AMERICAN FORK — It's not the kind of name you take home to your mother, but "Urinetown" has a lot of good qualities, says the drama director.
American Fork High School is first in the local area to stage the show that has made a name for itself in spite of its moniker.
"Is it controversial? No. Yes, people question. They ask me about it," said Neal Johnson. "But it's pretty clean, and the kids are really into it. We had our choice of doing something like "Les Miz" but the kids said, 'We've gotta do something to shake things up,' "
"Urinetown" ought to do it.
"Any musical with a self-mocking title like 'Urinetown' deserves a second look . . . or perhaps a third," Johnson said. "Don't let the title scare you. 'Urinetown, the Musical,' has been hailed as one of the wittiest musicals of our time."
Set against the backdrop of ecological disaster, the story deals with a time when water is so scarce that no one has private toilets. Residents must pay for the privilege.
Those who refuse to pay for the use of public toilets disappear to Urinetown, where the unrest creates an unlikely hero out of Bobby Strong.
"Urinetown" became an audience favorite after it premiered at the 1999 New York Fringe Festival, went on to garner three Tony awards during its Broadway run and is fast becoming a popular choice for community and professional theater companies as if offers a fresh experience for theater lovers.
The cast includes Alex Barlow as Officer Lockstock, Annalisa Chamberlin as Little Sally, Matt Boulter as Bobby Strong, Becca Ingram as Hope Cladwell, Nicole Ashby as Penelope Pennywise and Nick Kanno as Caldwell B. Cladwell.
If you go . . .
What:"Urinetown the Musical"
Where: American Fork High School, 510 N. 600 E.
When: 7 p.m., Nov. 17-22
How much: $6 adults, $4 students (available at the door)
E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com