Name of production Hornsby Musical Society
Name of company Urinetown
Quick blurb of the show “Urinetown: the Musical” is a hilarious satire set in a future where water is so scarce that using a toilet costs money. The story follows Bobby Strong, a young hero who leads a rebellion against the oppressive Urine Good Company. With catchy songs and sharp humour, "Urinetown" combines laughs with thought-provoking themes about corporate greed and social justice, making it an entertaining and insightful experience.
Name of interviewee & role in the production
Nick Hiebl (Bobby Strong) Aiden Smith (Tiny Tom) Liv Turner (ensemble)
Charlotte Turner (ensemble)
Tell us a bit about yourself? (How long have you been doing shows? What do you do outside of theatre? What do you enjoy the most about theatre? Whatever you want to share!)
Nick: I've been doing shows for about 10 years since getting involved in singing during high school and absolutely fallen in love with musicals, performing and the social and collaborative experience of working in a team to pull a production together. Outside of theatre, I'm a software engineer so a bit of a stark contrast, but I love the opportunity that musicals and theatre give me to meet and work with new people and learn a bunch of new skills.
Aiden: Theatre has taken over my life ever since I left high school a couple of years ago - in addition to performing onstage, I've also recently Music Directed, played guitar in theatre pits, and am currently co-writing a musical about gay pirates! This is my fourth production with Hornsby and I am in love with the welcoming community within this society - I've made so many lifelong friends and it's really special to be able to perform and work with them every week.
Olivia: I’ve always loved musicals and live theatre since I was young. I started getting involved in community theatre in 2012 and since then I have split my time between performing onstage and assisting backstage. Urinetown will be my second show with HMS.
Charlotte: I have been involved in performing since starting ballet at age 4. Over the past two decades, I have explored different styles of dance, singing, and performed in several musicals. Urinetown will be my third musical with HMS. Other than performing, I also love to sew, and am very excited to take on the role of Production Designer in Grease with HMS in May 2025.
What can audiences look forward to when they come see the show?
Nick: Audiences should definitely look forward to the incredible humour of this musical. It parodies loads of tropes and musical archetypes in a really clever way to make this amazing story.
Aiden: Urinetown is a hilarious musical that really has something for everyone; whether you're here for big dance numbers, beautiful music, fourth wall breaking comedy, or a satirical exposé-on-political-corporate-&-economic-mismanagement (and musical theatre in general), this is a show that has all of that in spades!
Olivia: Audiences can look forward to catchy musical numbers, tight choreography, and a talented cast of amateur performers bringing this unique story to life. With diverse musical styles, sharp wit, and striking dystopian costumes that enhance the atmosphere, “Urinetown: The Musical” promises to entertain and provoke thought, leaving you laughing and pondering long after the curtain closes.
How has been the rehearsal process?
Nick: The rehearsal process has been really incredible and so much fun. It's amazing to see how much material we've covered and how much everyone's dance and singing skills have developed. I've particularly enjoyed seeing lots of people I've worked with before flourish into some of the show's many comic and dramatic featured moments.
Aiden: We've all had so much fun pulling this show together - as it's a very ensemble-heavy show the entire cast has spent a lot of time together in rehearsals dancing (there's a lot of dancing!). Additionally, several of us (including myself) have learnt swing tracks in case of illness or injury within the cast, adding another fun but challenging layer to scenework and runs.
Charlotte: The rehearsal period has been so much fun! It’s been amazing to see everyone embrace the absurdity of the show and explore their creativity without fear, making it an enjoyable and welcoming space to come to every week.
What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved?
Nick: I think the show is just really funny. I think it's one of the funniest and best books I've ever gotten to work with, and it has the song "Fun Freedom Run" which I've loved and listened to for many years.
Aiden: Urinetown is proving to be one of the best musicals I've ever been a part of, and I couldn't have asked for better people to do it all with. For me the most exciting part of this whole production is the chance to work with so many of my friends on such a fun and involved show - in my opinion, musicals that heavily feature the ensemble are more enjoyable for both the audience and the cast, and this is certainly one of those shows that I'm thrilled to be a part of.
Olivia: I had heard that there was a musical called Urinetown but knew nothing about it. Much like the characters in the show, I had my suspicions. Eventually I listened to the opening song of the soundtrack and was instantly hooked and knew I wanted to be involved in bringing this story to the stage.
Charlotte: Before a friend suggested I listen to the soundtrack, I didn’t know anything about “Urinetown: The Musical”. I instantly fell in love with the diverse styles of music, witty humour and outlandish characters and knew I wanted to be a part of the show.
Other than yourself, which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Who is really bringing it?
Nick: I'd really love to shout out the whole ensemble, in particular the poor ensemble. They're bringing so much vicious, over the top, high-character energy, and the way they bring the full stage to life during the dance numbers and Act One Finale is incredible.
Aiden: I CANNOT WAIT to see Sam Byres as Officer Lockstock; Sam and I went to high school together and I'm thrilled to see him now in his first lead role! I'd also like to give a shoutout to all the leads and alternate-cast leads (including Sam) who have worked doubly hard to learn an ensemble track for the shows where they are not performing as their lead character - it's been great to have them involved in every run!
Olivia: Nick Hiebl, playing Bobby Strong. From his comedic timing to his stamina, he has grasped this role with such drive and passion. Definitely one to look out for!
What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show?
Nick: The show explores themes of sustainability and freedom and makes us question if simplistic solutions are the best and that sometimes we should question our first instinct.
Aiden: I wish I knew! We spend a whole 6 minutes singing this exact question - "What Is Urinetown?" I think behind all the symbolism and water-baser humour (DISCLAIMER: not all jokes within this show are toilet-based), I've come to appreciate how like all good dystopian stories, this show heeds a warning to humanity of the dangers of political and social corruption. Whilst the world of Urinetown may seem merely far-fetched and facetious, worldwide ecological devastation could one day lead us to the brink of a societal collapse not unlike the one in this show. Could we one day also be living in Urinetown?
Charlotte: "Urinetown: The Musical" delivers a powerful message about the cost of social justice and freedom, making fun of the extremes of capitalism and government control. Its themes of oppression and resource scarcity feel incredibly relevant today, touching on issues like environmental crises and income inequality. We want audiences to leave feeling inspired to challenge injustice and motivated to take collective action, reminding them that the fight for dignity and humanity is just as important now as ever.
Hornsby Musical Society's production of Urinetown runs from 1-10 November 2024 at the Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill. Tickets and further information can be found at this link
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