Thursday, March 20, 2008

Tucson: U of A ART presents "Urinetown"

 

From: Anne Gardner [mailto:anneg@email.arizona.edu]
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 2:36 PM
Subject: Press Release for ART's "Urinetown"

 

 

UA’s Arizona Repertory Theatre performs the satirical musical ‘Urinetown.’

 

Dates & Times:

Previews: April 13 at 1:30 p.m. & April 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Evenings: April 16-19, 24-26, May 1-3 at 7:30 p.m.

Matinees: April 20, 26, 27, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.

 

Place: Marroney Theatre on the UA campus located near the southeast corner of Park Avenue and Speedway Boulevard.

 

Cost/Admission: General $29, Senior Citizen/UA Employee/Military $27, Student $21, Preview $20.

 

Ticket Information: UA Fine Arts Box Office, (520) 621-1162.

 

Parking: Theatregoers may park in the Park Avenue Garage, located on Park Ave. just north of Speedway Blvd.  For weekday evening performances, you can pre-pay for parking.  Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight, take your parking ticket immediately to the garage cashier after parking.  Cashier is located on the east side of the main level.  Parking fee will be $3 (cash only).  After the performance, insert the parking ticket at the gate to exit.  Saturday and Sunday there is no charge to park.

 

Production Information: “Urinetown,” book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann.  Presented by the UA School of Theatre Arts Arizona Repertory Theatre (ART) and directed by Richard T. Hanson.

 

Season Producer Sponsor: The Harris

Season Media Sponsors: KUAT-FM & KUAZ-AM/FM

Production Sponsor: Barbara Molotsky

 

This smash musical was one of the most popular of the 2001 Broadway season, winning three 2002 Tony Awards and receiving nationwide critical acclaim.  “Urinetown” is set in an Orwellian-type world where a depletion of the earth’s water supply has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets.  A single malevolent company holds a monopoly over the amenities, profiting by charging fees for one of humanity’s most basic needs.  Among the people, a hero rises up who believes it’s not just a “privilege to pee” — it’s a fundamental right.  Bobby Strong leads the revolution in this comedic, satirical, spirited musical with hit songs like “It’s a Privilege to Pee,” “Follow Your Heart,” and “Run, Freedom, Run.”

 

Director Richard T. Hanson says “Urinetown” is “really contemporary, really modern, but yet it’s old-fashioned at the same time” due to its mixture of musical styles, combining modern rock musical elements with grandiose classical musical comedy moments.  “I just love the pastiche; the references to all those classic shows like ‘West Side Story’ and all the others.”  “Urinetown” also marks Hanson’s final show with ART, as he is retiring at the end of the academic year.

 

Contains mature themes and violence.

 

Audience Enrichment: Learn more about “Urinetown” through exciting discussions, which are free and open to the public.

 

Post-show discussion: April 20, immediately after the performance in the Marroney Theatre.  Meet the actors during a Q&A segment facilitated by guest speakers.

 

Pre-show discussion: April 24 at 6:45 p.m.; check signage in the Tornabene Theatre lobby for discussion location.  Guest speakers will lead an exciting dialogue where you can get behind-the-scenes information about the production.

 

Experience more of “Urinetown” through a new blog spot at http://web.cfa.arizona.edu/theatrestudies/.  It features photos, articles, and other information designed to enhance your experience with the show.  

 

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