WLBZ, WABI preview ‘Urinetown: The Musical”
WLBZ (Channel 2) and WABI (Channel 5) previewed the University of Maine School of Performing Arts production of the award-winning Broadway hit “Urinetown, The Musical.” Performances are scheduled Feb. 19–28 in Hauck Auditorium. The satirical comedy by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis is the story of a bureaucracy run amok when a water shortage after a 20-year drought results in a ban on private bathrooms. Citizens are forced to pay to use public facilities operated by a ruthless corporation led by a corrupt capitalist who is forever raising prices. To help with the performance, the school has brought in Jonathan Spencer, a professional lighting designer who has worked on Broadway and for the Penobscot Theatre Company. Michele Begley, a UMaine student and stage manager of the production, told WABI that putting together the show has “been a really eye-opening experience” and she has never worked with someone who has worked on Broadway tours. “It’s really fun to see him bring so many new instruments like LED lights,” she said. Tickets, which are $15 or free with a valid student MaineCard, are available online or at the door.