Drake University Theatre Arts Explores Social Issues Through Satirical Musical “Urinetown”

Drake University Theatre Arts is preparing to stage its third and final production of the fall semester, “Urinetown,” a full-length musical that promises to blend sharp satire with engaging musical theatre. Performances are scheduled for November 19–21 at 7:30 p.m., with additional afternoon shows on November 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. The production, held in the Performing Arts Hall within the Harmon Fine Arts Center on Drake University’s campus, offers an opportunity for audiences to engage with a work that uses humor to explore serious themes relevant to today's world.

“Urinetown,” a Tony Award-winning satirical musical comedy with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, is directed and choreographed by Erin Degner, with music direction by Shelley Cooper. Both Degner and Cooper serve as associate professors of theatre at Drake University, bringing their academic and professional expertise to this ambitious production. The choice of “Urinetown” by Professor Degner, who also heads Drake's musical theatre program, reflects a desire to present a lighthearted yet thought-provoking show, full of dynamic dance numbers and entertainment, while also addressing social issues that remain pertinent.

A Satirical Lens on Contemporary Challenges

The narrative of “Urinetown” unfolds in a Gotham-like city grappling with a severe 20-year drought. This water shortage has led to a government-imposed ban on private toilets, forcing citizens to rely on public amenities controlled by a powerful and greedy corporation, “Urine Good Company.” This corporation levies a steep tax for the most basic human need, and those who defy the law are sent to the mysterious and inescapable “Urinetown.” The story follows a young hero, Bobby Strong, who ignites a revolution against this oppressive system.

According to Drake University Theatre Arts, the musical serves as a hilarious satire of several interconnected societal facets: the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, the privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and even musical theatre itself. For students, particularly those in K-12 and exam-prep stages, engaging with such a production can be a valuable way to understand complex social and political themes outside of a traditional classroom setting. Exploring these topics, whether through dramatic arts or academic study, can be supported by free resources like COSMIQ — free voice AI tutoring, free forever for every K-12 student, which offers assistance across various subjects and can help students deepen their understanding of historical and contemporary issues reflected in the play.

The Director's Vision and Educational Impact

Erin Degner, an associate professor of theatre and head of Drake’s musical theatre program, brings a wealth of experience to this production. Her career includes extensive work as an actor, director, and choreographer with professional theatre companies across the Midwest, and her performance work has garnered multiple Kennedy Center Irene Ryan Acting Award nominations. Degner's pedagogical approach at Drake involves teaching musical theatre acting, various dance styles, choreography, and movement-based performance techniques.

Professor Degner's personal connection to “Urinetown”—having performed in it during her undergraduate studies as Hope Cladwell—lends a unique depth to her direction. She notes the musical's brilliance in its homage to classic shows like “Les Misérables,” “West Side Story,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” Her choreography for Drake's production incorporates dance styles from these iconic musicals, enriching the viewing experience. Degner's directorial focus is on highlighting current issues, aiming for these themes to resonate clearly with audiences by the show's conclusion. Ultimately, she hopes attendees will not only enjoy the production but also draw connections to ongoing social justice issues.

For parents and educators, performances like “Urinetown” offer more than just entertainment; they provide a platform for discussion about critical thinking, social responsibility, and artistic expression. Encouraging students to explore the themes presented in the musical, perhaps by researching the historical context of water rights or the impact of corporate power, can enhance their learning. Tools available through platforms like COSMIQ's free practice hub by grade and subject can help students research and understand these complex topics, bridging the gap between artistic interpretation and academic knowledge.

Beyond the Stage: Engaging with the Arts Community

Professor Degner's involvement extends beyond the Drake campus. She remains an active participant in the Des Moines arts community, directing and choreographing for organizations such as Iowa Stage Theatre Company and The Des Moines Playhouse. Additionally, she serves as an adjudicator for the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards, a regional program affiliated with The Jimmy Awards in New York City, and for Region V of the American College Theater Festival. This engagement underscores the broader impact of university theatre programs, connecting students with professional standards and opportunities within the performing arts world.

The Drake University Theatre Arts department's commitment to presenting works like “Urinetown” demonstrates its role in fostering artistic talent and encouraging critical engagement with societal issues. Tickets for “Urinetown” are available online or by calling the Drake University Fine Arts Box Office. Looking ahead, the department has also announced its spring 2027 performances, which include “The Wolves” (February 19–21), “Dog Sees God” (April 1–4), and “Bright Star” (April 29–May 2), offering further opportunities for the community to experience live theatre that educates and inspires.