Sarasota high schoolers stage 'Urinetown' at the Players
A cast of students from local high schools brings the 2001 musical to life in a theater-in-the-round production running through November 1.
By Aminata Patterson ·
The Sarasota Players is currently presenting a production of the musical 'Urinetown,' featuring a cast composed entirely of high school students. The performance takes place in the Siesta Key Mall location and runs through Sunday, November 1.
The cast members are primarily students from Booker High School, with additional actors from Venice High School, Manatee High School, and one home-schooled student. While one performer is making her high school theater debut, many in the group have prior experience in Players productions or other regional theater work. Their previous collaborations have helped create a tightly bonded ensemble on stage.
The musical's plot centers on a city suffering from a 20-year drought that has forced the closure of public restrooms. The wealthy Caldwell B. Cladwell controls the water supply through his Urine Good Company, imposing a fee on citizens for using the toilets. Those who cannot pay the charge are exiled to Urinetown. Henry Mills portrays Cladwell, wearing a mink coat to signify his wealth and his exemption from using the company's facilities.
The story follows the romantic relationship between Cladwell's daughter, Hope, and Bobby Strong, an enforcement officer for the Urine Good Company. Gaby Suchan plays Hope in the production. The musical uses this love story to explore the struggles of the poor and homeless in a society where basic necessities are monetized by a single corporate entity.
Brian F. Finnerty directed, choreographed, and designed the set for the show. Finnerty is a Florida-based actor and theater professional who has served as a production manager at the 95-year-old Players Theatre since its founding in 1929. He also co-directs the Dingbat Theatre Project, which opened in 2020. His familiarity with many of the cast members facilitated the production process.
The venue is configured as a theater-in-the-round, with seating on four sides of the stage. This setup places the audience in close proximity to the performers, a format that is uncommon for this particular musical. The opening night performance was sold out, with no empty seats in the house.
The Sarasota Players is a 95-year-old organization that will next stage 'Between the Lines Jr.' from December 10 to 15. The company is also seeking donors for its new Payne Park location and 97th season sponsorships. Interested parties can contact Amy Gorman by email or by phone at 941-365-2494, extension 105.
