East Central Musical This Weekend

ECC’s summer production of “Urinetown: The Musical” will be presented this weekend in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center on the Union campus.

Performances of the Tony Award winning play are set for 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 9-11. The show on Sunday, Aug. 12, will begin at 2 p.m.

With book and lyrics by Greg Kotis and music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, little is safe from ridicule in this musical tale, a dark satire that pokes fun at the legal system, capitalism, popular politics and corporate corruption.

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets.

The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs.

Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

John Anglin directs a cast of 20, many of them veterans of past ECC productions.

Music coordinator for “Urinetown” is Paula Nolley, with set design by Larry Melton. Adrienne Branson-Leslie is the choreographer and Josh Turk serves as technical director and lighting designer.

“Provocative title aside, ‘Urinetown’ is appropriate for all ages,” noted Anglin. “There is no vulgarity or sexual innuendo anywhere in the show.”

Anglin stated that more than 30 entries were submitted in a contest to rename the production, with “Water Closet Junction” selected as the new title. The winner receives four free tickets to the show.

Tickets can be reserved through Friday afternoon by calling 636-584-6693.

Tickets also will be sold at the door one hour prior to the start of every performance.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Patrons of the Arts, season pass holders and ECC students are admitted at no charge.