[NEohioPAL] Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory's “Urinetown” a Witty Musical Filled with Gallows Humor

[Marjorie Preston]

Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory's “Urinetown” a Witty Musical Filled
with Gallows Humor

By Marjorie Preston

Brava!

www.marjoriepreston.com/brava


<http://www.marjoriepreston.com/brava>

Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory's (FPAC's) current musical is
“Urinetown,” with book and lyrics by Greg Kotis and music and lyrics by
Mark Hollmann. The spectacle features a compelling plot, witty writing, a
variety of song styles and a committed cast with several talented standouts.


 Bobby Strong (Adam Hass-Hill) works for a private company running public
urinals, Urine Good Company. He's a clerk in the only local pay-to-pee
bathroom facility on the wrong side of the tracks. Bobby's conflicted about
his work, which requires that he turn away those who can't afford to pay
the fee. His boss, the strong-handed and grumpy Penelope Pennywise
(Christina Ciofani), scolds him and maintains order and allegiance to the
company. One morning, Bobby happens to meet bright-eyed, naive Hope
Cladwell (Leah Saltzer), daughter of smarmy Caldwell B. Cladwell (Austin
Riley), the owner of Urine Good Company, and the two follow their hearts
and start an uprising against the entire system.


 Hass-Hill puts his best foot forward leading a revolt in “Look at the
Sky,” and is a strong actor, though seems to have moments of uncertainty
about melody throughout the show. Saltzer's voice is showcased in the
lilting melody of “Follow Your Heart.” Ciofani shines in “Privilege to Pee”
with great control of her capable voice.


 Police officers Officer Lockstock (Jerry Shepherd) and Officer Barrel
(Neil Kelly) are fun to watch throughout. Shepherd busts out a mean rap in
“Cop Song” and Kelly has great physicality and ad libs. Little Sally
(Joelle Rosenthal) is wise beyond her years and holds down her part with
aplomb. Silly callbacks involving character actors are consistently amusing.


 “Urinetown” is chock full of a variety of catchy styles of music. The
second act alone has a klezmer-influenced number in “What is Urinetown,” a
20s-feel “Snuff That Girl” and a spiritual, “Run, Freedom, Run,” complete
with a capella choir section.


 Director Bob Russell has cast well and there are many talented performers
among the thirty-odd in the cast. Scenic and Lighting Designer Scott C.
Chapman has created an appropriately bleak set in wood and metal that
reminds one of an abandoned mine or a gallows. Choreographer Bebe Weinberg
Katz brought ambitious, solid dance work to the stage. Music Director John
Krol is part of the orchestra of five, which, obscured from the actors,
experienced some moments where the singers and musicians were out of sync
or hard to hear in the space. Overall, “Urinetown” is a fun, smart musical
with a timely, dark plot concerning the place of freedom in an age of
overpopulation.


 Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory's “Urinetown” will be at the
Mayfield Village Civic Center, 6622 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village,
through August 19. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and
Sunday, August 19 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call (440) 338-3171 or visit *
http://fairmountcenter.tix.com*.

# # #


Best,
mp

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*http://www.marjoriepreston.com/
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