2008 Woodie Awards
A musical from bathroom stall to curtain call
Katie Jo Prince
Issue date: 8/22/05 Section: A&E
- Page 1 of 1
It's a bit more pleasant than it sounds. 'It' is "Urinetown," the latest musical to take the stage at Kirkwood Community College's Ballantyne Auditorium. "Once you get past the title, "laughed Rick Anderson, assistant professor of theater. "The show has an innocence."
The story focuses on the poor people of a town repressed by the government and it's claim of a water shortage and comes from the mind of Greg Kotis, whose real-life experiences in Europe spawned the book.
After debating whether to use the pay-to-use bathrooms in Europe or eat the next day, the characters of "Urinetown" were based on Kotis' encounter. After help from friend Mark Hollimann, composing, the scores, music and life of the musical were born. The title originates from the townspeople's need to pay for the use of the city's restrooms, due to the so-called "water shortage." "It's big business versus the small person," says Anderson.
Anderson claims "Urinetown" to be a "dark, yet light-hearted comedy." He also made more than one hint toward the musical's sarcastic and feisty nature. The show leans toward an older audience, as it is full of one-liners and puns.
Auditions for "Urinetown" will be conducted Sept. 12 and 13 at 4 p.m. located in Ballantyne Auditorium. Auditions are open to all Kirkwood students. Those trying out are asked to wear comfortable clothing. Script parts will be released by Aug. 30, along with more information on tryouts. All further information can be found on the call board near the scene shop in Cedar Hall.
There are 22 plus parts available. Although the atmosphere will be comfortable and friendly, stage hopefuls are to be warned. The tryouts will consist of dancing, reading and singing components and all parts, big or small, will have a bit of singing.
The theater department encourages students of all ages to come and try out. Just because you're not a music major doesn't mean you don't love music and even if dancing isn't on your resumé, it doesn't mean it's not your forte. Everyone has an equal opportunity to come and strut their stuff.
And if you're not the singing or dancing type, students can still assist with the scene and stage crew, whether or not they have previous experience.
The story focuses on the poor people of a town repressed by the government and it's claim of a water shortage and comes from the mind of Greg Kotis, whose real-life experiences in Europe spawned the book.
After debating whether to use the pay-to-use bathrooms in Europe or eat the next day, the characters of "Urinetown" were based on Kotis' encounter. After help from friend Mark Hollimann, composing, the scores, music and life of the musical were born. The title originates from the townspeople's need to pay for the use of the city's restrooms, due to the so-called "water shortage." "It's big business versus the small person," says Anderson.
Anderson claims "Urinetown" to be a "dark, yet light-hearted comedy." He also made more than one hint toward the musical's sarcastic and feisty nature. The show leans toward an older audience, as it is full of one-liners and puns.
Auditions for "Urinetown" will be conducted Sept. 12 and 13 at 4 p.m. located in Ballantyne Auditorium. Auditions are open to all Kirkwood students. Those trying out are asked to wear comfortable clothing. Script parts will be released by Aug. 30, along with more information on tryouts. All further information can be found on the call board near the scene shop in Cedar Hall.
There are 22 plus parts available. Although the atmosphere will be comfortable and friendly, stage hopefuls are to be warned. The tryouts will consist of dancing, reading and singing components and all parts, big or small, will have a bit of singing.
The theater department encourages students of all ages to come and try out. Just because you're not a music major doesn't mean you don't love music and even if dancing isn't on your resumé, it doesn't mean it's not your forte. Everyone has an equal opportunity to come and strut their stuff.
And if you're not the singing or dancing type, students can still assist with the scene and stage crew, whether or not they have previous experience.