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REVIEW: Urinetown a memorable evening of theatre
Amazing performances highlight Scarborough Music Theatre productionn
By MARIA TZAVARAS
February 10, 2009 12:13 PM
What better way to show the ridiculousness of capitalism by using toilet privileges as an example.
This absurd topic is explored in Urinetown, Scarborough Music Theatre's latest show.
Absurdity aside, the group outdid themselves in their opening performance and garnered a standing ovation while providing a uniquely memorable evening of theatre.
With book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, and music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, Urinetown is said to be inspired by a trip Kotis took to Europe where he encountered a pay-per-use toilet.
This satirical musical comedy takes a wacky subject and turns it into a commentary on the privileges of the wealthy versus the poor, and the drying up of our natural resources.
The opening number Urinetown explains it all. There has been a water shortage so dire in this unnamed town that private toilets have been outlawed and people must use filthy public amenities and pay for each usage. Of course, the rich have no problems, but the poor wait for hours each day just to relieve themselves.
The mistress of the public restroom, Ms. Pennywise (Andrea Van Slyke), along with Bobby Strong (Thom Speck), makes sure everyone pays their fees, answering to the owner of the public amenities, and Urine Good Company, Caldwell B. Cladwell (Michael Schneider).
Cladwell's daughter Hope (Jaime Lynn Brown) joins the company and shortly after meets Bobby, who is torn about the state of the toilet usage. Hope, not knowing the nature of his inner conflict, inspires him to follow his heart and the two fall in love.
Bobby decides enough is enough after his father is sent to exile to Urinetown for relieving himself in the bushes. He decides to stage a revolt, fueled by the injustice of a structured urination system and his new-found love for Hope.
Bobby's vision of "A place where the people pee for free, because the people are free" is met with resistance. It becomes the police and the rich, versus the poor in a hilarious battle for the right to relieve oneself freely.
Throughout the show, there are funny narrative interjections by Officer Lockstock (Rich Burdett) and Little Sally (Jackie McCaffrey). They made fun of the musical genre itself and even pointed out that the topic of their musical is in poor taste.
There are several outstanding scenes in this show, with many numbers done in different styles. There was the rap-inspired Cop Song, the gospel Run Freedom Run! and the love song Follow Your Heart.
The singing was extraordinary, especially Brown as Hope in the spiritual number I See A River and "the poor" in Snuff that Girl, a scene where Hope is held hostage as collateral.
The greatness of this show came from the details and amazing performances. Each character had a distinguishable trait and individual likability factor, the dance numbers were energetic and animated, and the costumes - rags for the poor and suits for the rich - were a great visual effect.
This show is non-stop laughter, full of awesome talent and is a musical for those who would normally shy away from them.
The remaining shows for Urinetown are Feb. 12 - 14, 19 and 20, 8 p.m., and February 15 and 21, 2 p.m., at the Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. Tickets are $24, $20 for seniors and students on Thursdays and Sundays only, and $10 student rush tickets (available one hour before curtain, subject to availability).
For tickets, please call 416-396-4049.
http://www.insidetoronto.com/article/63595 |
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SCARBOROUGH:
Gypsy examines obsession with stardom
Scarborough Music Theatre production opens new season
By MARIA TZAVARAS
November 06, 2008 11:46 AM
There are no lengths that some mothers won't go to for their children.
In Scarborough Music Theatre's debut show for this season, Gypsy, mama Rose gives "stage mom" a new standard during her relentless quest to make her children stars.
Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy is written by Arthur Laurents with music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. This show takes the audience into the world of vaudeville theatre and captures the excitement of show biz.
More importantly, it shows the hunger that goes with it and how it can wear on relationships, especially the fragile one between mother and daughter.
Rose (Heidi Michelle Thomas) is a single mom with big dreams of making her daughter Baby June (Emma Burke-Kleinman) into a vaudeville star. Her other daughter, Baby Louise (Candice Barkin), is "plain and untalented" and a mere supporting act.
From the first audition scene where the children sing Let Me Entertain You, we see Rose's determination. She will stop at nothing to get her daughters a gig. This leads them to Los Angeles and consequently, travelling all across the country.
Once in L.A., Rose finds help after meeting Herbie (James R. Woods), a former agent who decides to become one again in the hopes of winning Rose's heart.
All is seemingly well except for two things: vaudeville is on its way out and being replaced by burlesque, and the now older Dainty June (Amanda Franklin), leaves unexpectedly because she thinks her mother's acts are horrendous.
Rose is guided by visions in her dreams, and after we see one of them (Dainty June and Her Farmboys' complete with a cow), it seems June is correct.
But Rose is no quitter and decides to now focus her attention on the now older Louise (Natasha Negovanlis) and make her a star.
After a gig lands them in a burlesque hall, Louise soon sheds her skin and finds her talent, becoming the new star of burlesque as Gypsy Rose Lee. Now that she is a star, the tables turn and Rose is now at the mercy of a daughter who she always treated second best.
This show is full of moving performances, entertaining scenes and signature musical numbers such as Let Me Entertain You and Together. The children in this show did an excellent job singing and dancing, as did the other supporting cast.
The burlesque girls, Electra, Tessie and Mazeppa (Judy Gibson, Jill McMillan, Lisa Kapp) gave the show some much needed spice and wowed the audience in their fishnets and bustiers with their number Gotta Get a Gimmick.
This show opens big and ends the same way due to the amazing numbers Some People and Rose's Turn sung by Thomas. This lady has a huge voice that oozes emotion, strength and conviction. She owned the room during those songs and was a pleasure to watch.
Seeing Negovanlis's transformation from the shy, untalented Louise to the sultry Gypsy Rose Lee was amazing. Her talent was obvious as she played both roles with ease and believability. And Woods's portrayal of Herbie was sensitive yet strong while putting up with Rose and her obsession with stardom.
This musical boasts an extremely talented cast and because the story has a variety of themes, it's sure to please theatre-goers of all ages.
The remaining performances of Gypsy are Nov, 7 and 8, 13 and 14, at 8 p.m. and matinees on Nov. 9 and 15 at 2 p.m., Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. Tickets are $24 and $20 for students and seniors on Thursdays and Sundays only. For tickets, call 416-396-4049. |
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SMT at Home on the Range!
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Scarborough Music Theatre stages lively Oklahoma!
Rodgers and Hammerstein classic now on stage
by MARIA TZAVARAS
April 28, 2008 10:47 AM
It was cowboys, gun fighting and country love at the Scarborough Village Theatre last week as Scarborough Music Theatre staged a lively and entertaining production of the musical Oklahoma!
Donned in country attire and playing against a backdrop of cornstalks and a giant windmill, the talented cast revived the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein classic story about two lovers and the bumpy road they travel before finding their way to one another.
This show was fast-paced and opened with one of its signature songs Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin, where we meet Curly (Rich Burdett), who has come to Aunt Eller's (Eve Jones) farm to ask her niece Laurey (Laura Higgs) to the box social.
It's obvious the two have a thing for one another but are reluctant to reveal their feelings. Instead, they insult one other like kids with crushes do and to Curly's surprise, Laurey announces she's attending the social with the farmhand Jud (Peter Pequegnat).
Jud is a creepy and strange man who has a secret obsession with Laurey. This character, along with the peddler Ali Hakim (Dave Wicken), is different than the rest of the bubbly country bumpkins and gives this story some spicy sub plots.
The real fun begins when Will (Dan MacEachern), and his intended Ado Annie (Avra Fainer) are introduced. Will is a fun-loving, dim-witted cowboy who can't seem to get attention-starved Ado Annie to stop looking for affections of other men, namely Ali.
She sang a humourous number I Cain't Say No! that explains her views, while Will finally puts his foot down in the hilarious number, All Er Nothing.
Once at the social, where the whole ensemble cast makes an appearance, Jud finally shows his true colours as he threatens Laurey. This helps her to finally turn to the man she loves to help her out, which results in a showdown for the girl.
While this show has many typical musical elements, it also had some out of the ordinary scenes. The dark but funny number Pore Jud is Daid, sung by Curly and Jud, is a perfect example of that as it explains sarcastically about what would happen if Jud died. It's a stark contrast to the otherwise happy and love songs in the show.
While Burdett and Higgs as Laurey and Curly did an amazing job in both their performances, and had great chemistry, the stand out couple was MacEachern and Fainer as Will and Ado Annie, who perfectly embodied their outgoing and colourful characters.
Jones portrayal of Aunt Eller brought an element of graceful strength to the show, and Wicken as the randy Persian gave the show some amazing comedic scenes.
The ensemble cast of 15 did an excellent job performing in the big signature numbers, especially in Oklahoma! which this show is known for.
While the production was well done, it must be pointed out that there are elements of this show that are old-fashioned and not as appealing. This includes parts of the plot and a few of the songs. Many songs are timeless and beautiful, while others, not so much - although people who adore the musical score may disagree.
Remaining shows are May 1 - 3 and 8 - 10, 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on May 3, which is also the sing-along, and May 4. Tickets are $24 and $20 for seniors and students, Thursdays and Sundays only.
For tickets, call 416-396-4049 |
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