One terrible title but one terrific show!
To the Editor:
There have been some mumblings and grumblings in southeastern Minnesota over the title of Ye Olde Opera House’s summer musical, “Urinetown.”
Maybe you have seen the lawn signs or ads in the paper. The board members, cast and crew agree: one terrible title but one terrific show!
It was too hard to pass up working on this three-time Tony Award winning production. Please don’t let the title keep you away from this hilarious show. As I reflect on the last 33 years of YOOH musicals, it is the not so well known ones that have become my favorites like “Lucky Stiff” and “How to Succeed in Business without Trying.”
You know my 90-year-old mother-in-law gets it. She remembers traveling in Europe and having to pay to use the rest room. Well, Greg Kotis who wrote and yes, chose the title Urinetown felt the same way when he had to pay to use the public restroom overseas.
In his play the town is suffering from a 30-year drought and all the water is managed by the Urine Good Company. The bladder-oppressed townspeople finally decide they have had enough, and a hero by the name of Bobby Strong emerges to lead the revolution.
Please don’t miss this gem. You gotta’ go, you gotta’ go, you gotta’ go, go, go July 19 through 22.
Thanks to the many actors, volunteers, donors, members and patrons for keeping Ye Olde Opera House a tradition in southeastern Minnesota and for many years to come.
Patricia McManimon-Moe
