<p style="margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">Fairmount
Performing Arts Conservatory's “Urinetown” a Witty Musical Filled
with Gallows Humor</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">By Marjorie
Preston</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in">
</p><p style="margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">Brava!</font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.marjoriepreston.com/brava">www.marjoriepreston.com/brava</a></font></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000"><a href="http://www.marjoriepreston.com/brava"><br>
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</font>
</p>
<p style="text-indent:0.5in;margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">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.</font></p>
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<p style="text-indent:0.5in;margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">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.</font></p>
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<p style="text-indent:0.5in;margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">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.</font></p>
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<p style="text-indent:0.5in;margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">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.</font></p>
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</p>
<p style="text-indent:0.5in;margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">“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.</font></p>
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</p>
<p style="text-indent:0.5in;margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">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.</font></p>
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<p style="text-indent:0.5in;margin-bottom:0in"><font color="#000000">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 </font><font color="#000080"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://fairmountcenter.tix.com/">http://fairmountcenter.tix.com</a></u></span></font><font color="#000000">.</font></p> <br># # #<br clear="all">
<br><br>Best,<br>mp<br><br><font face="Arial" lang="0">Marjorie Preston, President<b><br>
Marjorie Preston PR<br>
</b><a href="http://www.marjoriepreston.com/" target="_blank">http://www.marjoriepreston.com/</a><br>
Specializing in small business, arts and non-profit clients<i><br>
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