In the early part of December, the R.E.M Lee Theatre will play host to a musical being put on by the students of Caledonia Performing Arts.
And the show that they’re doing this year is called Urinetown, and it’s a show that people who aren’t Broadway Musical fans might not be familiar with.
The show’s director, Graham Wojdak, provided some more background information about it;
“It had strong Broadway pedigree so it may be a modern musical, it’s title is a little bit edgy, but it was critically well received. It earned ten Tony Award nominations and won three of them. People who know musicals said that show is awesome.”
The musical is a comedy that satirizes subjects like capitalism, the legal system and bureaucracy.
It will run from December 4th to 6th, starting at 7:30 PM each night and tickets are available at Misty River Books.
And as illustrated by Caledonia’s Music Director, Jacquelynne Amendt, the reason this show was selected as Caledonia’s production didn’t only have to do with it’s subject matter or message;
“I really enjoyed the music of the show. We thought it was the most democratic show because it does share a lot of lines and songs amongst our students.”
Wojdak elaborated further on what made the show ideal for their students;
“This show has a large chorus, meaning it’s got a lot of people on stage and it’s a good show for working with younger actors. We have 30 people on stage and 15 of them are in their first musical. So it supports a group of people who are wanting to try out Broadway on our Terrace Stage.”
Although a lot of first time participants are taking part in the production, there isn’t a shortage of more experienced performers like Sequoia Wood, Carlon Reid, Leighton Sallenback and Bailey Belanger.
Other performers like Finnigan Dettwiler, Elsabe Slabbervan Der Walt and Sarah Engdahl expressed their eagerness to show off their singing talents.
While some might initially raise a brow at the title of the musical, all of the students are confident that everyone will come to enjoy it by the end of it.