College of Lake County to present 'Urinetown'

"Urinetown," the outrageously titled triple Tony Award-winning musical, will be presented by the College of Lake County departments of theatre, music and dance over the next two weekends.

The show, which was a surprise Broadway sensation from 2001-2004, takes place in a city where a 20-year drought has caused a water shortage and the government has outlawed private toilets. A malevolent corporation (UGC or Urine Good Company) is making huge profits by charging residents a "fee to pee." Anyone breaking the law will be arrested and sent to a mysterious and feared place, Urinetown.

But in the time of need, a hero inspires the people to follow their hearts and take a stand against injustice.

The show's director, Craig Rich, says that the show is unique because it deals with serious issues such as political corruption, corporate greed and water conservation in a very satirical and funny way. Many of the topics are ripped right out of today's headlines.

"The show entertains people while also making them think. That is probably what's really going to draw people to 'Urinetown.' The show includes a love story, delightful music, dance and humor, everything people love about musical theatre," he said. The show's book and lyrics are by Greg Kotis, with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann.

"Urinetown" was chosen for both its contemporary nature and its environmental themes, which reflect CLC's growing emphasis on sustainability and green practices. Though inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, the show also includes musical numbers that pay homage to shows such as "West Side Story," "Les Miserables" and "Fiddler on the Roof."

"CLC Theatre is very committed to presenting newer works as well as classics. This is a show we feel our students and community need to be aware of. It's really a great piece of theatre," Rich said. "But the charm is that the show doesn't take itself too seriously - it's not afraid to make fun of itself. It touches on all these relevant issues, but everything is done in a 'tongue in cheek, wink to the audience' way. It's innovative and very engaging."

A post-show panel discussion will be held following the 2 p.m. Sunday, July 18, matinee performance, covering how the musical relates to current environmental issues. Panelists scheduled to participate include the show's director, Rich, co-chair of the CLC theatre department; Amy Talbot, associate planner, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), who specializes in research on water conservation; Dara Reiff, CLC sustainability coordinator; and Kelly Cartwright, CLC associate professor of biology, member of CLC environmental action committee and adviser to CLC Student Environmental Club.

The 38-member cast includes CLC students and alumni, past summer musical performers, area high school students and other community members.

The cast features the following members: Robert Ryan Sadlowski (Gurnee) as Officer Lockstock, Joyce Becker Lee (Mundelein) as Penelope Pennywise, Mario Mazzetti (Lake Zurich) as Bobby Strong, Heather Zink (Great Lakes) as Little Sally, Kim Scharlow (Woodstock) as Hope Cladwell, Dave Vasicek (Wauconda) as Mr. McQueen, Gary Gruebnau (Crystal Lake) as Senator Fipp, Nicholas Batson (Wauconda) as Officer Barrel, Romeo Sobrepena (Lindenhurst) as Old Man Strong, Kristin Moroni (Lake Villa) as Josephine Strong, Andy Montano (Mundelein) as Tiny Tom, Angela Peterson (Gurnee) as Little Becky Two Shoes, Abby Vombrack (Buffalo Grove) as Soupy Sue, Michael Gutierrez (Round Lake Beach) as Hot Blades Harry, Alexander Nicodemus (Grayslake) as Bobby The Stockfish, Jeff Wright (Lake Villa) as Billy Boy Bill, Michael Dvorak (Long Grove) as Caldwell B. Cladwell, Michael Claver (Fox Lake) as Dr. Billeaux, Nathan Oliver Clemenson (McHenry) as UGC Executive and Jessica Smith (Lake Villa) as Mrs. Millennium.