The Perfect Form: Urinetown

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Anyone that's seen my smiling visage since last night knows well what this entry is about because I simply can't stop talking about IT. What has that silly grin simply plastered on my face is the Seacoast Repertory Theatre's production of "Urinetown, the Musical."

I've avoided crossing this line till now, but for this instance I will. To do this show justice I've summon the spirit of that that McCartin Woman - my FRIENDLY gossip rival - to address the matter. Don't ask me how it's done, it involves a crystal ball, candles, a bribe and chant- but it's worth it to get her insight.

And the word is: according to that former decade-long theater reviewer for the Portsmouth Herald - this production hits the TOP 10 productions, if not top five (the reception was fuzzy) of the past decade.

I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with her this time.

The script - like all is a matter of taste, but it's unquestionably entertaining. I found the longer you sit with it the more sense and more profound its superciliousness becomes. Yes, I liked it.

But the production!? (Imagine me looking to the sky and slapping a white gloved hand to my chest). Just exquisite! Every single, solitary element of it. The set, costuming, lighting, props, music, every detail is unequivocally spot on. Nothing smacks of community theater here folks.

Now the acting.

Where do I start. Well, let me say it's such a strong ensemble piece I don't want to single any one person out, (Tommy Labanaris, Megan Quinn, Christine Dulong), because I think that would be doing the show an injustice,(Chris and Jamie Bradley and Merrill Peiffer), and that's the last thing I would want to do.

I suppose you've noticed those few names in the previous paragraph set off by parenthesise. Well, once you channel a person it's not easy to discontinue the connection, and that McCartin woman won't be contained. Sorry.

But let me say this - there are 19 performers in this production and I wouldn't remove a one. They all deserve to be mentioned. It is the strongest vocal, acting and dance collective I've witnessed in years - so says that OTHER woman as well.

And direction! (Imagine another slap to the chest and eyes cast skyward), simply heavenly. Kudos Mr.Bill Humphreys. Return soon!

Choreography? Also heavenly! So, Adrienne Maitland, hurry back.

Music? - Ah Kathy Fink and crew, you've done it again. Magnifico. And don't we just love a live band. (Great work Mr. Paul Erwin Musical Director).

Rob Sullin & Jillian Mitchell LOVE your set design, LOVE IT. Matt Guminski - your lighting? Special. Lauri Gagnon's props. Tops, (and disgusting).

Okay, so that's what you get when you channel a former theater reviewer. It's hard to put a lid on it. But then, I really don't care to. That's the thing about outstanding art, you just want to go on and on about it.

To Pee or not to Pee is the question the play poses. The answer I'm giving is to BE there and SEE for yourself. Killer theater folks.

Yours in the elation of great art
Gossip Lady

PHOTO GALLERY
Top photo: Show shot taken by deck crew, from "inside the sewer" (or backstage).
Woman alone: Merrill Peiffer - could you die for that hair doo?! (thanks Chris Bradley for the behind the scene shot)!

Next series: performers emerging in the midday sun, Saturday, between shows.
First: Jennifer Sue Mallard, Miles Burns, Merrill Peiffer, sans pomp
Second: the "Brothers Bradley"
Third: a duo demonstrating their exhaustion Megan Quinn and Christine Dulong
Fourth: a trio of guys demonstrating being guys Tobin Moss, Andrew Bridges, Dan Beaulieu

Too Pee or not?

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

To pee or not to pee, that is the question starting this weekend at Seacoast Repertory Theater.

This young lad had a lot of thoughts on the matter, right down to how the question was posed, answers were inflected and songs was sung. Hard to imagine anyone would have that much input on urinating, but as director of the Rep's "Urinetown, the Musical" he does. Did. No probably still does. He's not off duty for a few days.

So who is this squeaky clean kid?

Think movie and documentary maker, actor, director, producer, and Maggie the cow's best friend.

Yup, that's the Oakhurst farmer himself Bill Humphreys, who happens to be an Emmy Award Winner as well. This is one of the times you'll see his end product rather than him, but if he's done the job right we'll be fine with that.

Want a preview. Check out this fancy schmantzy clip The Rep put together. Makes me want to go out and start a rebellion, or at least belt out a show tune. Either will do. I'll decide after coffee.

Well my friends, G Lady will be attending the show. This is one lady that hates unanswered questions. To pee or not to pee? The answer is ...

Yours in anticipation
Gossip Lady

Heading to Urinetown.

Greetings Gossip Lovers

If you’re thinking these three were at Seacoast Rep last night hoping to land a role in “Urinetown” – wrong. They’re the ones the hopefuls needed to impress. Scare you just a little?

Well it shouldn't really. Left to right it’s Adrienne Maitland, choreographer, Craig Faulkner, SRT’s assistant artistic director and Bill Humphreys, "Urinetown" director. – Eat your heart out Cowell and company.

While the trio were the "judges," they where also some of the evening’s best entertainment – along with Paul Erwin on keyboards, the show’s musical director.

In short order an evening's, inside joke formed, thanks to Bill’s colorful, oft repeated instructions for the cold read characters. “Gritty, lowlife, sewer rat, dirty, nasty” and the like. His version of rabble-rouser went from rubble, ruble and rebel with a few more hysterical mispronunciations. Poor auditioners had no idea what prompted the out-of-context laughs.

But it sure didn't keep them away. The place was PACKED gossip lovers! Upwards of 60 performers showed, new and familiar faces; exceptionable to passable. Auditions were originally scheduled for 6 to 9:30; but ran 4:30 to past 11. Among the hopeful, seacoast favorite Merrill Pfeiffer, who came up from her new New York home to give it a shot.

One thing is for sure, this show has a shot at being one of the seacoast’s most memorable. (Can you say pressure : ). There was a plethora of exceptional voices. And that young man in the blue shirt – woooweee, show stealer in the best way. And of course Bill is back from North Carolina to direct. - Yes, we can expect great things.

Yours in anticipation

Gossip Lady

Photos: top, already mentioned above, but did you notice how hard it is to discern where one starts and the other ends? This is how legends start eh? "The Attack of the Theater Thing," "Night of the Six-Legged Actor," or "It Came from Beneath the Green Room," that sort of thing. Middle: Faulkner and Humphreys - clearly having missed one another other. (Bill's been gone many months folks). Bottom: Merrill Pfeiffer - love the new darker locks! To the left: a blur of auditioners learning dance moves.