credit – Butler Community College
The Butler Community College Theatre Department will present performances on Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 pm and a matinee performance Saturday, April 18 at 2 p.m. in the College Theatre on the El Dorado campus.
“Urinetown: The Musical” is part satire, part spoof, part love story, and part musical comedy. The musical takes a self-reflective look at a Gotham-like world in the near-future where, because of a 20-year drought, residents are forced to pay to use public toilets and private urination is prohibited. In this world two idealists meet, fall in love, and stimulate revolution. “Urinetown: The Musical” is a three-time Tony Award winner featuring a wide array of songs including witty ballads, rousing marches, upbeat jazz songs, and clap-worthy gospel-style numbers. Book and lyrics are by Greg Kotis and music and lyrics are by Mark Hollman.
“This smart high-energy musical will make you think and make you laugh,” said director and costume designer Samuel Sparks, assistant professor, theatre and speech. “We’ve assembled a great company of students who bring energy and creativity to the process.”
The Butler Fine Arts Box Office is open 1-5 pm Monday-Friday. Reservations can be made by calling 316-322-3262 or online. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children and senior citizens.
Bernie Wonsetler, associate professor, theatre and speech, is the scenic and lighting designer. Matthew Udland, professor, vocal music, is the music director. Henry Waters, assistant professor, vocal music, is the choreographer. Sophomore Nikiya Green of Wichita is the stage manager.
Butler cast members include (sorted by hometown):
Wichita: Brandon McKinney as Officer Barrel, Donte Ross as Tiny Tom, Haylee Couey as Josephine “Ma” Strong, Joshua Harris as Hot Blades Harry, Kevin David Norfleet as Officer Lockstock, Tyler Isbell as Senator Fipp,
Augusta: Angie Thompson as Penelope Pennywise, Ari Chandler as Hope Cladwell, Valen Pray as Dr. Billeaux
El Dorado: Brooklyn Hamilton as Little Becky Two-Shoes
Andover: Alli McCoy as Mr. Cladwell’s Secretary, Sierra Ardanche as Old Woman
Emporia: Keith Renteria as Mr. McQueen, Tarah Pearson as Mrs. Millenium, Andrew Meaders as Joseph “Old Man” Strong
Valley Center: Christy Collins as Little Sally
Minneapolis: Eileen Price as Soupy Sue
Arkansas City: Joey Defore as Billy Boy Bill
Hillsboro: Daniel Nelson as Bobby Strong
Maize: Daniel Reep as Caldwell B. Caldwell
Coldwater: Cassidy Puderbaugh playing various roles
Marion: Jay Dee Schafers playing various roles
Junction City: Cole Fields playing various roles
Argonia: Heather Burger playing various roles
The Butler Theatre Department produces four productions annually and offers full tuition and book scholarships to qualifying students in both performance and technical theatre. Interested students should contact Bob Peterson, [email protected].
