The Augustana University Theatre Department will present “Urinetown: The Musical!” Directed by Dr. Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons, shows begin on Thursday, Nov. 20, and run through Sunday, Nov. 23 — all taking place in the Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.
A 3-time Tony Award winner, “Urinetown: The Musical” is a satire that creates suspense while using comedic relief to engage the audience. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage caused by a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!
“We're so excited to have this funny, timely, meta-musical as part of our Main Stage season this year. ‘Urinetown’ features a cast of unique and memorable characters, wonderful music and dancing, and plenty of surprises! The cast and design team have embraced this story with such enthusiasm, talent and heart, and I can't wait for audiences to join us for a great night of theatre at Augustana,” said Gearhart Fitzsimmons, assistant professor of theatre.
“Urinetown: The Musical!” at Augustana is choreographed by Magdalen Eberle with music direction by Nolan Wipf, a vocal music teacher at Memorial Middle School in Sioux Falls. The musical satire includes a cast of more than 30 Augustana students and staff, including Avery Hemminger ‘28, of Byron, Minnesota.
"Working on the musical ‘Urinetown’ has been such an incredible experience. The show itself is incredibly clever and a lot of fun, but also very thought provoking and provides a lot of insight into the current state of our world,” said Hemminger, who plays Hope Cladwell. “I think what really makes our production stand out is the fact that we aren’t trying to recreate another production in any way. From choreography to scenic design, everyone has truly brought something unique and special to this production.
“I get to do a little bit of everything. I get to dance, sing and portray a variety of complex ideas and emotions. It’s been so fun to dive into a character who learns and grows so much throughout the show. I love getting to put myself in the shoes of a character and tell their story onstage time and time again. Above all, this show has me feeling extremely grateful for all the amazing people involved in theater at Augie and for the opportunity to express myself through this beautiful art form."
Tickets for “Urinetown: The Musical!” are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, and $5 for non-Augustana students. Admission is free for K-12 students and anyone with a valid Augustana ID. For showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit augie.edu/TheatreTickets.
The full list of cast members includes:
- T.J. Ashes ‘27, of Pineridge, South Dakota
- Aden Alvine ‘27, of Sioux Falls
- Amelia Barr ‘27, of Brandon, South Dakota
- Bailey Bergjord ‘29, of Flandreau, South Dakota
- Heidi Blecher ‘28, of Gardner, Kansas
- Mikayla Browning ‘28, of Warner, South Dakota
- Ben Burbach ‘26, of Vermillion, South Dakota
- Veilia Christiansen ‘29, of Sioux Falls
- Hudson Connelly ‘28, of Sioux Falls
- Sam Dixon ‘27, of Brandon, South Dakota
- Suki Ford ‘26, of Vermillion, South Dakota
- Izzy Hagen ‘29, of Brandon, South Dakota
- Avery Hemminger ‘28, of Byron, Minnesota
- Jaxon Johnson ‘26, of Fairmont, Minnesota
- Katelyn Kivela ‘26, of Spencer, Iowa
- Mya Lynk ‘28, of Dassel, Minnesota
- Chrissy Mailloux ‘27, of Brandon, South Dakota
- Kei Meister ‘28, of Sioux City, Iowa
- Liv Moeller ’27, of Mankato, Minnesota
- Noah Norwine ‘ 27, of Harrisburg, South Dakota
- Mikennah Oleson ‘26, of Hill City, South Dakota
- Josie Paul ‘28, of Fargo, North Dakota
- Vaughn Schneider ‘27, of Sioux Falls
- Brooke Scullen ‘26, of Andover, Minnesota
- Claire Steffensen ’28, of Pierre, South Dakota
- Preston Spaans ‘29, of Sioux Falls
- Henry Thronson ’28, of Pierre, South Dakota
- Isaac Tudor ‘29, of Dell Rapids, South Dakota
- Patrick Valentine ‘27, of Pierre, South Dakota
- Satchel Workman ‘28, of Sioux Falls
- Dan Workman, associate professor of theatre
For more information about the Augustana Theatre, visit augie.edu/theatre.