If you missed Cal Poly’s production of the Tony Award-winning Urinetown: The Musical earlier this year, you’re in luck. You have another opportunity to see an equally excellent version of this surprising, satirical show, but book your tickets for a seat at Santa Maria Civic Theatre now: its run ends May 31, and every performance should be a sell-out.
I’ll repeat what I wrote about the university’s production: it’s that good (this one, too).
Director Lynda Mondragon has assembled a clever cast and crew that to a person delivers on many levels—an especially important consideration given the constraints of SMCT’s relatively small stage and available resources.
The two-hour-and-fifteen-minute show is chock-full of well-sung and well-choreographed musical numbers, thanks to music director Sean Talley and Mondragon, who credits Aiyani Mersai for help on choreography. Mondragon shares credit for the respectable set design with Ian Peggs, and for the fine lighting design with Daniel Mariscal. Talley deserves a special call-out considering this is his first credit as music director.
It also doesn’t hurt that most of the performers hit their high notes with heart and gusto. Mel McCormick as Penelope is a marvel whether talking or singing—her “Privilege to Pee” is classic. Avery Hawkins’ innocent, naive Hope—a vision in her bobby socks and wavy locks—blossoms with “Follow Your Heart” and confidently follows through til the “I See a River” big finish.
Ben Lechtman also confidently uncurls from hunched-over peon into straight-up leader of the oppressed during the first-act “Look at the Sky,” eventually giving us a full-throated rendition with the company of the joyous, gospel-inspired “Run, Freedom, Run!” in the second act.
The other cast members get their time in the spotlight as well, beginning with the unflappable Tony Delgado-Willis as the show’s narrator Officer Lockstock and clear-voiced Mari Sullivan as Little Sally (note that Heather Breon plays Little Sally for the remainder of the show’s run).
Jim Dahmen as Caldwell B. Cladwell and Steven Equihua as his obsequious factotum Mr. McQueen give us many opportunities to laugh, as does Daniel Mariscal as Officer Barrel (Delgado-Willis and Mariscal’s duo “Cop Song” with flashlights is quite enjoyable).
Act Two gives us more of the ensemble, and more to appreciate, especially Nicole Sewell and Ethan Guy in “Snuff That Girl.”
Despite Officer Lockstock’s admonition that this show isn’t “a happy musical,” I guarantee you will leave this production with a smile on your face and hope in your heart. It’s that good.