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'Urinetown' is No. 1

Like a popular abstract painting, "Urinetown: The Musical," now playing at Swift Creek Mill Theatre , is ripe for self-interpretation. This off-beat Tony-award-winning show revolves around a drought-stricken town where people have to pay to urinate. The town's poor are oppressed and the rich are powerful and controlling. All of this corruption and greed is set to a musical backdrop that sends up several of Broadway's best-loved musicals. While it may spark conversation and philosophical thought, "Urinetown: The Musical" is essentially a parody of musical theater. Those who have spent many a night at the theater will surely catch witty references to other musicals such as "Annie," "Sweeney Todd," "West Side Story" and "Les Miserables," to name just a few. As in any good parody, the acting in "Urinetown" is cartoon-like and over-the-top. The action is often absurd while the musical numbers are quite entertaining. Director Tom Width has put together a strong cast that is able to pull off this quirky show with style. As the ragamuffin Little Sally, Audra Honaker , is an absolute delight. She's a queen when it comes to wacky character roles. In this case, she skillfully channels a very odd Annie-like street urchin who spouts out philosophical meanderings with ease. Debra Wagoner as the odd and frenzied Penelope Pennywise is equally entertaining. Wagoner's stage presence and menacing eye create a perfectly wicked character with a delightful voice. Scott Melton (Officer Lockstock) serves as the narrator of the musical. Melton draws from the files of "Dragnet" for his deadpan, cardboard-like portrayal. As Bobby Strong, Brett Ambler , has some fun with his over-the-top performance. He excels in musical numbers that highlight his pleasing voice. Angie Shipley (Hope Cladwell) delivers a vocally strong performance and Michael Hawke (Caldwell Cladwell) proves that heartless can also be funny in a bizarre sort of way. If you're a fan of shows like "Saturday Night Live" or films like "Scary Movie" or "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," you'll appreciate "Urinetown: The Musical" for its satirical style. It's fast-paced, cleverly written and well acted. It's a show that dares to poke fun at some of Broadway's best while pointing a finger at the injustice in the world. It's like that abstract painting. You have to enjoy that type of art to appreciate it. "Urinetown the Musical" runs through Nov. 3 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre . Tickets for the show run from $31.50 to $34.50; for buffet and the show, $41.50 to $44.50. Call 804-748-5203 for reservations.Disney's "High School Musical" is in town Oct. 5-7. Click here to read more about that producation.Want the full scoop on fall productions in Richmond? Click here to read more about shows in the area.