[369] MTSU THEATRE SLATES TONY AWARD-WINNING ‘URINETOWN THE MUSICAL’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919 or lrollins@mtsu.edu

MTSU THEATRE SLATES TONY AWARD-WINNING ‘URINETOWN THE MUSICAL’
MTSU Alumni Join Student Cast to Recreate Popular Play on Local Stage April 1-5

(MURFREESBORO)—MTSU Theatre will present “Urinetown the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. April 1-4 and at 2 p.m. April 5 in the Boutwell Dramatic Arts Building’s Tucker Theatre.
The three-time Tony Award-winning musical provides a satirical and comedic look at a future, where water supplies have dried up and the public must use pay-to-pee toilets regulated by the Urine Good Company. When Bobby, a custodian at the filthiest toilet in town, decides enough is enough, he leads a rebellion to free the citizens.
Underlying this popular play are themes of social injustices brought about by economic and environmental mayhem.
Regarding the show’s message, Deborah Anderson, a member of MTSU’s speech and theatre faculty and the play’s director, said, “We’re all going to experience this (environmental) ruin that is rocketing toward us at such a speed that we will probably not be able to turn it away no matter how much recycling we do. But at least we should try, and this show provides a humorous look at what could happen.”
In addition to its student cast, the MSTU Theatre production will bring a wealth of alumni to the creative process, including local stage veteran Richard Browder, who will serve as choreographer; Diane Bearden of the Country Music Association, who will provide musical direction; Trish Clark, costume designer for Tennessee Repertory Theatre, who will supply wardrobe for the show; and Michael Brown, freelance designer from New York, who will design the show’s lighting.
“Our students have an amazing opportunity to work with and to see the work of these respected professionals,” Anderson added. “The collaborative work being done on the show does an amazing job of bringing the story to life, and I know the audience will love it.”
• TICKET INFO: Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the MTSU Theatre and Dance Ticket Office at 615-494-8810 or by visiting the ticket office in the lobby of Tucker Theatre from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets also may be purchased at the door prior to performance.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $5 for MTSU staff and K-12 students. MTSU students are admitted free of charge with a valid ID.
For more information, please access www.mtsu.edu/theatre.

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ATTENTION, MEDIA- For editorial needs, including interview requests with performers or faculty or to obtain review tickets, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at lrollins@mtsu.edu. Jpegs were not available at this writing, but may become available.