Urinetown Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...Choreographer Aubrey Adams's group dance numbers steal the show, except that a ton of mugging from the ensemble earns cheap laughs at the expense of some crucial moments in the narrative. Ariana Burks as poor Little Sally, tugging on the policeman's sleeve with a mutilated teddy bear under one arm, has wonderful timing and a fine voice."
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...Returning from Broadway fame to a happy hometown crowd and an intensely intimate revival by BoHo Theatre, Urinetown, Chicago's homegrown triple-crown Tony winner, was worth the wait. With a neo-Brechtian plot by Kotis and neo-Weill score by Hollmann, this tongue-in-cheek tribute to underdogs everywhere is narrated by Officer Lockstock (the wonderfully unctuous Scott Danielson). From the start he spills the show's strategies, such as avoiding any excessive exposition. It works: we all like being taken in. The cop also tells us not to expect a happy ending, perhaps to keep this musical from being confused with any other (certainly what Tolstoy said about unhappy families applies to unhappy endings-they're all dramatically different)."
ChicagoCritic- Recommended
"...The bizarre plot and crude themes may offend some-and that's the point. Urinetown uses camp and satire hard, in-you-face. The lesson here is that pushing the boundaries can result in a hilariously entertaining night that celebrates musical theatre. As the production works hard to please, its sheer energy wins our favor. This seldom seen musical is so appropriate with all the chaos of the Trump administration that it becomes a cautionary tale of political mismanagement. You'll have a good time as this dedicated troupe rips our foibles in a most entertaining way."
Chicago Theatre Review- Highly Recommended
"...Free spirited BoHo Theatre continually ups the ante, producing timely, thought-provoking plays and musicals that explore the nonconformity of the artist’s intellect. This popular, highly praised, controversial 16-year-old satire feels as relevant as today’s headlines. It will make audiences laugh and ponder how this futuristic fantasy could actually be portraying the despicable politics and climate changes of our own times. For now, however, just realize that it’s a privilege to pee."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre- Highly Recommended
"...BoHo’s terrific staging is rather spartanly produced in an intimate room. At first blush, it’s hard to believe a 14-member cast and Music Director Charlotte Rivard-Hoster‘s five-piece orchestra (so good it sounds like 12) will share the space well. Indeed they do, with clever, deft staging by Schellhardt and well-executed, exacting choreography by Aubry Adams. The multi-faceted second level of Scenic Designer Tony Churchill‘s functional set and use of the house aisle help, too."