WEE THE PEOPLE

Lovingly known as “Piss the Musical”, Urinetown is a slightly dark but hilarious musical that was performed by Kirkwood Community College from October 31 through November 2, 2025 and November 6 through November 8, 2025. It was a one “It’s a privilege to pee” is the premise of the show, focusing on the two conflicting parties: the employees of Urine Good Company and the people of the town in which they live in. Years ago, a severe drought took over the town, lasting over 20 years. However, Cladwell B. Cladwell (played by Andrew Forcier), head of Urine Good Company, came up with a way to conserve the limited water supply - outlawing private toilets, forcing the citizens to pay to pee. Some may ask, why not just pee on the ground? Now, that would get someone a quick trip to Urinetown, the place all citizens fear. Supposedly the worst and grimiest town, the people fear being sent there - that is, until one particular day. Policeman Bobby Strong (played by Jeffery Harrington) snaps into reality after witnessing Old Man Strong (played by Logan Burkett) get dragged away for being unable to afford the amenity, that being - you guessed it - the right to pee. Recognizing how cruel their system is, Bobby Strong forms a rebellion along with a budding love with Cladwell’s daughter, Hope Cladwell (played by Shay Larson). It’s a comedic spin on the failures of the legal system and the harm capitalism causes. It also addresses the unfortunate results of being radicalized too far one way or another on a scaled issue.

THE URINETOWN PERFORMERS BOWING AFTER AS SHOW WELL DONE; PHOTO BY LILI NANDELL

For a musical about paying to pee, the music for this performance was truly incredible. It was very apparent that the cast was embodying their roles. The vocals were always on point, sending chills down the spine each time a song came up. The introduction of the show starts with Lockstock, played by Oliver Miller, singing Urinetown with the ensemble. This set was the perfect entry to the musical, giving a glimpse of how spectacular the show was going to be. Lockstock (Miller) hit those low notes perfectly - setting the stage for the rest of the show. Not to mention how coordinated the ensemble’s singing was. It truly felt as though many voices became one. Penelope Pennywise, played by Eloise Prince (A first year student at Kirkwood!), was another performer whose vocals absolutely stunned me. Prince captured the vitriol of the character extremely well, not only in her voice, but also in her vocals during each song. Upon first meeting Cladwell (Forcier), you could instantly tell he had a strong voice, something that really came through in the tracks he sang. You can’t mention Cladwell without mentioning his daughter - Hope (Larson) had an almost opera-like voice with a sweet tone that was fitting for the character. 

The vocalists aren’t the only ones that deserve praise though. The entire musical had live music! Music Director, Dr. Allison Holmes-Bendixen emphasized that when it comes to theater, it’s important to do it live and work with musicians. It gives even more students the opportunity to be a part of the musical and further their own abilities. Holmes-Bendixen was sure to mention just how great of a job the students did. In addition, Kirkwood Instructor Halie Augustus also deserves applause with her remarkable skills on the piano. The band playing the music live only enhanced the performance, making it even more engaging. Each and every song was full of precision, passion, and fun. At some point, Mr. McQueen (Played by Adrienne Hurley) was singing while on a toilet! Each song was so catchy! If I could have the Kirkwood performance soundtrack on Spotify, it would constantly be on repeat.

Along with the musical aspect of the production, the choreography had just as much thought and care. Every song came with choreo that engaged the audience while carrying subtle symbolism. In one of the beginning songs, there was an amazing use of contrast with the movements of the upper class and lower class. While Cladwell’s employees had uniform and precise movements, the people of the town had sporadic movements that still ticked with each beat. In another bit, the employees of Urine Good Company circle the lower class, almost as if they are sharks. This feat of coordination carries on throughout the whole show. Although each number was enthralling to watch, the choreography for Snuff the Girl has to be a personal favorite. Not to mention the fight scene where everyone moves in slow motion so fluidly. Kirkwood’s Choreographer, Anna Slife, deserves kudos for her excitement to make adaptable and accessible dances for the cast. She took ensemble performer Justeen Schoner’s cane and turned it into a casual prop. When Hope Cladwell is captured by the people of the town, she’s enthusiastic and dancing with all of her movements working around being tied up. Even Officer Barrel, played by Melanie Hance, had entertaining and thought out dances, and Officer Barrel was a puppet! 

When I first walked into the theater, I wasn’t too sure what to expect having never seen or heard of the musical before. Yet when I saw the set and its design, I knew that I was in for an exciting journey. Each part of the stage was utilized, including the side stage exits. During the scene where Bobby (Harrington) sees Urinetown for the first time, the ladder leading up to the highest point of the set was used in a way I never would have thought of - as a way to extend the height of the set through imagination. Steam was constantly flowing from the large factory exhaust of the scene, which really set the stage before the musical started. The same posters used for promotion were plastered onto the trash cans, both torn and old. It fully immersed the audience into the experience.

The costumes were another aspect in setting up the context of Urinetown. Each one of them was absolutely gorgeous. Hope Cladwell’s dress was a beautiful staple among the costumes. It came with a sweet detail of a heart shaped bodice, representing the love Hope carries in her heart. Pennywise and Mr. McQueen’s costumes also stood out to me, but each costume was special in its own way. Especially the citizen’s costumes as they were a collaborative effort. Costume Designer Bre Kenney said that when the Kirkwood students came in to help with costumes, she’d ask if they’d like to rip, paint, or sew. Kenney wanted to give students the opportunity to explore all of theater, not just the stage. Thus, all of the tears in the clothing were made by students. Kenney also paid attention to detail for the Cladwell associates. Despite having never seen Urinetown before, Kenney wanted to flip the script. Rather than dull colors, she wanted to put her own spin on things, bringing in more vibrant colors. Rather than put the citizens in pee colored clothes, she had the upper class dressed in yellows and oranges galore. The sheer perfection through the intentional imperfections of the costumes came together nicely in the final product. 

The director, Emma Kosiv, is a personal fan of details in theater. The lighting of the musical is one of those details that stood out. The lighting flashed a pink-ish purple when hope and listening to your heart are themes of the scene. The color of love was a great way to reiterate the topic. Another scene with great use of lighting was when plungers were used as flashlights, lighting the officers faces from below. A jarring effect representing the corruption of the law, yet a comedic spin on it using the musical’s basis. The ensemble acting only added more depth. Each one of the background characters has their own personality and are always doing something during moments where the focus is on other characters. One of those background moments that stood out to me was when the pregnant lady, Little Becky Two Shoes (played by Ella Schmitz) was teaching Little Sally (Played by Nina Torkelson) how to tie her shoes while in the hideout. It was such an endearing moment in such a difficult and stressful time in the story. In addition to the ensemble’s acting, the way Pennywise’s (Prince) face changes after realizing the reality of Cladwell’s plan was so meticulous, making that part of the grand finale that much more impactful. The props on stage only furthered the story. The beanie given to Bobby Strong in the beginning is from Bobby Strong’s father, confirmed by Costume Designer Kenney. Also after the incident of Bobby’s father, the “Days since last incident” sign changed to 0. The music effect for the briefcase of money was yet another prop highlight - it filled the room with laughter while smartly cluing the audience in on the money they couldn’t see.

Urinetown brought a ton of humorous one liners to the stage through straightforward comedy. For example, Cladwell and Hope going to school for manipulating masses of people - iconic, really. At each twist and turn of the performance Little Sally (Torkelson) and Officer Lockstock (Miller) would drop in to say what we were all thinking - speaking for the audience. The 4th wall breaks added even more to the humor. Little Sally and Officer Lockstock would briefly take a moment during high tension scenes to discuss the act - even going as far to address that yes, Urinetown does not address what citizens shall do in the case of going number 2. Anytime there was a surprise, the whole cast broke out into a surprised WHATT??? All of the interactions that Hope had were also really sweet. Hope and Bobby are such a sweet pairing, and when Cladwell and his daughter share that squeal when they see each other - it’s funny but heartwarming. In ‘Don’t be the Bunny’, Mr. McQueen (Hurley) acting as the bunny completed the dark tale with a twist of comedy. Finally, some favorite lines are from the protest signs held by ensemble - “Go piss girl” and “Yes pee can!” - and the interaction between Hope and Bobby concerning the cops - “Policemen protect the peace.” “Do they?” “Usually.” 

TOILET BOWL WHERE THE AUDIENCE COULD GIVE MONETARY TIPS OR A KIND NOTE; PHOTO BY LILI NANDELL

However, despite all of the greatness of the show, it was the community of the Kirkwood theater department that truly drew people in. The costumes were a collaborative effort and the music department presented a new opportunity for the students. Many people joined the performers in the hall to congratulate them on a great show! Each department came together to create such a lovely experience. Andrew Forcier, who played Cladwell, mentioned that it’s exciting and scary to be up on the stage, but you have to remind yourself that you’re making art for the people around you. The community and the feeling of ‘we did it’ is so rewarding. Especially when the people you care about come out to support you. 

“They did a great job,” Director Kostiv reiterated. With such a large graduate group and so many new students to Kirkwood, it was a perfect opportunity to do a musical like Urinetown. The biggest goal of Kirkwood’s theater program is to let students explore while also making an incredible performance for their community. After listening to the soundtrack later on, it was evident that they had cast each role perfectly. If you look closely behind all of the humor - it’s very relevant to today’s world, that being another part of the reason the musical was chosen. It’s the perfect mix of comedy and seriousness. It brings a smile to your face while also making you think. The ending comes expectedly unexpected and the play has so many twists and turns, but like a rollercoaster, while scary at times, the experience was worth it. A huge thank you to the cast and crew for the amazing opportunity and experience!