Granger High School Brings ‘Urinetown’ to the Stage

By Aimee L. Cook

West Valley - What’s in a name, or in this case, a title? In the case of the musical “Urinetown,” it can turn skepticism  into intrigue. Who doesn’t want to see how a musical with such a obscure name can be classified as artistic? 

Granger High drama teacher, Kirsten Anderson, was elated when her students wanted to bring her favorite musical to life. 

“This is a tragically hilarious musical,” Anderson said. “They make fun of musicals within the musical, which is really fun.”

“Urinetown,” the book, was written by Greg Kotis after traveling to Europe and being annoyed that he had to pay money to use a public bathroom. The musical takes place in a post apocalyptical city where water is scarce and corporate businesses decide to charge people to use public bathrooms. Gone are the days when even private bathrooms are allowed. 

Therefore, naturally, people without means or who won’t comply get shipped out to Urinetown, which does not really exist. Instead, you get pushed off a building. 

There are 85 cast members and 20 crew members in the show. All have put in long hours that began during the summer months. According to Anderson, this ensemble is the most prepared of any shows to date. 

“’Urinetown’ is one of my favorite musicals, and I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of it,” Aiza Higley, a senior who plays Hope Cladwell, said. “Getting to be one of the leads is especially cool. This year I learned that I can do hard things. I never knew how much responsibility being a lead is. It is also a little scary, because you know a lot of the focus is on you, but it is also really awarding.”

“Urinetown,” along with it being a satire, also has a plot twist. Audiences realize that the bureaucrats are actually putting a system in place to regulate the use of the sparse water supply and thus keeping everyone alive. 

Senior Dallin Aston plays Officer Lockstock. This is his seventh production, and “Urinetown” ranks in his top two favorites. 

“I really like the music in this production,” Aston said. “It is dramatic and very cool. This musical has gone very smooth. The cast has really been working hard to make this a great production.”

Granger High School preformed “Urinetown” from Nov. 19-23.