Award winning musical theatre company, Hills Musical Company, will open their 2024 season with the hilarious musical satire Urinetown The Musical this May. Based at the Stirling Community Theatre in picturesque Stirling, Hills Musical Company has a rich history of over fifty years of producing quality theatre.
Urinetown The Musical promises to be unforgettable – just beware you don’t wet your pants laughing!
Urinetown The Musical pokes fun at the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatisation of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself — nothing is off limits!
In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amidst the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!
Director Ruby Pinkerton says: “I love Brechtian theatre — stories with a social or political message that grab an audience through humour and self-awareness, and then force them to think about the issue in more depth. Urinetown The Musical is the story of a community who lives in excruciating poverty and is completely powerless to oppose the elite at Urine Good Company, who wield their power to manipulate the masses and keep funds coming in.”
“For audiences, it is a reminder that we are privileged to have access to fresh water while across the world there are people who struggle with this daily. I hope our audiences leave the theatre thinking about their own water consumption and considering how they could make their lives more sustainable. I also hope they leave the theatre without peeing their pants with laughter…”
Urinetown The Musical features an exceptional cast of some of South Australia’s talented musical theatre performers. Urinetown The Musical is directed by Ruby Pinkerton, with music direction by Ben & Kristin Stefanoff and choreography by Jemma Allen.
Music director’s Ben and Kristin Stefanoff say: “The music in Urinetown The Musical is just like the rest of the musical – funny, frantic, and full of piss-takes of other musicals (pun absolutely intended). These nods to classic tropes, and particularly to Les Mis, are some of our favourites in the show!”
“The cast have done a beautiful job working on this score, finding a real balance between good quality vocal and ensemble work and the many moments of humour.”
The show is supported by a live five-piece band.
“The band is small but mighty – there are moments when the more sparse sounds offered by a small band really add colour to the dystopian society we see on stage, while at other moments they manage to create a much fuller sound than you’d expect from a mere five musicians!” says Ben and Kristin.
Choreographer Jemma Allen says: “Urinetown The Musical has rapidly risen to become one of my favourite musicals – I was instantly drawn in by its banging score, outstandingly clever script, and downright silliness! It is pure chaos, with so many parodies of other musicals thrown in, which, as a very chaotic choreographer who loves comedy and parody, is an absolute dream come true! This show is an ode to being a bit feral, and it opens up so many interesting avenues of movement.”
“I love the variety in musical and character styles throughout the piece. Each number feels so different and we get to explore completely new movement and ideas within each song. I admire the cast’s ability to go along with anything I throw at them – and I have thrown a lot of weird stuff at them – and to really Commit To The Bit. I don’t think I’ve stopped laughing since we started rehearsals in January! Seriously. My core hurts. Help.“
Liam Phillips takes on the title role of Bobby Strong with Megan Davidson as Hope Cladwell. Hills Musical Company is excited to welcome back Andrew Crispe to reprise the role of Officer Lockstock. Featuring Josh Barkley as Caldwell B. Cladwell, Katy Driver as Little Sally, Sarah Hamilton as Penelope Pennywise and Sam Davy as Officer Barrel.
Supported by Karen Muller as Josephine ‘Ma’ Strong, Jethro Pidd as Old Man Strong, Brad Tucker as Hot Blades Harry, Michelle Davy as Little Becky Two Shoes, Gus Smith as Senator Fipp, Nic Equid as Mr McQueen, Aliyah Goodburn as Mrs Millenium, Simon Barnett as Robby the Stockfish, Amber Fibrosi as Soupy Sue and Dylan Rufus as Tiny Tom, with Matt Barnett and Will McCall rounding out this outstanding ensemble.
Take the plunge and head a short way up the freeway to Stirling. Urinetown The Musical opens on May 10 and runs for a strictly limited season until May 25.
Tickets are on sale now here.
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