Urinetown

“I mean, what kind of musical is this?” This might be your sentiment when watching the musical Urinetown, but it is also Little Sally breaking the fourth wall to narrate while playing her role. In a city with a water shortage, citizens can only use pay toilets installed by Kwae-byun (Korean for “regular bowel movement”) Co. Ltd., a government-certified company. If you do your business elsewhere, you can be sent to Urinetown, where no one ever comes back alive. Kwae-byun attempts to increase fees for the pay toilets, and the poor citizens and toilet cartel go head-to-head. Urinetown addresses the issues of freedom, struggle, and oppression of the citizens with the analogy of bowel movements, an unavoidable human need. The play also criticizes the corruption caused by the symbiotic relationship of governments and corporations. It is a well-made black comedy. The subject matter may be heavy, but the way it is delivered is delightful. Urinetown’s return to the stage after ten years features the original cast, experienced thespians Seong Ki-yoon, Lee Kyung-mi and Lee Dong-keun. Bobby, the leader of the revolution, leaves something to be desired. Narrators Office Lockstock and Little Sally are played by Kim Dae-jong and Choi Seo-yeon, both of whom lapse into their respective roles seamlessly. Singer IVY stars as Hope, provides great comedic relief as well.