Troupe says musical is flush with humor
Group set for weekend run of 'Urinetown' in North Brunswick
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

SCOTT PILLING staff Stefanie Flamm, as Penelope Pennywise, stares down Michael Whalen, as Caldwell B. Cladwell, during the Young Adult Drama Group's rehearsal of "Urinetown," to be performed at the North Brunswick Township High School Aug. 2, 3 and 4.

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Warning: if you are offended by the word "pee" and a little bathroom humor, this play is not for you. If not, "Urine Good Company" if you attend this weekend's production of "Urinetown," to be performed by the Young Adult Drama Group at the township high school.

The satirical musical centers around a 20-year drought causing a terrible water shortage. Private toilets become unthinkable so all restroom activities become public and are controlled by a private corporation. There are high usage rates and harsh laws regarding the public bathrooms, and violators are sent to the penal colony of Urinetown if they do not abide by the rules.

The dramatic portion of the storyline begins when Joseph "Old Man" Strong cannot afford admission to the urinal and is thus arrested and exiled, despite his son Bobby working for the company. As Senator Fipp and Caldwell B. Cladwell, the CEO of Urine Good Company, exchange bribes for fee hikes, a rebellion against the increases develops, led by Bobby defending the exile of his father. Characters Penelope Pennywise, a manager of the corporation, and Hope, Cladwell's daughter, eventually join the uprising and become entangled in the drama, which does not conclude in the typical Hollywood fashion of a happy ending.

The twists and turns, tongue-in-cheek humor and satirical nature of the plotline are what drew director Joel Chesler to the musical, which he has wanted to produce for the past four years.

"It's a chance to have lots of people on stage, lots of talent and lots of opportunities," he said.

The 35 cast members and additional orchestral and production crew members, who range in age from 13 to 20, have been rehearsing since early July for their 8 p.m. performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They view the drama group as a way to occupy their summer while strengthening their acting talents.

Joey Braccino will play Officer Lockstock, who narrates the play along with Little Sally, played by Alyson Angstreich. He said the appeal of the production is its unusual premise and relation to social issues of corruption and politics, but also the way it spoofs other Broadway shows such as "Les Miserables," "West Side Story," and "Fiddler on the Roof."

"It is an interesting title but I think the people who will see a title like that and see it as humor will see the humor in the show," he said. "When you see a show like this you can't stop laughing. Whether or not you get it, it's just absurd."

Julia Nutter, who takes on the role of the school-smart but not so world-smart Hope, said that her naive character comes to see the world as it truly is, not just in the positive light she imagined it to be, especially in relation to her father.

"She's a fun character to play because she's very ditzy and she says things you may not think about," Nutter said.

Bobby Strong is quite the opposite, described by actor Eric Valosin as being the hero of the show. Although he is a bit idealistic, the audience should enjoy his role in "Run, Freedom, Run" and the Act I finale.

"You have to mentally practice who the character is supposed to be and how he'd react to each situation," Valosin said. "I think the biggest challenge is trying to be animated and over the top but still not too over the top, because he's surprisingly one of the saner characters although he is so out there at the same time."

Looking forward to flirting with Valosin is Valerie Swercheck, who has been his friend since the first grade. Her character Soupy Sue joins Bobby's rebellious mob, showing that "rebels know what's right and wrong but [sometimes] they don't have the courage to stand up and do something."

Participating in her sixth young-adult production, Swercheck is one of the longest running cast members involved in the current production.

"It's so fun, it's no stress, it's the summer. I went to college as a science major so I can't really do theater during the school year so now I get to come back," she said.

Another cast member taking advantage of the opportunity the summer program provides is Chris Helyer, a resident of Matawan who was encouraged to join the North Brunswick group because his chorus teacher, John Watson, is the Young Adult Drama Group's musical director.

"This time last year I had no interest but now it's my life. I'm actually thinking about changing my major in college [from art education to theater]," "Old Man" Strong said about the influence the program has had on him. "It grew on me in Matawan, but when I got here the show was so much fun I loved it. There's no experience like it."

In relation to the inspiration his character provides, Helyer said, "You have to stand up for what you believe in no matter what consequences there may be. If you feel so strongly about it you should address it."

From the adult end, the musical is produced by Elaine Martin-Amodio and assistant-directed and choreographed by Rebecca Cahill. Cahill said that the self-expression acting and music provides is the reward of the show, especially when hearing the applause on opening night.

"There are a lot of kids, a big age group, and it's something the township puts on, something everyone can get involved with, it's a family-friendly show even though the title is weird," Swercheck said. "I don't think the people in the community realize how much talent there is in North Brunswick and I think people should come out to see that."

Tickets will be sold prior to the show on each night. The cost is $7 for children under 12 and senior citizens and $10 for adults. The school is located at 30 Raider Road.

The 37th annual production is sponsored by the North Brunswick Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services.