The Joel Barlow High School theater program’s upcoming performance of “Urinetown: The Musical” will be on stage March 20 through March 22. Andy Pohlen, technical director for the show and technology education teacher said, “The show’s title is the most offensive part.”
The story of the Tony Award-winning satirical comedy depicts a dystopian future where a devastating drought has made private toilets illegal. People must pay to pee. Using dark humor, memorable songs and social commentary, the show satirizes corporate greed, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy and musical theater.Â
Lead performers include Skylar Giblin, who plays Bobby Strong, the story’s main character; Annie Peters, who plays Hope Cladwell, Bobby Strong’s love interest; and Kenji Aoki Perretz, who plays Caldwell B Cladwell, the villain. There are 27 additional performers. Pohlen works with a crew of 20 students.
“I chose to be the technical director and producer at Joel Barlow because this position allows me to work with students and empower them with fantastic 21st-century skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork,” Pohlen said. . “Students operate all the equipment during the show, and each department, i.e., props, costumes, lighting, and sound, must work together to make the actors look and sound their best. Ultimately, the goal is for everyone to bring a story to life, entertain the audience and elicit an emotional response that will have a lasting impression. It’s a fantastic craft when it all comes together.”
Performances will take place on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 22, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 with a fee of $1.46 for a total of $16.46 for adults and $10 plus a fee of $1.28 for a total of 11.28 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at https://jbhs.booktix.com/. Performances will take place in the oel Barlow High School auditorium, 100 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding.
