Every year, GRC students eagerly prepare and audition for the school musical. In past years, the program has produced major classics such as “Chicago” and “Anything Goes”. This year, they are taking on a very different kind of show: the satirical musical “Urinetown”. It’s not every day you see a high school production that makes you laugh about public toilets and political corruption, but “Urinetown” is far from a typical musical.
“Urinetown” takes place in Pavlov Amenity Number 9 during a terrible drought. This means that all citizens must pay to use the bathroom. It follows the protagonist, Bobby Strong (played by Carter Johnston), as he navigates thoughts of rebelling after meeting Hope Caldwell’, played by senior Ella Howton.”
Landing a lead role in a production of this size is no small accomplishment. It requires talent, preparation, and a tremendous amount of dedication.McKinley Harper, who plays Penelope Pennywise, knows the feeling well.
“This is my first lead here at GRC,” Harper said. “Getting to this point has taken a lot of effort and work. I have been an understudy the past two years, I have taken many vocal and acting lessons, and I do many productions outside of school which has led me to grow as a performer within my time here at school.”
The real challenge doesn’t end once the cast list is posted; it only grows from there. Rehearsal schedules, choreography, blocking, memorization, and vocal training all intensify as opening night approaches. Director John Lawwill explained one of the biggest hurdles.
“One difficulty is working with students who are very involved in many things,” Lawwill said. “In a professional setting, the performers treat the show as their job and follow the director’s schedule. Because we share students with other groups and sports, we want to honor each student’s multiple commitments as much as possible while still making desirable amounts of progress on our own show.”
Even with these challenges, each student and staff member contributes something essential to the final product. The dedication, teamwork, and creativity behind the scenes are what make GRC’s productions unforgettable each year.For many cast members, the sense of community built throughout the process is what makes the experience truly special.
“I am always so excited to get started because it means getting more time to spend with friends, new and old,” Howton said.. “The community we build is unlike anything I have ever seen. We hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and are always ready to lend a helping hand. I also just love being on stage. No matter what part I am playing or what show is being put on, I am always so grateful for the chance to be on stage. It is so fulfilling.”
