This November, Western Australia's Western Sky Projects presents 'Urinetown: The Musical' at Liberty Theatre.
In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. If you've gotta go. . . You must use public amenities. . . As say the rules of a single malevolent company, profiting by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs.
'Urinetown' has humble beginnings as a small Fringe musical, which turned into a successful, Tony Award-winning Broadway show.
It's a gleeful musical sature of capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatisation of natural resources, bureaucracy, the legal system, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself.
Here, we speak to the Director of the Western Sky Projects production of 'Urinetown', Andy Baker, about all things musical theatre, directing, and more.
What was it about this show that made you want to take it on as a director?
Western Sky Projects is about offering Perth audiences and artists the opportunity to experience rarely performed musicals. 'Urinetown' is a cult hit in other parts of the world but it's rarely done in Perth. So that was the first reason why it was on our radar. It's also a brilliant satirical comedy about relevant issues like climate change, political extremism and corruption. Finally, it doesn't take itself too seriously at all – it's extremely fun. It's a fantastic challenge to bring all of that to the stage in a balanced way.
How do you balance the comedy and absurdity of ‘Urinetown' with the deeper social commentary underneath?
The key is to lean into the absurdity while retaining a real grounded truthfulness of the world of the play. The underlying subversive commentary about capitalism, idealism and power don't need to be emphasised. We don't want this show to be preachy, that sort of misses (or proves) the point of the show I think.
What’s been the biggest challenge in bringing that contrast to life on stage?
I think just trusting the material to do the heavy lifting. We have a fantastic cast who are honouring the satirical spirit of the show, while telling a truthful story and that can get arduous in a rehearsal room. We can't wait for an audience!
How would you describe your role as a director in a musical like this?
My role is to keep the overall cohesive vision of the show together, and managing the tone. From casting and staging to working with the musical director and designers to create a cohesive and impactful production.
How does the venue influence the way you’ve approached this production?
The Liberty Theatre's unique space allows for an intimate and somewhat immersive experience, which we're using to enhance the show's gritty atmosphere. We've worked in there once before, and we're being a bit more bold this time. It will be a unique experience for audiences. We're trying a few things!
How are you making this version of 'Urinetown' feel fresh and unique to Perth audiences?
I think this is only the third time the show's been done in Perth. It's a universal story, not set in a specific time or place. We're focusing on giving people an authentic production that leans into the unique space and there are some creative choices I've made that are driven by that. So this will be a 'Urinetown' like no other.
What do you think defines a Western Sky production?
Western Sky Projects has been around nearly ten years. We're known for doing shows that are rarely performed or brand-new Australian musicals. So that's our unique offer. But I'd also like to think we make bold, interesting, and thought-provoking musical theatre that gives people a different experience.
As a director, what’s the most rewarding moment in the process for you?
I find it very rewarding when good actors respond to my ideas and the challenge I've set, and then take it and run with it to make it work in their own way. Musicals are the definitive creative collaboration. Ultimately, the best part is when you feel an audience engage with the show and get a good experience from it. The audience is the final collaborator – and the most important one.
Why do you think the kind of humour in this show is effective?
The humour in this show disarms the audience, making them hopefully more open to the deeper, often uncomfortable, purpose of the story. But at the same time, the writers definitely just wanted to make people laugh – the humour of the show works on multiple levels.
If you had to sum up ‘Urinetown' in one sentence to convince someone to buy a ticket, what would you say?
'Urinetown' is like nothing you've ever experienced.
'Urinetown' plays Liberty Theatre (Perth) 7-15 November.
