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| May 04, 2025 |
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March 14, 2012
To the Editor:
I understand that the Town Hall sign advertising the high school’s upcoming production of “Urinetown”, as well as other advertising in town, has been defaced. I also understand that members of the community have been calling the school to complain about the production. Really?! Who's brilliant idea was it to find offense- on the title alone, mind you- of "Urinetown"? I'm sure that's a super educated opinion, to decide to boycott and deface the advertising of a musical that's about social justice and standing up for what's right. You find offense with the word urine? The clinical word to describe liquid excrement? We better go censor all the science textbooks, then.
Is there going to be mention of pee in the musical? Yes. Should you, people of Cornwall, be up in arms over this? Absolutely not. Now, before you continue crushing the egos of some high school students who have been working very hard to put on the best show they can for you, a community with some ungrateful members, take a look at yourselves. Before you start pointing fingers, you better make sure your hands are clean. If you're going to find fault in something so trivial as the title of a musical you obviously have yet to see, you better make sure your own children don't watch Family Guy or American Dad or the like- and that you and yours are as pristine as you pretend.
So, go see “Urinetown”. Open your minds before you open your mouths. It's a great musical with a positive message about the good fight, with some super catchy tunes. Support your community's children. They are your future, after all.....
Kristin Henne
Cornwall
Comments:
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VERY well said Kristin. I have to admit as the father of one of the actresses in this show, that I was a tad disappointed that this was the selection in her senior year. However, as you say I really knew nothing about it. Still don't really - but I am reserving judgement. I hope this community will NOT take it out on our children who have worked just as hard on THIS production as they did with any other (like Les Mis). Keep in mind - the show itself is NOT the main point. Our children working hard together to bring a show to life IS!
posted by Chuck Trella on 03/15/12 at 1:09 PM
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I understand that some people are reluctant to see a show with a title as edgy as "Urinetown." Perhaps this article written by Charles Shaugnessy will serve to demystify the controversy surrounding the title. In it he addresses students who are reluctant to do their own production of "Urinetown" for fear that it will not be well received by their community. Sound familiar? His response was perfect, I think.
"I have had many people write to me to ask me to say a few words about the play I did on Broadway: URINETOWN The Musical. I understand that some schools are considering it as an option for a high school or college production, but hesitant to do it because of the title of the show! I think you could not pick a better show for a high school or college.
The deeply thoughtful message of the play concerning abuse of power, corruption and oppression is wrapped in a deliciously anarchic and satirical coating that appeals directly to the sensibilities of just the kind of blossoming minds you find on campuses.
The inspiration for the piece came from the author's travels through Europe on a dime, where he found himself spending an exorbitant percentage of his budget on public toilets...yes, you PAY to pee in many European countries. Ruminating on this punitive tax, he found himself in Romania at a rally for Dictator Ceausescu. The scenes of brutish crowd control and intimidation linked with the prior injustice and....voila...URINETOWN.
The sense of parody and affectionate satire extends to the beautiful, yet comic score. This is a show that won three Tony Awards, remember, and THAT is not easy! Do not be put off by the cheeky title, look beneath the merely scatological and find a truly remarkable and utterly appropriate show that you will enjoy both in the watching AND the playing.?
See "Urinetown." The cast is counting on you.
posted by Angela Giannetta on 03/15/12 at 11:03 PM
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