Musicals examine societal issues

by Catherine Coke, High School theater teacher

"Urinetown: The Musical" opens 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 in the Auditorium.
Early in the 20th century, a new theatrical art form began to emerge on American stages: the musical. Certainly, there were operas and operettas before, but this new genre, aiming to please larger audiences by being more accessible, was different. It incorporated more popular music and dance trends, rather than the formalized classical seen in operatic works. It addressed the interests of everyday people and not just the elite. Over time, it incorporated a storyline, which was highly integrated with the music and lyrics.  

When you think of a musical, you probably think of big song and dance numbers, major sets, lavish costuming, lots of bells and whistles, all true entertainment for all of the senses. 

What is fascinating is the best-known musicals have broken new ground in issues addressed and/or in music stylings.  Think about "Showboat," which addresses racial issues and interracial marriage; "Oklahoma" and its integration of plot, character, song, and dance; "Hair," addressing drugs and the anti-war movement as the first rock musical; "Company," addressing individual psychological issues and the first concept musical; "Rent" about AIDS and poverty; and "Hamilton" telling American history through interracial casting and rap. It probably has to do with the idea “you get more bees with honey than with vinegar.” If the show is going to examine societal issues, the message is more palatable if the show is entertaining as well.  

"Urinetown: The Musical" is in line with this type of musical, incorporating tough subjects and delivering a total musical experience. It addresses the issues of the powerful versus the disempowered, government and corporate alliances versus the individual, and the effects of environmental devastation. It does this by honoring the rich tradition of American musical theatre as reflected in the writing and acting styles and in a rich musical score filled with witty lyrics. In and of themselves, the lyrics are an homage to preceding musical composers and lyricists, like Kurt Weill, Bock & Harnick, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Like other great musicals, it is powerful and hummable.

USN performances are: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 and Thursday, Nov.  3; 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6. Tickets are free for students, faculty, staff, and Tiger Arts Patron members. They are $5 for the general public and can be purchased by clicking here. Seating is limited, and reservations are encouraged.
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.