Events

‘Urinetown’ to play at Hayes Theatre Co in 2023

'Urinetown'. Photo by Jane Duong.
'Urinetown'. Photo by Jane Duong.

Heart Strings Theatre Co in association with Hayes Theatre Co is thrilled to announce a season of the satirical comedy musical Urinetown at the Hayes Theatre Co from 11 January 2023.

Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards, Urinetown is an hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatisation of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics and musical theatre itself!

The talented cast includes mother and daughter duo Karen Vickery (Company) and Natasha Vickery (Assassins) in the roles of Officer Lockstock and Little Sally. Playing Penelope Pennywise and her assistant Bobby Strong are Deanna Farnell (RENT!) and Joel Horwood (Hitler’s Daughter). Max Gamble (Shrek The Musical) plays businessman Caldwell B. Cladwell, and Petronella Van Tienan (Nine) plays his beautiful daughter, Hope. Doubling up on the roles of Senator Fipp and Ma Strong is Joe Dinn (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) while also doubling up is Octavia Barron-Martin (Nice Work If You Can Get It) as Pa Strong and McQueen and Tom Kelly (Three Winters Green) as Barrel and Tiny Tom. Benoit Vari (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) plays Hot Blades Harry, Kelsi Boyden (Phantom of the Opera) plays Mrs Millennium and newcomer Barbra Toparis plays Little Becky Two Shoes.

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!

Canberra-based director and producer Ylaria Rogers said, “Set in a post- apocalyptic era, in a time where Capitalism, Love and the Environment fight for importance, Urinetown’s satirical look at what we are doing to our world, could not be more relevant. And it’s a musical. And the music is so happy!”

The creative team comprises of Rogers, with music direction by Matthew Reid (Oz Panto) and choreography by Hayes favourite Cameron Mitchell (Nice Work If You Can Get It, Catch Me If You Can). 

Urinetown catapults the “comedic romp” into the new millennium with its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter.

For tickets, head to www.hayestheatre.com.au.

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