Hesston College Theatre Presents Musical “Urinetown”
Hesston College Theatre invites the community to experience the hilariously satirical Tony Award-winning musical “Urinetown” in the Black Box Theater, March 5 to 8 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance on March 9 at 2 p.m.
Directed by Rachel Jantzi, “Urinetown” is a unique blend of humor, social commentary and catchy music, set in a drought-stricken city where citizens must pay to use public restrooms. The musical explores themes of corporate greed, sustainability and rebellion, all with a comedic twist.
“I’ve seen this show performed several times to varying degrees of success and always wanted to tackle the trick of directing a fun-filled musical with some rather dark humor,” says Jantzi. “I feel this cast has the ability to pull it off.”
While “Urinetown” delivers laughs, it also prompts reflection on its timely themes.
“It’s about a town struggling with a water shortage,” Jantzi notes. “After seeing my favorite lake pretty much dried up this past summer, it seems fairly relevant to our region. The show presents two extremes: a corporation that controls water to the point of an absolute corporatocracy and a rebel force pushing for zero regulation. Where does the line fall?”
This production will offer a fresh take on the show’s traditional set design.
“Every production I’ve seen is set around sewers in a ‘Gotham-like’ city. I wanted something different but true to the story,” says Jantzi. “Our designer, Jocelyn Wilkinson, asked what other entities would be affected by a water shortage. The answer: a community pool. So, we created a dried-up, zero-entry kiddie pool in a town’s aquatic center as our setting.”
The cast has embraced this creative concept, assisting with set construction and bringing vibrant energy to their performances.
“They are having a blast with the staging and choreography,” Jantzi shares. “The music playfully parodies classics like ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Newsies’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ making it both catchy and familiar.”
Audiences can expect a show filled with wit, surprises and irreverent humor.
“The tone is established quickly with the narrators, Officer Lockstock and Little Sally, warning that ‘nothing can kill a show like too much exposition,’” says Jantzi. “Viewers will realize by the second song that it’s dark, hilarious and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
While the production is lighthearted, it does contain some stylized violence and mature themes. Jantzi recommends the show for ages 12 and up but encourages families to reach out with any questions about content.
Ultimately, Jantzi hopes the production will offer both entertainment and food for thought.
“All our shows aim to create community and conversation through storytelling. This one is no exception,” she shares.
The cast consists of students Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Charles Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo.; Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan.; Kyrsten Pauley of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; and Ashleigh Williams of Eaton, Colo.; staff members Jose Gloria and Ben Miller; Hesston High School senior Audrey Tipton; and community members Brent Yoder and Em Kerbs. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind.; Tana Hayworth of Lincoln, Kan.; and Uyen (Ava) Huynh of Lamdong, Vietnam. Alumna Alexis (Driscoll) ’23 Becker is designing lights and community member Jocelyn Wilkinson is returning to design the set.
Tickets are available at hesston.edu/bookstore and by calling 620-327-8104. For more information, visit hesston.edu/theatre.
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