby's vision of "A place where the people pee for free, because the people are free" is met with resistance. It becomes the police and the rich, versus the poor in a hilarious battle for the right to relieve oneself freely.
Throughout the show, there are funny narrative interjections by Officer Lockstock (Rich Burdett) and Little Sally (Jackie McCaffrey). They made fun of the musical genre itself and even pointed out that the topic of their musical is in poor taste.
There are several outstanding scenes in this show, with many numbers done in different styles. There was the rap-inspired Cop Song, the gospel Run Freedom Run! and the love song Follow Your Heart.
The singing was extraordinary, especially Brown as Hope in the spiritual number I See A River and "the poor" in Snuff that Girl, a scene where Hope is held hostage as collateral.
The greatness of this show came from the details and amazing performances. Each character had a distinguishable trait and individual likability factor, the dance numbers were energetic and animated, and the costumes - rags for the poor and suits for the rich - were a great visual effect.
This show is non-stop laughter, full of awesome talent and is a musical for those who would normally shy away from them.
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The remaining shows for Urinetown are Feb. 12 - 14, 19 and 20, 8 p.m., and February 15 and 21, 2 p.m., at the Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. Tickets are $24, $20 for seniors and students on Thursdays and Sundays only, and $10 student rush tickets (available one hour before curtain, subject to availability).
For tickets, please call 416-396-4049.