Alexander Children's Theatre School Presents URINETOWN, Now thru 12/16

The Alexander Children's Theatre School (ACTS) presents the 2002 Tony Award-winning musical, Urinetown, running tonight, December 14-16 (four performances) at Concord's Emerson Umbrella.

A 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities,regulated by a monopolizing company that charges admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he has had enough, and plans a revolution to lead the citizens to freedom!

Sharon Bisantz directs the production, which features a cast of 30 high school students from Concord, Sudbury, Natick, Weston, and other surrounding communities. A recognized director and choreographer in the Boston area, Bisantz is the director of drama at Lowell High School and a theatre educator at the Middlesex School Summer Arts (MSSA). The production team also includes music director Brent Kincaid, choreographer Jackie Theoharis (an IRNE Award nominee), and conductor Ben Oehlkers. Urinetown is produced by Stephanie C. Mavrides (the organization's founding director) and EMACT/DASH Award winner James Forbes Sheehan.

But why would anyone want to see a show about pee? "Urinetown acknowledges and duplicates theater tradition,but pushes it forward to the absurd," said Bisantz. "It makes us question what we expect from a musical." Sheehan adds, "Get past the title, and it's truly one of the best-written musicals to have played Broadway in the past fifteen years."

Performances are tonight, December 14 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 16 at 4:00 p.m. at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts (40 Stow Street, Concord, MA). Tickets are available by visiting www.ACTS1.org or by calling 781-899-4467.

Since 1999, ACTS has been producing several annual musicals, in addition to offering master classes and workshops with professional artists, weekly dance classes, special summer shows, and other educational opportunities. By combining the work of professional adults with that of students and volunteers, we can create an excellent learning experience for all. We believe that there is something for everyone; every child can succeed in the theater if given the proper guidance, encouragement, and direction. ACTS is a proud member of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres (EMACT).