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Urinetown
Presented by: MumCo
Venue:
Monash Uni
Reviewer: Wayne Motton
Date Reviewed: 17th August 2007
MumCo’s
production of Urinetown is an ideal show for a University
Company production as its music and lyrics by Greg Hollmann along
with Greg Kotis’s book (and lyrics) continue the ‘Australian
University review’ tradition of; style, surprise and satire.
As a regular
reviewer of shows, I usually have to look past the first night
jitters and problems of theatre opening nights. Those moments where
someone walks into the spotlight and freezes on the spot (like a
Bunny) or worse still does not appear when they should have which
throw others or even that dance routine that ‘is almost there’.
What a relief
to find a company who has taken the time and the effort to give the
opening night audience a show fitting of the last show of a run! The
set was great and the lighting was used to great effect to
distinguish the various acting areas. Sound was chasing a clicking
mike for most of the first half but overall was good.
James Cutler
is no stranger to audiences of MumCo productions and I would like to
congratulate him for a unique production which demonstrates his
talent and understanding of directing this modern musical.
Scott Hili
(and his assistant, Joel Bow,) had the cast working together and at
the top edge of their abilities. I was blown away by the first
production number; the raw energy of the dancing and confidence of
this young and talented troupe has to be seen to be believed.
The cast of 28
provided excellent performances and fine singing voices to insure
that the mocking style required was captured. I don’t know this show
intimately but I’m pleased to report I could hear and understand
almost every word spoken or sung. Tony Topi and Emma Caldwell are to
be congratulated for the vocal preparation of the cast and for the
well-controlled band that never came close to drowning out the cast.
Standouts of
this excellent cast were Jez Hunghanfoo (Officer Lockstock) who was
able to bridge that gap between audience and cast with subtle charm
and excellent timing. Kathryn Moloney (Little Sally) who was the
conscience of the show, to her credit did not allow her character to
‘get out of control’ or ‘out of character’ as she delivered some of
the funniest and most poignant lines in the show. Jess Barlow (Hope
Cladwell) portrayed exactly what her part required. Nick Franich as
the evil Caldwell.B.Cladwell won me over even though my initial
thought that he presented too young for the part.
The story
itself, wickedly subversive, takes place in a time of a horrible
drought – so terrible, in fact, that all private toilets have been
banned, forcing people to “pay for the privilege to pee.” You see,
all public toilets are owned by one entity, the Urine Good Company,
which collects a fee each time you have to urinate or defecate to,
one, help conserve water, and two, to help find a long-term solution
to the water shortage. Problem is, 20 years of collecting fees has
gotten the town nowhere, and now the company wants to hike fees even
higher. But don’t even think about jumping into the bushes or
relieving yourself in a jar – these are all punishable offenses,
with the sentence being a one-way ticket to ‘Urinetown,’ a place no
one knows much about other than they are to be frightened of it (oh,
and that no one ever–ever comes back from the place!)
This Musical
is a ‘piss-take’ (can I say that?) of all ‘formula Musicals’
while being one itself.
If you are a
dedicated musical theatre junkie (aren’t we all) you will have the
added joy of picking out subtle and not so subtle references to
other musicals throughout the show. I’m tempted to go back and see
the show again this week, just to see if I missed any others!
For those of
you who have never seen ‘Urinetown’ (because its not one of the
‘standards’ or because of the subject matter), it’s time for you to
go to a show where you can’t sing most of the parts and act as an
unofficial prompt, but just get lost in the fun!
Like little
Sally says, “a plot so absurd,” but the results are an incredible
evening of witty music and lyrics and laugh out loud antics that
sent the opening night audience into an uproar of applause at the
end of the show.
I know it’s
the middle of winter and a lot of people stay home and watch TV by
the fire. One night this week head to the Alexander Theatre, take
advantage of the cheap tickets and reasonably cheap drinks from the
bar in the foyer and see a very funny show, very well done!
Don’t miss this!
On this week
from Wed 22nd – Sat 25th at 8pm. Tickets Adult
$30, Concession $25, Monash Students $20 and Groups of 6+ are
$25each.
Bookings
99051111 or online at
www.mumco.org
Wayne
has been involved in Melbourne theatre for almost 40 years. He
started his theatre training in the Scout Gang Shows at the Palais
Theatre in 1970. (He was dressed as a Girl Guide in his first
appearance – but don’t mention that!) His original singing teacher
was June Brunnings and he has performed everything from Mr. Bumble
for Whitehorse Theatre to Uncle Max for MLOC and lots of bit parts
in between. A lighting tech at the Palais (okay, a spot operator) on
a professional basis for 6 years and a member of the Trevor
Howlett’s rent a crew for a few too many companies. A writer and
performer in the “bag Show” (a Pre runner to shows like the Comedy
company) and the Producer of the Two Faces Theatre Company Cabaret
and Godspell. Wayne recently retired as vice president at Babirra
Music Theatre. |