Rauh Theatre, Pittsburgh Playhouse
December 9 – 14
8 .m., 7 p.m., 2 p.m.
A three-time Tony Award-winning musical—not to mention nabbing two Obie and Lucille Lortel Awards—is set to open in Pittsburgh tonight.
Directed and choreographed by Zeva Barzell, Urinetown: The Musical brings an irreverent mix of satire, parody and song to The Pittsburgh Playhouse‘s Rauh Theatre for six nights in December.
Produced by Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company, the fresh, witty musical explores themes of greed, corruption, love and revolution. Featuring music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, the show includes memorable numbers such as “What is Urinetown?,” “Follow Your Heart” and “It’s a Privilege to Pee.”
Taking aim via language and song, the musical satirizes everything from the legal system, capitalism and social irresponsibility, to populism, corporate culture and local politics. Nothing is off limits in Urinetown, as the hilarious show takes on iconic musicals such as The Threepenny Opera, The Cradle Will Rock and Les Misérables–and also lampoons the Broadway musical itself as an art form.
Two of the musical’s clever characters—the dashing young everyman Bobby Strong and his love interest and newest revolutionary comrade Hope—were included on New York Theatre Monthly‘s list of “The 100 Greatest Roles in Musical Theatre.”
The production features scenic design by Britton Mauk, costumes by Kelsey Bower, lighting by Cat Wilson and sound design by Steve Shapiro. Music director is Camille Villalpando Rolla.
Debuting at the New York International Fringe Festival, and then produced Off-Broadway in 2001, Urinetown went on to impress critics and theater fans on Broadway, running at Henry Miller’s Theatre for 965 performances.
Nationally known director and choreographer Zeva Barzell, who received training in London and New York City, has also acted professionally on stage and for television. Prior to joining Point Park University‘s faculty, she taught in the acting programs at the University of Illinois and Bradley University.
The Playhouse also offers a special pay-what-you-want Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. for the production of Urinetown.
