Kentwood Players is presenting the Tony Award-winning musical Urinetownwith music by Mark Hollman, lyrics by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis, book by Greg Kotis, opening Friday, May 9 at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles 90045. This production is directed by Gryphon Seveney, with musical direction by Stephen Amundson and choreography by Alison Boole. Produced for Kentwood Players by Jeremy Palmer and Charles Keppler, Urinetown is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International, New York.
Performance dates are Friday, May 9 through Saturday, June 7, 2025 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. will be added on May 17 and continue through the rest of the run. There will be no performances Memorial Day weekend, May 23 through 25.
Featured in the cast are Elizabeth Bouton-Summerer, Caitlin Callahan, Ryan Chen, Katie Cox, Connor Ewart, Marty Feldman, Samuel Goldman, Melanie Goldstein, Allegra Greenawalt, Kelly Gresalfi, Genesis Kaeo, Yas Modares Ghasiri, Aryn Nemiroff, William Ochoa, Richard Osborn, Samantha Paladini, Lyndsay Palmer, Zach Troutman, Nick Unquera, Beth Villaruz, with Jeremy Palmer as swing.
In a dystopian future ravaged by drought, private toilets are outlawed, and the tyrannical Urine Good Company controls all public restrooms, charging exorbitant fees for their use. Imagine a world where even going is a privilege. But, when young Bobby Strong leads a revolution against the U.G.C., he ignites a battle not just for free sanitation, but for human dignity itself.
With its infectious score, razor-sharp wit, and a healthy dose of Brechtian irony, Urinetown skewers corporate greed, political corruption, and the very nature of musical theater, all while leaving you in stitches. This isn’t your typical song-and-dance show; it’s a bold, brash, and brilliantly subversive experience that will leave you thinking – and laughing – long after the curtain call. Get ready to be amazed, amused, and maybe just a little bit disgusted.
Reserved seats are $30 with a $4 discount for seniors, children, students, and military, available online at www.kentwoodplayers.org, by emailing boxoffice@kentwoodplayers.org, or by calling (310) 645-5156. Group rates for 10 or more can be arranged with the box office.
For more information about Kentwood Players at the Westchester Playhouse, including parking and public transit options, special events and upcoming shows, including auditions for She Kills Monsters,a play by Qui Nyugen, directed by Shawn Summerer, on Saturday. May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, May 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., please visit www.kentwoodplayers.org. You can also find Kentwood Players on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
The World Premiere of Corktown ’39 written by John Fazakerley is a political thriller inspired by true events within the immigrant Irish community in Philadelphia at a time when the world was on the edge of war. The entire story takes place over a span of four days in early May 1939, centering on a family’s ethical dilemma and moral debate about employing terrorist tactics as a means of achieving a noble goal, namely winning Ireland’s independence from England through an Irish Republican Army (IRA) plot to assassinate the king of England.
We first meet Kate Keating (the always enchanting Ann Noble) as she attempts to balance the books of her father’s business. But Mike Keating (Ron Bottitta) has other ideas for his daughter, namely marrying her off to a well-heeled member of IRA-supporting Philly Clan, keeping her financial wherewithal cooking the books, along with raising several sons to keep the cause alive. Mike’s American-born son Frank (Tommy McCabe, the only cast member not to speak with a melodic Irish brogue) wants to join the Navy and see the world. But his father needs him for a few choice errands first.
When assassin-for-hire Martin Connor (Jeff Lorch) arrives at the Keating home, Kate is immediately enchanted by his tall stature, handsome face, and polite demeanor, sparking their immediate coupling. But things get difficult since Kate is dating Tim Flynn (Thomas Vincent Kelly), who along with Mike Keating and Joe Garrity (Peter Van Norden), have arranged a meeting to finalize the assassination plans with Martin and the soon-to-arrive top IRA boss Sean Russell (JD Cullum) – who just happens to have his eyes set on Kate as well. To say the Keating home becomes a real hotbed of action is an understatement, especially when the Irish whiskey beings to flow. And every moment makes for spellbinding entertainment thanks to the extraordinary talent of these fine actors!
Skillfully directed by Steven Robman to keep the action moving, suspense increasing, and audience members on the edge of their seats, don’t be surprised when twists and turns disrupt loyalties as hidden motives are revealed. Top tech credits include Mark Mendelson (Scenic Design), Dan Weingarten (Lighting Design), Chris Moscatiello (Sound Design), Kate Bergh (era-appropriate Costume Design), Ned Mochel (Violence Design), Megan Trapani (Prop Design), Grant Gerrard (Technical Director), Lauren Lovett (Dialect Coach), and Victoria Hoffman (Casting),
Produced by John Perrin Flynn and Althena Sazon for Rogue Machine, Corktown ’39 performances continue at 8pm Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 25, 2025 (dark Monday, May 12) in the Matrix Theatre located at 7657 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90046. Tickets are $45 on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays, $60 on Saturdays. Seniors: $35 Students with ID: $25. Show4Less on Friday, May 9 ($25). Reservations online at
https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/ or by calling 855-585-5185. Please note this play contains adult language and situations that may not be suitable for children. Viewer discretion is advised.