Urinetown * Music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann. * Book and lyrics by Greg Kotis. * 1 March 2024. * Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Lisa in the theatre Urinetown – St James Theatre 14 Mar 2014 —
The musical opens in a dystopian future where people are forced to pay to use the restroom. The story takes place in a world where a mysterious town called Urinetown has been built, where people can use the restrooms for a fee.
This meta-theatrical dialogue is not just a joke; it is a mission statement. Kotis and Hollmann are writing a musical about musicals. They deconstruct the "Urinetown" genre—the heroic uprising. The hero, Bobby Strong, falls in love with the villain’s daughter, Hope. He leads a revolution. He sings a rousing "I Believe" anthem. And then the script subverts every expectation.
The second act features some of the musical's most memorable songs, including "It's a Privilege" and "Good News." The act culminates in a dramatic showdown between Leon, Claudine, and Mr. Kohlantz.
The plot follows Bobby Strong, an assistant custodian at the poorest, filthiest public amenity in town, who eventually leads a peasant rebellion against the evil megacorporation, Urine Good Company, run by the ruthless Caldwell B. Cladwell. Along the way, there’s a forbidden romance with Cladwell’s naive daughter, Hope, a corrupt police force led by Officer Lockstock, and a narrator who constantly breaks the fourth wall. urinetown the musical script
Recommended cuts/edits (if staging)
The creators of Urinetown have shown a willingness to legally enforce their rights. In a highly publicized 2006 case, the creative team sent cease-and-desist letters to two amateur productions in Ohio and Michigan. The productions had a license to use the script and music , but their promotional materials and staging choices had . This was a violation of their license, as those specific elements were considered separate intellectual property.
While the full script cannot be generated here, it is available through authorized channels such as Music Theatre International for performance rights and Amazon for purchase.
The main character, LEON, a poor but optimistic citizen, sings about his daily struggles in the opening number, "Urinetown." Leon's friend, LITTLE JOHNNY, joins him, and they discuss their dreams of a better life. Urinetown * Music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Whether you are a theatre professional looking for your next production, a student of playwriting, or a fan of sharp, intelligent comedy, obtaining a copy of the Urinetown script is a decision you will not regret. It will make you laugh, think, and never look at a public restroom, or a Broadway musical, in quite the same way again.
The character of Mr. Kohlantz represents the corrupt and oppressive systems that govern our society. In contrast, Leon and Claudine represent the power of resistance and rebellion.
Urinetown, a musical satire created by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis, premiered Off-Broadway in 2001 and transferred to Broadway in 2002. The show's irreverent humor, catchy music, and thought-provoking themes have made it a cult classic. On the surface, Urinetown appears to be a ridiculous comedy about a dystopian world where people are forced to pay to use the bathroom. However, upon closer examination, the script reveals itself to be a clever and subversive commentary on societal norms, conformity, and the human condition.
Urinetown is a love letter to, and a parody of, musical theatre conventions. The satirical score reinforces every moment of the plot, from the melancholic hope of "Look at the Sky" to the vaudevillian corporate propaganda of "Mr. Cladwell". * Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Lisa in the
The script is divided into two acts, with a total of 22 songs. The musical numbers range from upbeat and energetic to poignant and satirical.
The curtain opens on a dystopian future where people are forced to pay to use the restroom. The story takes place in a world where a mysterious figure known as "The Urinal King" has created a system where people must pay to use the facilities.
LEON: I've got a plan. We're gonna build a business that's gonna revolutionize the way people go to the bathroom.