"Urinetown": The cast performs at Weekend Theater.

The Weekend Theater, Jan. 18

By the middle of Scene One of “Urinetown,” the Weekend Theater had morphed from a civilized room into a rowdy circus tent. The packed house was captivated by an exuberant, vibrant performance of this quirky send-up of musical comedies and capitalism by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis.

Advertisement

“Urinetown” — which had a three-year Broadway run — is set in the “not-so-distant future,” when water resources are so scarce that personal bathrooms have been outlawed and people must pay to use corporate-owned facilities. Lawbreakers are sent to Urinetown, an ominous place from which no one ever returns.

Actors address the audience directly in this self-aware bit of theater that requires two hours of histrionics. In this, Weekend Theater delivered (despite some strained vocal performances). P.J. Clark magnificently played the evil Caldwell B. Cladwell, the heartless tycoon who owns and profits from the “public amenity” facilities. Clark threw himself into the role, nailing his comedic choreography and dialogue, pouring wonderful ridiculousness into every scene. Ms. Pennywise, who operates “Amenity No. 9,” found a perfect medium in Monica Clark-Robinson. Part slimy, part sultry, and all sass, Robinson wore the Pennywise character as easy as her own skin.

Advertisement

The satire is also speckled with hilarious subtleties, undoubtedly tossed in by director and choreographer John Thompson. When you go see “Urinetown,” and you should, make sure you keep your eyes wide open.

Advertisement

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article What’s cooking, Jan. 24 Next article They also served Arkansas