Don’t Be the Bunny – Urinetown

Those of you who have read my review of the New York production will know that I had somewhat mixed feelings about the show. However, this review of Canstage’s production will be much more decisive. In short – I loved it!

I’m not sure exactly what made the difference, but when I saw the show in Toronto this time, I laughed so many times (I hadn’t listened to the CD in quite a while, so I’d forgotten many of the jokes), and generally just felt the whole thing worked together much better. It’s not the sets or the staging, since these are identical to the Broadway production. I think, therefore, it must have a lot to do with the cast, which is almost like a who’s-who of Canadian musical theatre.

Primary among these is David Keeley as Officer Lockstock. I’ve seen him in a couple of other things, as varied as Mamma Mia! and Hamlet, but this is easily my favourite role of his. His deadpan delivery is spot-on, and his delivery of certain lines had me on the floor. He’s also, of course, a great singer when called upon to do so. I think he’s the glue that holds the show together, and probably the major reason why I enjoyed it so much.

The rest of the cast is also really good though. Jennifer Waiser is an excellent Little Sally, and Mary Ann McDonald is wonderful as Penny too. Again, I’ve seen her in many things, like Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music, or the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, but I will definitely remember her most for this part. She handles the difficult vocal sections with ease, and also has some very funny line deliveries.

Cara Leslie played Hope as much more clueless and ditzy than I remember her being in New York, and it works perfectly – you find her pretty annoying at first, but after a while, she grows on you! Stephen Patterson is also great as Bobby, he’s got the whole idealistic hero stance down to a science. 🙂 All of the supporting cast are worthy of a mention too, since they make the group scenes (“Run Freedom Run” is still my favourite!) gel so nicely.

The only one I can admit to being even slightly disappointed with was Frank Moore as Cladwell. He just didn’t have that absolute delight in his evilness that John Cullum did. But then again, John was my favourite part of the show in New York, so there was a lot to live up to!

Still, at the end of the show, Jenn and I turned to each other and said, “When are we coming again?”, which is one of the best endorsements I think any show can get!