Belmont High School is taking audiences to “Urinetown” this weekend for the school’s annual spring musical.
The satirical comedy is set in a dystopian city suffering from a severe water shortage, where the corporation Urine Good Company controls all public toilets, forcing citizens to pay to pee or be banished to “Urinetown.” The show’s protagonist, Bobby Strong, leads a revolution against the corporation run by Caldwell B. Cladwell — despite being in love with Cadwell’s daughter, Hope.
The show offers hilarious though poignant commentary on capitalism, social responsibility, and populism, taking audiences on twists and turns that will leave them saying “WHAAAT?”
The show opens tonight.
“I remember when it started just like a couple singing rehearsals, and now we fully did a show front to back. It’s incredible,” said Bennett Sprague (Mr. Caldwell B. Cladwell).
The students have been rehearsing since December, according to Director Ezra Flam. Putting the show together is a months-long process of learning the music and choreography, piecing together the costumes and makeup design, and collaborating with the backstage crew and band.
“One of the best things about the performing arts company at the high school is what a collaborative group of students we have, and how hard they work to get the details right and work with each other and coordinate,” Flam said. “I think they’re really pulling it together on stage, and it’s going to be really fun.”
Leading up to opening night, the cast, crew, and band have been rehearsing for long hours after school—a process they say is equal parts challenging and rewarding.
“Although I am extremely hungry and extremely sleep-deprived and behind on homework, I am feeling very confident about the production,” said William Sattler (Officer Lockstock).
Sattler is one of the soon-to-be-graduating seniors in the production. While seniors are taking in their last musical production at BHS, some younger students are stepping up and taking on leading roles.
Junior Rayna Thomas (Hope Cladwell) is making her debut in a lead role as the female protagonist in “Urinetown.”
“It’s been really fun, but it’s also sad, like saying bye to the seniors, who I’ve done three shows with now,” Thomas said.
In the role of both the villain and Hope’s father, Sprague is also taking on a larger role in this spring’s production.
“It’s been very exciting, a little scary sometimes, but I’m very honored and very proud,” Sprague said.
Since the start of rehearsals, students have put in varying hours of practice after school. According to Flam, depending on the size of the role, some students rehearse for about 12 hours a week leading up to final dress rehearsals.
For these young actors, however, the long hours aren’t necessarily something they dread. In the high school auditorium, they find connections and friendships that last a lifetime.
“It’s such an awesome group of people,” said Calvin Barnes (Bobby Strong). “It really feels like we’ve bonded really well, and it’s been a lot of fun the last couple weeks.”
“Urinetown” opens tonight at 7 p.m. Additional shows include Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. More information can be found at bhs-pac.org/urinetown26.html
