ACT Urinetown Review 2018

[SFtheatregeek]

Posted: 8/10/18 at 2:54pm

Just saw the youth production of Urinetown at ACT and I  LOVED IT. I went wendsay on opening night and I wanted to  share a space if any other Bay Area people had seen it as well, even though it’s still early in its short run! 

 

I was so impressed with the ensemble even though they were all young students, my standouts were the Hope Cladwell, Cladwell, and Little Sally!! However everyone was so talented and I loved every second. I’m considering going to see it one more time!

Updated On: 8/10/18 at 02:54 PM

[BwayworldBay]

Posted: 8/10/18 at 3:09pm

As a long time audience member at the American Conservatory Theatre (20+ years) my wife and I went out last Weds night to go see their production of Urinetown (one of my favorite shows) at the Strand Theatre, at first we were a bit skeptical because we didn’t realize it was a youth production until we got there, however we were both SO blown away by this production that I wanted to share my thoughts, but if you want to skip over my rambles, long story short. Get a ticket. Go see Urinetown at ACT. Support these kids.

I first want to speak on the production itself and the impressive creative team. With the exception of what I'm clocking as some opening night nerves, the entire production itself was very proffesional. The curtain shadows in numbers like Don’t Be the Bunny were extremely entertaining and brought a whole new level of creativity which is always expected from an ACT production. I also was extremely impressed with all of the choreography by Marcelo Pereira. The varying styles, skilled level, and creativity in the dance numbers made me feel like I was watching a Broadway show. I was particularly blown away by the choreography in Run Freedom Run and Cop Song. My wife and I also were so impressed with the direction lead by Jessica Bird, and after a little research we found out she has also worked on Broadway! Her direction of these kids lead to such an amazing production and I look forward to following her career. We were also touched by her opening night speech, where even an outside audience member could tell how much heart and soul Bird put into this production. Now although this is a huge ensemble show I was just so impressed with the leads specifically my favorite, this productions Hope Cladwell, played by a surprisingly young but powerful Karima Karkori. Having seen this show many times, Hope is a character that if often hit or miss, however, Karkori’s interpretation and her beautiful buttery voice brought depth and life to a character I seldom seen done with any heart. The Officer Lockstock was also a favorite, played by MFA actor Charlie O’Rouke, after this performance my wife and I will enjoy following his career. O’Rouke’s, charming smile and confident air set us up for a beautiful show and constantly kept the audience involved. I also loved the chemistry between Lockstock and his sidekick Officer Barrel played by Marlo Perez, who played being absolutely lovable while a bit creepy so flawlessly! Cop Song with these two was also a huge highlight. The Penelope Pennywise played by Aiyana Greene had the most beautiful and powerful voice, while also bringing a softer side to Pennywise which I was interested in following throughout the show. Cladwell played by another MFA actor, Goran Norquist, brought a similar air to the show. I was particularity impressed with Norquist’s ability to stay comedic while staying close to the truth. The switch between his charm and suave in the number Mr.Cladwell and later in the show was carried out so skillfully by Norquist and he brought new elements to Cladwell which is also a character I seldom seen done with such precision. Some other standouts were the Bobby Strong, played by a female MFA Afua Busia, which I found to be an interesting choice and Senator Fipp played by another hilarious MFA student, Leroy Graham. Little Sally, played by another younger student, Jordan Paff was also a HUGE delight. That girl can pack a punch! My wife and I loved The Little Becky Two Shoes and Hot Blades Harry played by Janelle Soriano and Isabella Kaplan respectively, who brought the house down during Snuff That Girl. I also loved the choice of a female Hot Blades Harry in addition to the female Bobby, who was also quite impressive. My wife also gushed over the Tiny Tom who couldn’t have been more adorable. All of the ensemble actors were all SO strong despite the young ages and seeing this show has given me hope for the future generations of Theatre, and if ACT can keep up this high of caliber for their youth productions, I will be coming to more and more of these shows. Updated On: 8/10/18 at 03:09 PM