MSA's 'Urinetown' Extended for 2 More Dates

As a result of advance sell-out performances of all shows, the Theatre Department has extended its run of Urinetown: The Musical for two more dates — Nov. 18-19, both at 7 p.m. (Late note: They have both sold out)

With its largest cast ever, the MSA Theatre Department presented the Broadway hit for seven performances Nov. 4-13 and added the new dates by popular demand.

Urinetown is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. 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. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

“The show is a remarkable satire — working as camp melodrama, while examining some of the complex issues that face our world today,” said Rodney Franz, MSA theatre teacher and Urinetown director. “Urinetown, with its eccentric catchy tunes, serves as a delightful history of musical theatre traditions by paying homage to numerous shows, such as West Side Story, Threepenny Opera, Annie, Les Miserables and A Chorus Line.’”

MSA junior Lily Hahn said the musical has an important message.

“ ... If you really look at it, you can apply it to the way people govern themselves,” she said.

The production features a cast of 49 students from Marin and Sonoma counties, incorporating students from both the Musical Theatre and Theatre Arts disciplines of MSA. Several students from MSA’s Instrumental Music department also perform in the orchestra. Musical direction is by Scott DeTurk, piano accompanist.

Urinetown marks the MSA debut for choreographer Kate Leland. With more than 35 years of professional experience teaching ballet and musical theater, she has won numerous awards for her choreography in the Bay Area, where she has founded dance studios in four locations. Leland also has performed professionally in Los Angeles, in New York and on national tours.

Music and lyrics in the Tony Award-winning comedy are by Mark Hollmann; book and lyrics by Greg Kotis.

“I haven’t been in a musical like this before,” said MSA senior Kimmie Swanson. “It’s fun to catch the meanings within double entendres. … It’s not a musical where all the songs sound the same. There is great variety.”

THE DETAILS

Urinetown opens at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the Performing Arts Center at the Marin School of the Arts, 625 Arthur St., Novato.

Shows continue that weekend at 7 p.m.  Saturday, Nov. 5, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6. The following week, shows are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10; Friday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov. 12, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13.

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but these performances frequently sell out. It is recommended that tickets be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006. Admission is $8 for students and seniors, $20 reserved, or $15 general seating.