Don't Miss: Last Weekend of North Fork Community Theatre's Riotously Funny, Thought-Provoking 'Urinetown'

MATTITUCK, NY — If it's summer, it must be time to see a show, as the Youth on Stage production at the North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck draws crowds of delighted theater-goers.

And while all the shows captivate, this year's selection, "Urinetown," is both breathlessly funny and brimming with thought-provoking, burning issues.

"Urinetown", with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Cotis, is a satirical swipe at a dystopian society marked by capitalism, corporate greed, politics and an oppressed underclass forced to pay — to pee.

Yes, that's right. To pee.

The downtrodden masses are forced to scrounge for coins and line up to use a urinal provided by rich owners of a corporate entity that cares nothing for the struggling men and women barely scraping by.

"The show takes an honest, and hilarious look at capitalism and bureaucracy in a Gotham-like city," said NFCT President Liz Liszanckie. "In a highly political year, it's nice to take a break and enjoy a satirical perspective of some fictional political issues."

The show, especially in today's hotbed of political tension, is particularly well-chosen, but it's the superb direction by Youth on Stage alum Bett Chizever, as well as efforts of co-producers Susan McCabe and Michele Messinger, that breathe new life and innovative ideas into the staging of the YOS production.

And above all, it's the across-the board excellence of the cast that shines. Each young actor and actress brings their own unique talents to the proverbial table, coming together to present one of the finest shows the NFCT stage has ever seen.

Audiences will recognize some actors who've literally grown up on the NFCT stage, including Eric Hughes, who gives an unforgettable performance as the passionate Bobby Strong, an everyman with the idealistic belief that a better world, a veritable utopia, can be achieved, if the oppressed are willing to stand strong, together, and fight to see their dreams realized,.

Olivia Andrunik, as Hope Cladwell, offers a spirited portrayal of a young woman who finds, in true love, the strength to shatter the walls of her gilded cage and fly toward freedom and revolution.

Performances of note also include Colleen Kelly as the authoritarian Penny Pennywise who, in the end, makes the ultimate sacrifice, in the name of love.

Another NFCT favorite, Alex Bradley, commands the stage with his Caldwell B. Cladwell, and Aria Saltina is a captivating Little Sally. Longtime NFCT YOS actor Patrick O'Brien is, as always, a delight as Officer Lockstock.

It is, however, difficult to single out individual actors: The entire cast astounds with spot-on timing that leaves audiences laughing out loud at the hilariously funny bits, as well as cheering inside as the underdogs find their glorious strength in unity.

A nod must be given to the Broadway-level choreography by Marquez and music direction by John Bradley.

The score is transcendent, with impassioned young voices rising together to raise the roof in the cry for equality, for human decency, for freedom — the sentiment echoes the fierce yearning of the downtrodden captured in Broadway staples such as "Les Miserables" and "Rent." Impassioned youth banding together in the fight for a brighter world, a better tomorrow, and a world where the little guy can live, and pee, in peace.

And, as the show itself states, forget the "Urinetown" title. This show is a shining gem in the crown of NFCT productions. Don't miss it.

Remaining performances will take place Thursday through Sunday. All shows are 8 p.m. except for the remaining Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased by calling 631-298-NFCT or by clicking here: www.nfct.com.

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