THEATER:’Urinetown’ flushed with satire at UCI

Once you get beyond the show’s title, as well as its premise of a futuristic society in which relieving oneself comes at a heavy price, the satirical sheen of “Urinetown: The Musical” can be fully appreciated.

This rousing and irreverent musical comedy from Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman, currently on stage at UC Irvine, is no stranger to local audiences, having previously been performed at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse. Yet no matter how familiar the material, it’s still pungent stuff, as the UCI production demonstrates.

“Urinetown” may be wicked farce, but its underlying appeal for the conservation of our natural resources is quite serious. The show, beautifully directed by Myrona DeLaney, is a chilling harbinger of what could happen in the not too distant future — and it’s not pretty.

In the show’s unnamed metropolis, urinary relief is controlled by a mega-corporation (Urine Good Company) and its avaricious, Stetson-sporting chairman, whose pure-hearted daughter tumbles for the leader of a free-pee revolution. Should you miss the connection to “Les Miserables,” there’s a red flag waved back and forth during the first act finale.

“Les Miz,” “West Side Story,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and other musicals come in for satirical swipes in this cleverly conceived show, but musical theater itself takes it on the chin most frequently as a kindly cop explains the concept of the production to a street urchin. This is the business end of Kotis’ satirical sword.

DeLaney’s student cast excels at this grotesque lampoonery, particularly Tony McConville as Bobby Strong, the rebel leader, who blends a powerful voice with a steely demeanor. Kaylen Danz is equally effective as the beautiful but somewhat vacuous Hope who blends right in with the rebels in a tricky choreographic number, even while bound and gagged.

David Winters enacts the oily Caldwell B. Cladwell, ruler of the corporate goliath, with more infectious humor than ominous menace. Laura D’Andre is particularly effective as the lusty Penelope Pennywise, manager of a “public amenity” in the worst part of the city.

The narrator-cop, Officer Lockstock, is given a sharp-edged, avuncular portrayal by Quinn VanAntwerp, and his chirpy protege, Little Sally, is rendered with a coy street savvy by Amy Sterling. Aaron Williams is fine as the slippery congressman.

The rebellious slum dwellers are splendidly choreographed by Heather Castillo, particularly Ryan Farnsworth as Hot Blades Harry, who performs the entire show on roller skates. Ensemble segments such as “Snuff That Girl” and “Run, Freedom, Run” are terrifically executed.

Robin Watson’s junk-strewn setting, most of it in the orchestra pit, creates an eye-catching backdrop, while Jessica Champagne’s costumes are extremely effective, especially those of the downtrodden characters. Max Haymer keep the pacing sharp as musical director and conductor.

“Urinetown: The Musical” renders a robust reaming to musical theater in general while succeeding splendidly as offbeat entertainment at UCI.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: “Urinetown: The Musical”

WHERE: Claire Trevor Theater, UC Irvine

WHEN: Closing performances tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

COST: $9 - $17

CALL: (949) 824-2787