Senior production of “Urinetown” celebrates, satirizes American musical theatre

North Central College seniors present the hilarious, irreverent musical satire “Urinetown,” with music and lyrics by Mark Hollman and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis.

Four performances of “Urinetown” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 28 and March 1 and at 2 p.m. March 2 in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students and senior citizens; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

When a 20-year drought leads to a severe water shortage, the government responds with a ban on private toilets. The citizens must fight the manipulative and sinister Urine Good Company to regain their right to use toilets for free. Their unlikely hero, Bobby Strong, finds himself thrust into the revolution by a beautiful young woman named Hope who fills him with, well, hope.

This unconventional musical takes on our notions of environmental accountability, capitalism and a monopoly of public resources. It also celebrates and satirizes the traditions of American musical theatre. “Urinetown” pokes fun at the love stories, plot structures and characters from specific shows like “Les Misérables,” “Chicago” and “The Cradle Will Rock,” while paying homage to the American musical.

This production is directed, produced and staged by North Central College seniors majoring in theatre or musical theatre. They are:

Director: Bethany Schick of Yorkville    
Director/choreographer: Cassie Nelson of Lincoln, Neb.
Associate choreographer: Brian Warren of Glendale Heights
Producer: Jessica Gallo of Park Ridge
Musical director: Emilia Benassi of Winnebago, Ill.
Set designer: Zach Faber of Aurora
Costume designers: Carlee Beth Fields of Clinton, Ill., and Derek Bacon of Mishawaka, Wis.
Sound designer: Mike Allison of Downers Grove
Make-up/hair designer: Amanda Rose of Goshen, Ind.
Prop master: AJ Wiewel of Quincy
Acting coach: Rosa Reinemann of Madison, Wis.
Vocal coach: Hillary Haymond of Plainfield
Assistant stage manager: Melissa Carrico of Perrysburg, Ohio
Dramaturg: Colin Loeffler of Sun Prairie, Wis.
Publicity: Hunter Lindner of Sandwich

The cast features (role, actor, town, year, major):

Bobby Strong: Nik Kmiecik of West Chicago, a junior majoring in musical theatre
Hope Cladwell: Jesek West of Cerro Gordo, Ill., a junior majoring in musical theatre
Officer Lockstock: Evan Michalic of Elburn, a senior majoring in theatre
Little Sally: Carlye Pillash of Streator, a junior majoring in psychology and theatre
Caldwell B. Cladwell: Warren C. Dailey of Minooka, a senior majoring in economics, finance, theare
Penny Pennywise: Taylor Calderone of Mishawaka, Ind., a sophomore majoring in sociology and theatre
Officer Barrel: Mark Yacullo of Naperville, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Hot Blades Harry: Aronzo Traylor II of Chicago, a junior majoring in musical theatre
Little Becky Two Shoes: Chelsea Ward of Naperville, a junior majoring in musical theatre
Josephine Strong: Colleen DeRosa of Downers Grove, a sophomore majoring in theatre and speech communication
Joseph Strong: Jake Drouillard of Erie, Mich., a junior majoring in musical theatre
Soupy Sue: Ashlyn Seehafer of St. Charles, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Tiny Tom: Jack Ryan of Oswego, a sophomore majoring in mathematics and musical theatre
Billy Boy Bill: Rachel Rodewald of Burlington, Ill., a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Robby the Stockfish: Jacari Campbell of Darien, a junior majoring in theatre
Senator Fipp: Sean Michael Mohler of Machesney Park, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre and political science
Mr. McQueen: Steve Henson of Lemont, a sophomore majoring in speech communication
Mrs. Millenium: Amanda Zgonina of Elmhurst, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Dr. Billeaux: Cody Talkie of Joliet, a freshman majoring in musical theatre

North Central College offers majors in theatre or musical theatre and a minor in dance. A full range of acting and dance classes is available, as well as opportunities to direct a full-length production. Students of all majors can participate in musical and nonmusical performances, actor showcases and one-act plays and performances in the College’s four theatre venues. Full-time professors and active professionals who are artist-teachers serve as faculty.