High schoolers stage 'Urinetown' to full house in Sarasota
A cast of teenagers from local schools and home school programs performs the musical through Nov. 1 at the Siesta Key Mall location.
By Sofia Wisniewski ·
The theater was completely full on opening night, with not a single empty seat available. The production of 'Urinetown' is running through Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Players Theatre's Siesta Key Mall location.
The cast consists entirely of high school students. Most attend Booker High School, while others come from Venice High, Manatee High, and home school programs. One student is making her debut in a high school theater production. Many of the actors have performed in previous Players productions or at other regional theaters, a background that contributes to their vocal and dance skills.
Brian F. Finnerty directs and choreographs the show. He also designed the set. Finnerty has worked with many of the young performers in past projects. This shared history helped streamline the production process. Finnerty is a production manager for the 95-year-old Players Theatre, which was founded in 1929. He also serves as co-artistic director of the Dingbat Theatre Project, established in 2020.
The musical features a theater-in-the-round setup with seating on four sides. This arrangement places the audience closer to the action than a traditional stage would allow. The story follows a city suffering from a 20-year drought. The water shortage forces public toilets to close. A new tax on urination burdens the poor and homeless. Caldwell B. Cladwell, the president of Urine Good Company, controls the public restrooms. Those who fail to pay the fee are sent to live in Urinetown.
Henry Mills plays Cladwell. He wears a mink coat throughout the performance to signify his wealth. Gaby Suchan plays Cladwell's daughter, Hope. Her relationship with Bobby Strong, an enforcement officer, forms the romantic subplot. The ensemble casts the various poor citizens who struggle to afford the toilet fees.
Tickets are available by phone at 941-365-2494 or online at theplayers.org. The next Players Studio production, 'Between the Lines Jr.,' is scheduled for Dec. 10-15 at the same location. Donors interested in naming rights for the upcoming Payne Park location or 97th season sponsorships can contact Amy Gorman at amyg@theplayers.org or by phone at 941-365-2494, ext. 105.
