Haverford High: ‘Urinetown’

"Snuff the Girl", "Don't Be the Bunny", and "It's a Privilege to Pee"? Songs like these are certainly atypical of high school musical theatre. Like Little Sally says, "Urinetown? Who would want to see a musical with a name like that?" Recently, Haverford High School wittily presented the contemporary musical Urinetown and relieved any doubts that audience members may have had for a musical with such a strange title.

Urinetown tells the story of a capitalist nightmare: what if we really had to pay to use the bathroom? Custodian, Bobby Strong, (Mark Watter) is the one to finally stand up to the bad guys, Officer Lockstock (Mike Lastowski) and big-businessman Caldwell B. Cladwell (Brian Sanderson). However, after falling in love with Cladwell's daughter, Hope (Devin Lloyd), Bobby's revolt becomes more difficult than he planned.

Watter and Lloyd were utterly charming through the duration of the performance. Whether during scenes in which the couple was wooing over each other or fighting against one another, the portrayals of Bobby and Hope were strong both in acting and vocal performance. Watter, especially, used great facial and body language. Incorporating his own personality and zest into his character made him particularly endearing.

Other notable leads were Officer Lockstock, Old Man Strong (Ben Storey), and Little Sally (Veronica Gottsch). When not singing beautiful harmonies, the performers were always speaking and moving in an over-the-top fashion which was fitting for the wacky setting.

The primary performers were backed up by an extremely enthusiastic ensemble. The cast constantly kept a high level of energy in both soft ballads and crazy dance numbers.

The technical crew, even with some last minute replacements in adult leadership, had a very successful show. Changes were quick and scenery was very relative to the style of the play. Sound, designed by Nick Potts, enabled all performers, as well as a student pit orchestra, to be heard thoroughly.

Urinetown at Haverford High was a gem of a production. Despite its unorthodox setting and plot line, the students presented in a very classical manner: with high energy, strong voices, and apparent hard work.