It was Valentine’s Day, and my fabulous friend and I were in search of a golden show to cap off our evening. After dining at Pink Taco and taking in the breathtaking views from the top of the of Empire State Building, we agreed that nothing epitomized romance quite like Urinetown at New York City Center.
We were running a bit behind, and of course, I had to pee before the show started. As Alanis Morrisette would say, “Isn’t it ironic?” Even the bathrooms were sprinkled with funny quotes from the musical – which, if you haven’t guessed, revolves around pee.
New York City Center revived the show as part of its Encores! series, giving a fresh splash to a beloved show with a cast that was leaking with talent.
The cast featured Jordan Fisher (Bobby Strong), Rainn Wilson (Caldwell B. Cladwell), Keala Settle (Penelope Pennywise), Josh Breckenridge (Senator Fipp), Kevin Cahoon (Old Man Strong, Hot Blades Harry), Pearl Scarlett Gold (Little Sally), Yeman Brown (Billy Boy Bill), Christopher Fitzgerald (Officer Barrel), Greg Hildreth (Officer Lockstock), Jeff Hiller (Mr. McQueen), Tiffany Mann (Soupy Sue), Daniel Quadrino (RobbThe cy the Stockfish), Graham Rowat (Ensemble, Officer Lockstock on Feb 14), Stephanie Styles (Hope Cladwell), Myra Lucretia Taylor (Josephine Strong), and John Yi (Tiny Tom).
ENCORES!
URINETOWN
Feb 5 – 16, 2025
Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis
Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin
Choreographer Mayte Natalio
Featuring The Encores! Orchestra
Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Director Teddy Bergman
Many theater critics have the power to flush a show down the toilet with their reviews, but this time, they were overflowing with positivity.
More Than Toilet Humor – New York Times
Urinetown Is Still Potable – Vulture
‘Urinetown’ Is Back, and It’s Both as Relevant and Delightfully Esoteric as Ever – The Sun
Is ‘Urinetown’ Still Good to the Last Drop? – Observer
Biting satire and loving parody – New York Post
ENCORES!
URINETOWN
Feb 5 – 16, 2025
Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis
Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin
Choreographer Mayte Natalio
Featuring The Encores! Orchestra
Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Director Teddy Bergman
Of course, the production was full of puns, but it also had themes that were extremely relevant.
The story unfolds in a town with no name, set in a future where water is scarce, private toilets are outlawed, and the only way to empty your bladder is to pay the monopolistic Urine Good Company—capitalism at its finest. While the premise is absurd and downright silly, it cleverly mirrors the current government’s obsession with privatization, tariffs, and corporate control over public resources. The show’s satire hits hard and spotlights the citizens that find the liquid courage to fight the system with a lot of humor.
ENCORES!
URINETOWN
Feb 5 – 16, 2025
Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis
Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin
Choreographer Mayte Natalio
Featuring The Encores! Orchestra
Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Director Teddy Bergman
I’ll admit, my only prior experience with the show was a high school production in the early 2000s, so my excitement was all about the incredible cast, especially the talented Jordan Fisher. It turned out to be an absolute joy, with no one person carrying the show. From the ensemble to Little Sally, every performance had the audience laughing non-stop. Of course, Jordan’s powerhouse voice didn’t disappoint, especially during his rendition of “Run, Freedom Run,” which brought down the house with applause.
New York City Center is conveniently located on West 56th street and has a strong line-up including Love Life and Wonderful Town.
ENCORES!
URINETOWN
Feb 5 – 16, 2025
Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis
Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin
Choreographer Mayte Natalio
Featuring The Encores! Orchestra
Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Director Teddy Bergman
