Musical comedy "Urinetown" coming to local stage this weekend

Pied Piper Children’s Theatre’s middle-high school performers will take the stage this weekend with the Tony Award-winning musical Urinetown, a bold and satirical comedy that blends big Broadway-style numbers with sharp social commentary.

Urinetown features music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis. The show is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), which also supplies all performance materials.

Set in a dystopian future plagued by a severe water shortage, Urinetown imagines a city where private toilets have been outlawed and citizens must pay to use public amenities controlled by a corrupt corporation. When a brave young hero, Bobby Strong, leads a rebellion against the system, the story unfolds with humor, catchy songs and surprising twists. The musical pokes fun at corporate greed, political revolution and even the conventions of musical theatre itself.

The cast features a large group of local middle and high school students. Zoey Wilson stars as Officer Lockstock, with Brooks Deaton as Bobby Strong and Juneau Main as Hope Cladwell. Penelope Pennywise is double cast by Anistyn Sizemore and Grace Snyder. Lilly Dawson plays Little Sally.

Jack Thixton appears as Mr. McQueen, Grace Wilde as Senator Fipp, and Officer Barrel is double cast by Brecklyn Wilde and Lillie Perry. Caldwell B. Cladwell is double cast by Alex Wilde and Jace Canada. Estin Roop portrays Josephine “Old Ma” Strong, and Wil Sears plays Joseph “Old Man” Strong.

Also featured are Aislynn Compton as Tiny Tina, Hayley Hurst as Little Becky Two Shoes, Izzy Guthrie and Gracie Morehous double cast as Soupy Sue, Callie Robbins as Connie the Stockfish, Lilly Ferguson as Dr. Billeaux, Alex Blake as Hot Blades Harry, Phoebe Ferguson as Little Lass Lil, and Sierra Reed as Mrs. Millennium.

Daniel Main directs the production, with Charity Main serving as assistant director and running sound. Tandon Nance will run lights. Performances will be held at Gary W. Hartsook Hall, located behind Salem Nazarene Church at 405 N. Shelby St., Salem. Showtimes are Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Children ages 4 and under are admitted free. Reservations may be made by texting 812-620-3701 or emailing washingtoncountytheatre@gmail.com. Patrons are asked to include their name, number of tickets and desired show date and time when making reservations.

The production is sponsored by Northside Security and Weathers Funeral Home.

A content advisory notes that the production contains satirical adult themes, mild profanity, and dark humor.