Maybe I am secretly envious of those who possess the ability to melodramatically sing and act simultaneously, or maybe it’s because I grew up watching and mimicking “Hammer Time” dances inherent of the music video generation, whatever the reason, I have never sought out a musical let alone found the ones I accidentally attended the least bit entertaining.

 

With that said, there’s always room for change. And PCPA’s opening of “Urinetown” did just that; never again will the mention of attending a musical evoke the such strong feelings of resistance. With its parodies of classic musicals, short scenes, energetic choreography, exact satirical timing and a set that seemed to be plucked from ’20s New York, “Urinetown” could entertain an audience of all ages, including us, who find fulfillment in watching late night cartoons on Adult Swim.

 

Over 500 people packed Solvang’s Theaterfest opening of “Urintown.” The show began with narrator Officer Lockstock (Erik Stein) and Little Sally (Eleise Moore) mocking the title of the musical and warming the audience to the idea of “peeing being a privilege.”

 

Every actor played their part well, and though the audience was routinely reminded that they were watching a musical, every character was believable and individually portrayed.

 

The hero, sarcastically and fittingly named Bobby Strong (Sung Min Park), embodies the idealistic side of youth and inexperience as well as the grandiosity of revolution and rebellion. Strong, however finds out that revolt has a cost. Hope (Vanessa Ballam), Strong’s love interest, also portrays the naivety of youth and privilege. Together, Bobby and Hope form an unlikely alliance in an uprising against Hope’s father Mr. Cladwell’s tyraneous ownership of Your In Good Company, the public amenities company that has a monopoly on the business of peeing.

 

Though the audience couldn’t stop laughing at the Super Trooperish antics of Officer Lockstock and his sidekick Officer Barrell (Michael Jenkinson), serious questions were asked and intellectual issues raised, which added to the comedic nature of “Urinetown.”

 

Ultimately with Hope Caldwell ridding the citizens of pay-to-use restrooms and other corrupt policies the people get what they want, at least for a while. However, ironically, her reign is characterized by overindulgence of water, lawlessness, and consequently she too faces her own demise.

 

The musical comes full circle to where it started, the citizens are in a dire situation, they are discontent with their leadership, the earth’s resources have gone or are in the process of depletion and Officer Lockstock is still schmoozing the crowd.

 

“Urinetown” ended with a standing ovation and Officer Lockstock narrating what was to become of Urinetown and its citizens as well as the vicious cycle that revolution, rise to power and demise is almost sure to follow.

 

“Urinetown” is thoroughly enjoyable. Laughter is guaranteed, even if musicals aren’t your idea of a night out on the town.