Urinetown, the Musical, April 13-23

Shows April 13-23:
Thur., Fri., & Sat. at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2pm
Musical by Greg Kotis & Mark Hollmann
Directed and Choreographer: Vincent Ratsavong
Music Director: Derrick Lacasse
Stage Manager: Samantha Eaton-Roberts
Assistant Stage Manager: Caitlin Meyer
Don’t miss this satirical comedy that won Tony awards for its book and score. A thoughtful look at human rights, environmentalism, and the excesses of unfettered capitalism powered by incredible music and riotous jokes.
In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!
Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, Urinetown is an irreverently humorous satire in which no one is safe from scrutiny. Praised for reinvigorating the very notion of what a musical could be, Urinetown catapults the “comedic romp” into the new millennium with its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter.
Urinetown is a satirical musical that not only won Tony awards for its book and score but also features incredible music that perfectly complements its comedic themes. The music is a unique blend of genres, from Broadway, jazz, gospel, to rock, creating an atmosphere of irreverent humor and satirical commentary on society. The show’s score, composed by Mark Hollmann and directed by Derrick Lacasse (MAC’s A Broadway Christmas, Freaky Friday), is full of riotous and catchy tunes that brilliantly convey the absurdity and dark humor of the story. The opening number, “Too Much Exposition,” is a witty and ironic commentary on the traditional exposition-heavy openings of musicals, while the rousing “Run, Freedom, Run!” is a joyous anthem of rebellion that is both inspiring and hilarious.
CAST
Hope Cladwell – Emily Crosta
Bobby Strong – Alexander Boyle
Little Sally – Lindsay Cagney
Penelope Pennywise – Eileen Sprague
Caldwell B. Cladwell – Jim Braunstein
Officer Lockstock – Joe Zumbo
Officer Barrel – Ryan Boudreau
Joseph “Old Man” Strong – Kevin Groppe
Josephine “Ma” Strong – Mary Sheridan
Senator Fipp – Paul Nelson
Mr. McQueen – Michael Maffeo
Mrs. Millenium – Susan Allo
Hot Blades Harry – Eli Malo
Little Becky Two Shoes – Marissa Browning
Soupy Sue/Cop #1 – Errica Moran
Tiny Tom – Kacee Rimer
Dr. Billeaux – Sara Norton
Robby the Stockfish – Brad Puffer
Billy Boy Bill – Kevin Hayes
Rebellion/Ensemble
Jennifer Cohn
Hannah Beth Lucero
Melissa Myers
Understudies
Jennifer Cohn
Kevin Hayes
THE CAST & CREW

Emily Crosta (Hope Caldwell) is ecstatic to be performing as Hope Cladwell in her very first show with Mass Arts Center! Since graduating in May of 2022 with two bachelor’s in Theatre and History, Emily has enjoyed getting to know the greater Boston semi-professional and community theatre scene. Although her true theatre love is performing, Emily is also a choreographer and teacher with South Shore School of Theatre, as well as stepping in occasionally to tech-direct/set design. Recent credits include She Loves Me! with A Common Thread Theatre Company, A Super Happy Story About Feeling Super Sad with Central Square Theater, and Everyday Life, and Other Odds and Ends with ArtsEmerson at the Paramount. Emily is eternally grateful to Vincent and Derrick for asking her to come audition, and she will definitely be coming back for future shows! She also thanks the new friends she’s made along the way, her extremely supportive family, her mentors Allison Horvath-Tucker and Tara Brooke Watkins, and her amazing partner Eli Malo, who *SPOILER* will be trying to kill her the entire show. Enjoy!

Alexander Boyle (Bobby Strong) (they/he) is beyond thrilled to be leading the revolution again, having led it in the Dean College production of Urinetown in 2014. They have been seen on the Mass Arts Center stage in Freaky Friday and in Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Some favorite credits include: Arnold/Ed swing in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song, Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show and Sebastian in Twelfth Night (Moonbox Productions), the titular role in Pippin (Cape Cod Theatre Company). Thank you to fam, friends, and my beautiful Dylan for the endless support and love. Peace!

Lindsay Cagney (Little Sally) is thrilled to be back on the Mass Arts Center stage again with the Urinetown cast and crew. This will be her third experience with Mass Arts Center as she previously played Betty Jean in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Ellie Blake in Freaky Friday. Lindsay holds a BA in Theater from Dean College and a master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from MGHIHP. She currently works as a pediatric SLP who focuses her therapy on neurodiversity affirming practices. Some of her favorite roles include: Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Meg Magrath in Crimes of the Heart, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, and Gilmer in Godspell. She would like to thank her friends, family, and her amazing fiancée for all of their support. Welcome to Urinetown!

Eileen Sprague (Penelope Pennywise) is thrilled to be returning to the Mass Arts Center stage after being in their recent production of Sweeney Todd (Ensemble). It has always been her dream to showcase her abilities to plunge a toilet…so this role has left her heart fulfilled. She received her undergraduate degree in musical theatre from Catholic University. Some of Eileen’s past credits include the Kennedy Center’s New Year’s Eve Gala (featured soloist), Witches of Eastwick American Premiere (Swing/Jennifer u/s), Candide (Cunegonde), Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), The Bernstein Mass at the Kennedy Center Opera House, Grand Hotel (Operator), Jacques Brel is Alive and Well…, and many more! By day, Eileen is a curriculum director for a local school district. Vincent, Derrick, Sam, and the entire production team — thank you for your dedication, inspiration, and talent. It has been an incredible opportunity to work with all of you! To my family — I love you and thank you for supporting me throughout this process and listening to me sing about pee for months!!

Jim Braunstein (Caldwell B. Cladwell) This is Jim’s 3rd show with Mass Arts Center and he is excited to share the stage with his wife, Mary. He had a very short professional acting career in Chicago in the mid-90’s. In Franklin, Mass. for the last 23 years and three kids into adulting, Jim is enjoying getting back into theater as a hobby. This is the 2nd show Jim has done with Mary, his bride of 29 years.

Joe Zumbo (Officer Lockstock) is thrilled to be a part of Urinetown: The Musical at Mass Arts Center. He has previously worked with Mass Arts Center in their productions of Freaky Friday (Mike) and It Shoulda Been You (Greg) and is excited to be working with them again. Favorite credits include Dog Sees God (Matt) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Man In Chair). Joe received a B.A. in Theatre from Dean College and now works for the school as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator for the School of the Arts. Joe would like to thank his family, friends, the entire Dean College Admissions staff, and number one fans: Cathy and Ryan, for their support.

Ryan Boudreau (Officer Barrel) is a graduate of Bridgewater State University with a BFA in Theatre Performance. He has been seen in BSU’s productions of Godspell as Jesus, Blood at the Root as Colin, Deal Me Out as Oberon, Richard the III as Buckingham, MilkMilkLemomade as Linda the Chicken, and Urinetown: The Musical as Senator Fipp. He was also nominated for an Irene Ryan Award for his performance as Stepan Stepanovitch in BSU’s production of The Proposal. Ryan has most recently been seen in Mass Arts Center’s productions of Our Town and Sweeney Todd. He has also been seen as the Narrator/Mysterious Man in True Repertory Theatre’s outdoor production of Into the Woods and has had the absolute joy of playing Mat Roy in two staged readings of the brand new musical Halley’s Comet at Little Theatre of Fall River and at Massasoit Community College respectfully.

Kevin Groppe (Joseph “Old Man” Strong/Mumbles Max) is a local actor, director, and playwright. He recently played Shylock in Something Rotten and Hertz in Rock of Ages with The Company Theatre and Tony in Ralph Tufo’s new play Beyond the Blues. Some other favorite roles include psychotic murderers (Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theatre), Grandpa Gellman in Caroline Or Change (Moonbox), Claude Upson in Mame (Reagle), Doc in The Laramie Project (AlpaNYC), the Judges in To Kill A Mockingbird and in Parade, and Dr. Bennet/Mayor in Big Fish (Umbrella), Hummel in The Ghost Sonata (Fort Point), Josiah Bartlett in 1776, and Judge Thatcher in Big River (Lyric Stage), and Steve Ford in the movie This Killing Business. He was the long-time Head of the Performing Arts Department at Dana Hall. www.kevingroppe.com

Mary Sheridan (Josephine “Ma” Strong) is thrilled to take the stage once again with her husband, Jim, (Cladwell) but confesses that the rebellion/UGC conflict has affected their home life. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and DePaul University College of Law decades ago. In addition to her law and mediation practice, Mary enjoys spending time with and nagging her three children, Charlie (22), Harry (21), and Margaret (19), and any craft project that makes a mess. Mary also lives with Bart, a 3-year-old golden retriever, who sometimes serves as her co-mediator.

Paul Nelson (Senator Fipp) is thrilled to be a part of a bucket list show Thank you to the creative team for the opportunity! Outside of the theater, Paul is a dad to three adopted dogs (shout out: Last Hope K9) and a therapist who goes to therapy himself.

Michael Maffeo (Mr. McQueen) is very excited to step back into theatre after a four-year hiatus and perform his first show at Mass Arts Center playing Mr. McQueen. He has been in productions of Urinetown twice before playing Hot Blades Harry at Stoughton High School and Billy Boy Bill/Dr. Billeaux at Bridgewater State University. Other notable roles include Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors), Albert (Bye Bye Birdie), and Elliot (The Happiest Song Plays Last). Michael would like to thank his parents, his sister, and his tightknit group of friends without whom he wouldn’t have had the courage to audition. He is overjoyed to be a part of this wonderful cast and hopes you very much enjoy your stay in Urinetown.

Susan Allo (Mrs. Millennium) is delighted to make her debut at Mass Arts Center! Performing since middle school, some of her favorite roles include Lucy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Amber in Hairspray. Susan would like to thank her family, friends, and partner for their unwavering support, and Vincent and Derrick for giving her the opportunity to perform again.

Eli Malo (Hot Blades Harry) is performing in his first show at Mass Arts Center. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Marissa Browning (Little Becky Two Shoes) is excited to make her Mass Arts Center debut in Urinetown: The Musical. Favorite previous roles include: Millie (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Bambi (Curtains), Serena (Legally Blonde), and Dance Captain for numerous shows (Catch Me If You Can, American Idiot, Footloose). Marissa received her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Dean College and now works in the Admissions Office at Nichols College, where she is also pursuing a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the Nichols admissions staff for their support. Special shoutout to Marissa’s biggest fan: her mom (look up from your playbill, she’s probably in the audience).

Errica Moran (Soupy Sue/Cop #1) Since the age of 2, Errica has been dancing at what was previously known as Dance Forever in Braintree. After competing for a few years and winning numerous platinum and high gold medals in jazz, lyrical, and contemporary categories, she went on to receive her BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in dance at Manhattanville College, graduating in May 2020. At Manhattanville, Errica was captain of her dance team and was featured in numerous productions and dance concerts, working with various artists within the industry. Some of her favorite roles were Mrs. Tottendale in The Drowsy Chaperone and Amy in Company. Here in Boston, Errica still continues to train in commercial and street jazz styles as well as hip hop. It was during the pandemic Errica decided to continue her schooling and as of December 2022 she has received her Masters of Science in Arts Administration with a Performing Arts Enterprise Certificate from Boston University. This is her second production with Mass Arts Center and with Vincent and Derek. Errica is pleased to be a part of this talented as Soupy Sue!

Kacee Rimer (Tiny Tom) is absolutely thrilled to return to the Mass Arts Center stage where she was last seen as Poppy in Noises Off. Kacee has performed locally with Milton Players (Uzo: Godspell), Turtle Lane Playhouse (Little Red: Into the Woods), and The FUDGE Theatre Co (Little Sally: Urinetown; Bananas: The House of Blue Leaves; Diana Bingley: I Love You Because – DASH Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical). Kacee spends the rest of her time as a Librarian, mom to two awesome kids, and consumer of fancy donuts. She considers herself truly privileged to be performing in one of her favorite musicals for a second time – with this amazing cast and crew!!! She sends special thanks to Vincent and Derrick for their support and kindness. Extra love and endless gratitude to Tom, AC, and ET.

Sara Norton (Dr. Billeaux/Cop #3) Sara Norton has been performing or volunteering with Mass Arts Center for over 10 years. Most recently she performed as an ensemble member in Sweeney Todd, but can often be seen serving guests behind the bar. She is so excited to be able to perform with this incredibly talented cast! Sara would like to thank her family for all their love and support.

Brad Puffer (Robby the Stockfish/Cop #4) is excited to make his Mass Arts Center debut, having recently started performing again. He performed last fall as Samuel in Pirates of Penzance at the Savoyard Light Opera Company and last spring as John Jacob Astor in Titanic with the Concord Players. Other favorite roles include Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, Hucklebee in The Fantasticks, and Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods. Brad spent almost a decade as a reporter for New England Cable News and now works in healthcare communications.

Kevin Hayes (Billy Boy Bill/Cop #2/Understudy) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts from Bridgewater State University. He would like to thank his family, friends, and the snug for their continued support, as well as Mass Arts Center for the opportunity to take their main stage for the first time since 2018. Previous Mass Arts Center credits include: Phyro-Giants! (Melvin), Assassins (Sam Byck), The Boys Next Door (Norman Bulansky), Barefoot in the Park (Paul Bratter), Little Women (John Brooke), Godspell (Judas), 1776 (Stephen Hopkins), and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Warren). Kevin can also be seen in Life with Chandler: The Most Wonderful Boy in the World where he plays The Dad.

Jennifer Cohn (Plain Jane/UGC Executive #1/Understudy) has enjoyed working with the incredible cast and crew at Mass Arts Center on Urinetown. Her recent credits include Danielle, Ms. Meyers, and other supporting roles in Freaky Friday at Mass Arts Center and Mimsy and Aunt Sheila in It Shoulda Been You at MMAS. Jenn is an English professor at Bunker Hill Community College and has worked there for 19 years. She wants to thank her family for their love and support, including her wonderful husband, Matt, and their two beautiful daughters, Ella and Abby.

Hannah Beth Lucero (Bog Bottom Barbara/UGC Executive #2) is so excited to be back onstage for the first time since COVID shutdown! She feels so lucky to be performing with such a talented group of artists. Hannah earned her BA in Theatre Arts at Brandeis University in 2019. She’s been performing in dance, theatre, and music since she was five years old. During the day, Hannah is a K1 teacher in Hyde Park. She’d like to thank the wonderful cast and crew for welcoming her to Mass Arts Center.

Melissa Myers (Hellbent Halle Rally) is beyond excited to be back at Mass Arts Center for Urinetown: The Musical! A junior musical theatre major at Dean College, Melissa has been performing since age 9 and hopes to pursue it professionally. Her favorite credits include Lois Lane in Kiss Me, Kate, Molly in 13: The Musical, and Sylvia in Dean College’s All Shook Up. Most recently seen on the Mass Arts Center stage as Gretchen in Freaky Friday, Melissa is grateful to Vincent, Derek, and Samantha for having her back. She’d also like to thank all of her wonderful professors at Dean College who inspire her to work hard and create more. Finally, Melissa would like to dedicate her performance to her dad.

Vincent Ratsavong (Director/Choreographer) is a second-generation Laotian American Director and Choreographer. He graduated from Emerson College in 2018 obtaining his master’s in Theater Education in Community. While at Emerson, Vincent devised three original productions for Emerson’s Theater Education Graduate Association: Relationship: A Noun; After Antigone: A Response to The Antigone Project; and his Master thesis, Hey, Brown Boy! Vincent is a two-time Irene Ryan Nominee and Semi-Finalist for The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 1 and placed first at the 2015 NATS Boston Song Festival. Some of his favorite directorial credits include: It Shoulda Been You; Cabaret; Into the Woods; Little Shop of Horrors; and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Derrick Lacasse (Music Director) has served as the Music Director for many productions throughout New England. Some favorites include Freaky Friday, Marvelous Wonderettes, Xanadu, Godspell, It Shoulda Been You, The Drowsy Chaperone, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Suessical, and Pippin. Originally from Maine, Derrick obtained a master’s degree in Music Therapy from Lesley University and is currently working as an LMHC. Derrick is also an avid performer. Some of his favorite roles include Gaston in Beauty and The Beast, The Dentist/ Bernstein/Mrs. Luce/Skip Snip/Patrick in Little Shop of Horrors, Cliff in Cabaret, Baker in Into the Woods. Thank you to the cast and crew of Urinetown, not the place, the musical, and enjoy the show!

Samantha Eaton-Roberts (Stage Manager/Dance Captain) (she/her) is excited to be working on Urinetown: The Musical with such an incredible cast and crew. Favorite onstage credits include Marianna in Measure For Measure (Mass Arts Center), Jamie Keller in The Miracle Worker (Mass Arts Center), a tribe member in Hair (Mass Arts Center), Kristine in A Chorus Line (Massasoit & Norwood), and Reggie Fluty in The Laramie Project (Wheaton College). Favorite behind-the-scenes credits include SM/AD for Freaky Friday (Mass Arts Center), SM for The Marvelous Wonderettes (Mass Arts Center), and lighting design/operation for Sweeney Todd (Mass Arts Center). Thank you to Vincent and Derrick for asking me along for this ride yet again and for giving me the opportunity to help direct, choreograph, and be a part of the creative process; Caitlin for being a great ASM; the wonderful loves, muffins, and snugs in my life for supporting my passion for theater; and to Joshua, who cast me in the greatest role of my life as Mommy.

Caitlin Meyer (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be part of Urinetown. Caitlin has been part of the theater community since she was a kid. She has been building sets alongside her dad (John Meyer) for every show at Mass Arts Center since she was very little. The last show Caitlin assisted backstage was Noises Off. She is happy to be involved with such an amazing family community.
Liza Ulrich (Costume Designer) A self described theater-nerd, Liza has developed her dream career of teaching costume and theatrical design over the last fifteen years within various Massachusetts schools. Recent and favorite credits include: Mamma Mia (Brookline High School, 2023), Xanadu (Footlight Club, 2022), Peter and the Starcatcher (Footlight Club, 2017), and The Sound of Music (Footlight Club, 2014) [DASH nominated]. This spring Liza is excitedly designing the annual sixth grade musical (Frozen) at BB&N in Cambridge. Liza would like to thank her family, friends, and cat for always supporting her crazy designer habits!
Gail Gilman (Props Manager)