Urinetown is a Hit in Edgemont

As the cast of Edgemont actors and actresses lined up to rehearse their lines for the annual Edgemont Spring Musical try-outs, it was immediately apparent that the musical would be a hit this year. Tackling the satirical comedy of the musical, Urinetown, the Edgemont cast and crew knew this would be a performance like no other. From the talented new actors, such as Josh Roman, to returning singers and actresses including Jackie Brown, Urinetown was what everyone expected and more.

Opening with Officer Lockstock, played by the talented Reed Rosenberg .and street urchin Little Sally, played by Mallory Kostroff, the musical's satire is immediately presented. According to the policeman and little girl, a twenty-year drought has caused a terrible water shortage, making private toilets unthinkable. The show continues to satirize capitalism and corporate management as the audience follows the fight for bathroom freedom between the people of Urinetown and "Urine Good Company."

What really made this musical shine above others was the talented new director, Danny Bernstein, a composer and lyricist who is an Edgemont and Cornell graduate (Class of 2010 and 2014.) Bernstein added infectious enthusiasm on set and created the most popular Edgemont musical in years. With help from assistant director and Edgemont senior Hannah Rothstein, the two made Edgemont history. Junior Peter Jefferies who starred as Senator Fipp responded to the success of the production, saying, "Urinetown is a hilarious production that was directed by an extremely talented director who was able to teach us actors and actresses new acting techniques. Blending our own decisions with Danny and Hannah's input as directors really made the show a hit."

What the Edgemont musical has sadly been missing the past three years is the Edgemont senior class's hidden talent, Josh Roman. Starring as the male role, Bobby Strong, Roman stole the show with his unbelievable voice, acting skills, and dance moves. The audience was shocked to see the Edgemont soccer and lacrosse star belt out Urinetown tunes with Jackie Brown who played the female lead of Hope Cladwell. Amy Baumgarten, junior at Edgemont and supporting actress role of Penelope Pennywise, said, "Josh brought so much energy to practice everyday and really connected with every cast and crew member despite it being his first year. Talented is an understatement for what Josh proved he could do on stage. The show wouldn't have been complete without him!" Cast members, students, and faculty were raving over Josh's unbelievable performance.

The cast, crew, and pit orchestra collaborated to perform one of Edgemont's most talked about musicals. Despite the snow day affecting the Thursday night performance, Urinetown still succeeded and has many Edgemont students, parents, and faculty discussing the level of talent at the school.