UK Theatre and Dance presents satirical musical ‘Urinetown’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 7, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance will close out its Season of Sustainability with “Urinetown: The Musical,” a Tony Award-winning satire that examines corporate greed, environmental collapse and the politics of privilege. The production runs April 10-13 at the Guignol Theatre on UK’s campus.
Written by Greg Kotis, with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, “Urinetown” is set in a dystopian future where a water shortage has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. Citizens must pay to use public restrooms operated by the corrupt Urine Good Company — until one hero dares to fight back. Packed with sharp social commentary, show-stopping musical numbers and self-aware humor, the musical remains as timely as it is entertaining.
Director Nancy Jones describes the production as a dynamic, high-energy take on the witty satire, brought to life by a talented student cast and creative team.
“Their passion, teamwork and fearless creativity make this production an absolute joy,” Jones said.
Hailed by Entertainment Weekly as “hilariously smart and wickedly funny,” “Urinetown” is a musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy and musical theater itself.
Tickets are $26 for adults and $19 for students, plus additional fees and can be purchased at SCFATickets.com or at the Singletary Center for the Arts ticket office by calling 859-257-4929.
“Urinetown” was produced on Broadway in September 2001 by the Araca Group and Dodger Theatricals in association with TheaterDreams Inc., and Lauren Mitchell. “Urinetown” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.