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Hi's Eye

The Student News Site of Westfield High School

Hi's Eye

The Student News Site of Westfield High School

Hi's Eye

Theater department prepares for Urinetown

by Erin Hart
Practices and preparations are underway for the theater department’s production of Urinetown: The Musical, which will debut this spring with performances on May 3, 4 and 5.
The musical is a political and social satire about a futuristic city suffering a 20-year drought. As a result, the government prohibits use of private bathrooms and requires its citizens to pay each time they use public restrooms in an effort to preserve its water supply.

According to mtishows.com, the musical is based on the book by Greg Kotis and includes music and lyrics by Mark Hollman.
“Urinetown is a roaringly funny musical that also has an outstanding score and an uncommon story,” said Director Mr. Daniel Devlin.
“While it is first and foremost a comedy, it also provides important social commentary,” he added.

According to senior cast-member Lauren Echausse, “There are so many dry, funny moments in the show that are hilarious, for anyone young or old.”
Devlin said he chose this show because it catered to the strengths of the students involved in theater. “It offers many opportunities for the talented actors we have to shine,” he said.

He added that the ensemble for the show is large and incorporated into almost every scene throughout the entire production. This year, the ensemble includes a total of 28 cast members.
According to Echausse, there is a great balance of singing, dancing and acting on stage.

But behind the scenes, costumes, makeup, lighting and props are also in progress.
“Costumes can help the audience place the show in a time period and differentiate between social classes,” said Costume Designer senior O.C. Szwarc. She added that in this production, the costumes will include a lot of rags with a few colorful touches.

Set Designer Mr. Roy Chambers said the vision of the production is going to be industrial, featuring scaffolding and metal staircases. He said the set design is going to resemble a futuristic world, but in a rundown, grimy setting.
Chambers added: “[The set] gives the actors levels and places that they can identify with as their individual character…. It also creates a mood for the audience. In this case, it will be very dark, dreary and mysterious.”
Devlin said, “I am extremely confident that the final execution of the show will be awesome, and something that all involved in the production will be proud of.”

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