La Costa Canyon High School theatre department to present 'Urinetown: The Musical'

The La Costa Canyon High School theatre department is presenting the Tony Award-winning "Urinetown: The Musical."

Opening night is April 19 and the show runs through May 4 at La Costa Canyon High School Theater (1 Maverick Way, Carlsbad).

A terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a dystopian government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities that are regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs.

Any other method of seeking relief is punishable by exile to Urinetown, a mysterious place from which no one returns. Young firebrand Bobby Strong (Justin Lee) inspires a gang of the bladder-oppressed to kidnap Hope Cladwell (Mary Potter), daughter of evil tycoon Caldwell B. Cladwell (Ryder Dellinger). Bobby and Hope fall in love, of course, even as the anarchic revolution continues onward, unrelenting.

Director Brad Golden and his collaborative team's cyber-punk, hyper-colorized, immersive rendition captures the essence of the show flawlessly; not to mention the hilarious use of a full-body puppet to help exemplify evil. Spectators will throw their heads back in laughter, then shock as they're confronted with the show's deeper themes.

Despite its icky name, Urinetown is fun, full of over-the-top comic performances, with satirical, playful dialogue, inspired choreography and an exciting, eclectic score. There's no adult language or sexual innuendo, though there is some brief, cartoon violence when evil is inevitably punished. Urinetown's comedy extends far beyond toilet humor; the lyrics and jokes are clever enough to appeal to adults and suitable for children younger than high school age, according to a news release.

Tickets can be purchased at gofan.co/app/school/CA22804

This story originally appeared in Encinitas Advocate .