Big Noise to present 'Urinetown'

The latest musical comedy produced by Big Noise Theatre Company, is smart, funny, and filled with lots of music and dancing.

It has all the makings of a winning show for this ambitious theater company -- once you get past the title.

"Urinetown" burst on the Broadway scene in 2001 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, ultimately winning three.

The rare local production opens this weekend with performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Prairie Lakes Theatre in Des Plaines. It continues through May 18.

Its rights only became available to local schools and community theater companies last year, so its appeal is not widely known.

Director Rick Frendt admitted as much when he explained his philosophy of the show to the 40 actors called back to compete for the 15 principal roles. He rejected the notion that the play takes aim at corporate greed and corrupt government officials.

"Our show won't be about any of those things," Frendt said. "It will not change anyone's mind about global warming, or carry any sort of noble purpose.

"Our show will just be funny, God willing," he added. "The show has the word, 'urine' right in the title. 'Nuff said."

Reportedly, Greg Kotis, who wrote the book and lyrics, came up with the idea for "Urinetown" while traveling in Europe. As a traveling student on a budget, he encountered a pay-per-use toilet, and his creative license took flight.

That same scenario figures right into the show's opening act, when Officer Lockstock, played by Tom Moore of Wheeling, describes the town's water shortage, and the means the government uses to deal with the problem.

"It's the funniest script for a musical theater show that I've ever seen," Frendt says, pointing to its mix of physical humor, as well as more subtle satire, poking fun at all the usual conventions found in musical theater standards.

Local audiences may be unfamiliar with the show, but working actors know all about it, and the production drew lots of talented performers to try out, like Jon Cunningham of Schaumburg, who plays one of the principals.

Cunningham received a Jeff Citation nomination for best actor in a musical, for the White Horse Theatre's "Merrily We Roll Along."

Nancy Flaster returns to the company to choreograph its ensemble numbers, which help to drive the show. Previously, she helped mount some of the company's most spectacular shows, including "Jane Eyre," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," and "Barnum." "The ensemble is on stage a great deal of the time," Flaster says. "It's just a lot of fun, with a wonderful score and with constant movement and dance."

Music director Ryan Brewster comes to the show from a four-month stint as the associate music director of the off-Broadway debut of "Flanagan's Wake," while the cast will be accompanied by a full orchestra playing the original score as it was arranged on Broadway.

If you go

What: Big Noise Theatre Company presents "Urinetown"

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, with weekend performances continuing through May 18

Where: Prairie Lakes Theatre, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines

Tickets: $20, $18 for seniors and students, $12 for children 12 and younger

More information: (847) 604-0275 or visit www.ticketweb.com