CQU students bring award-winning musical Urinetown to the Mackay stage
By Katelyn Dunn
"It's a terrible title, and they say that in the musical."
Guest Director Ylaria Rogers is the first to admit Urinetown can raise eyebrows. But the Tony Award-winning musical is giving CQUniversity's Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) students the chance to develop industry-ready skills while bringing one of musical theatre's cleverest satires to the Mackay stage.
For CQCM Associate Lecturer in Music Sarah Rozekrans, the production has proven an ideal vehicle for student growth, creativity and confidence.
"Most of our students didn't know the show before we started, but there's so much joy in it," Ms Rozekrans said.
"It's a lot of slapstick and non-stop humour. Everyone gets their moment to shine and be funny.
"Watching them work with Ylaria has been wonderful because they're discovering humour they didn't even realise was there."
Winner of three Tony Awards, Urinetown is set in a drought-stricken town where a water shortage has made private toilets illegal. Citizens must pay a powerful corporation, Urine Good Company, to use public amenities, with anyone who breaks the rules banished to the mysterious and feared 'Urinetown'.
Beneath the laughs, however, lies a darkly comic exploration of corporate greed, environmental scarcity and what happens when society loses sight of the greater good.
Ms Rozekrans said the show's collaborative nature had encouraged students to take creative risks and develop a stronger sense of ownership over their performances.
"A lot of the language in the rehearsal room is about making a good offer and trying things," she said.
"They're coming up with their own takes on moments and seeing if they work. Some of the funniest parts have come from students bringing an idea into the room and everyone ending up in stitches.
"We've seen definite growth in their confidence, improvisation and creativity. They're keen to contribute ideas, take ownership and trust themselves."
The production is also providing students with the opportunity to work alongside an experienced theatre professional, a key part of CQCM's commitment to connecting students with industry.
"It's so important to bring guest directors in," Ms Rozekrans said.
"They offer a perspective from outside our little bubble and give students insight into how the industry works.
"They're building connections beyond Mackay, beyond Queensland and into the wider performing arts industry, which is incredibly valuable as they prepare to graduate."
Returning to CQCM after working with students in 2024, Ms Rogers said the musical's unusual title often distracts from just how intelligent the work really is.
"It's about what happens when money takes over and we lose sight of our humanity and what's important," she said.
"It talks about water and money and what it is to live in drought, which in Australia is such a huge thing for us.
"Then there's the reflection on everybody having to pay to go to the bathroom. What would happen if basic human rights were taken away from us and we had to pay for them?
"It's a much deeper musical than the continuous laughter would suggest."
Known for poking fun at musical theatre itself, Urinetown draws inspiration from classic productions including West Side Story, Les Misérables and Fiddler on the Roof.
"One of the best things about this show for the students is we're talking about genre," Ms Rogers said.
"They're learning from the 1920s and those classic Broadway musicals all the way up to the 2000s and contemporary references.
"In a weird way, this show brings generations together, whether you're a theatre-goer or not."
Third-year Bachelor of Theatre student Dan Marshall, who plays the fourth-wall-breaking narrator Officer Lockstock, said he was excited to take on a role in a musical he admired.
"I knew of Urinetown and I knew some of the songs. I'd actually used one for a previous audition here at the university, so once it was announced I was already excited," Mr Marshall said.
"When I actually looked into it more, I found myself absolutely deep-diving into every little meaning and every little thing it was playing upon, so I understood every joke it was trying to make."
Mr Marshall said it had also been rewarding to work again with Ylaria Rogers.
"I worked with Ylaria in my first year, so it's been great to rediscover her directing technique," he said.
"It's always a blast working with Ylaria. She creates a really fun, engaging space where everyone can bring their own ideas and offers into the room."
Taking on the role of Lockstock has also allowed Mr Marshall to explore the physical side of performance.
"I like using a lot of physicality to express what a character is," he said.
"A character should be understood through their words, but if not with words, then through their posture and the way they express themselves with their face.
"It's been really fun discovering who Lockstock is just through how he stands, how he carries himself."
While Lockstock's personality is very different from his own, Mr Marshall said finding that side of the character has been an enjoyable challenge.
"He's definitely a bit of a bully, and I was never a bully," he laughed.
"I draw on other figures rather than myself to get that meanness across.
"The one thing I have to remind myself is never to be apologetic on stage."
Mr Marshall said audiences should expect an entertaining experience from a musical that is often misunderstood based on its title.
"Despite the name, there's actually a lack of toilets," he joked.
"It's not what you expect. It's funny, witty and packed with jokes, so you won't get bored at any point."
While audiences can expect plenty of comedy, Ms Rogers hopes they leave with something more.
"I love high comedy and slapstick and the silly world Urinetown belongs to, but my style of theatre is that it's got to have a heart to it," she said.
"This show absolutely does. It has a really strong heart and it's one that will keep you thinking a couple of days later."
Urinetown
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
151-171 Boundary Road, Ooralea
Friday 23 October, 7.30pm
Saturday 24 October, 2pm
Saturday 24 October, 7.30pm
Sunday 25 October, 2pm
