Jessica Wagel to perform in Huntington University's rendition of 'Urinetown'

2012 Oct 26

Jessica Wagel of Huntington, IN, will perform as Little Sally in Huntington University's rendition of "Urinetown: The Musical" opening Nov. 8.

Wagel is a junior Theatre Performance major at HU.

Following a catastrophic drought, Urinetown is a fictional place used by the government to keep control over its citizens. In order to preserve water, all private toilets are outlawed, and one single corporation maintains a monopoly over all the public amenities. Therefore, the destitute masses must pay towering fines to carry out their most private and basic of needs. Young handsome rebel and protagonist Bobby Strong (Nate Adams) decides to start a revolution against the powerful corporation owned by the evil Caldwell B. Cladwell (Joshua Cookingham), and unknowingly falls in love with Cladwell's naïve daughter Hope (Maggie Gilliam) along the way.

"Urinetown" will debut in the Zurcher Auditorium of the Merillat Centre for the Arts at Huntington University from Nov. 8-17. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with special 2 p.m. matinee performances Nov. 10 and 17. Jay Duffer, assistant professor of theatre arts, will direct.

"Yes, the title is meant to capture your attention," Duffer said. "But I hope that people will not avoid the show because of the title. I assure you the title is absolutely appropriate. The title captures the spirit of the show. It is satire at its finest with a great sense of whimsical humor. Everyone will find something to enjoy and admire about this off-beat and clever musical."

"Urinetown" was written by Greg Kotis with music by Mark Hollmann and lyrics by Hollman and Kotis. "Urinetown" debuted at the New York International Fringe Festival, and was produced Off-Broadway from May 6, 2001, until it opened on Broadway at Henry Miller's Theatre on Sept. 20, 2001. It ran for 965 performances.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, $6 for children 13 and younger, $5 for HU students and $9 for HU faculty/staff.

For reservations, call the Merillat Centre for the Arts Box Office at 260-359-4261 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Tickets also will be sold at the door before every performance. Tickets are now on sale. Get your tickets today as seating is limited.

The show contains some content that may not be suitable for young children. Parental discretion is advised.

Don't miss this satirical and earnest tale of love, greed and revolution!

For more information about the Huntington University Theatre Company, visit www.huntington.edu/theatre.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

For text of this and all Huntington University news releases, visit www.huntington.edu/news.