Following a 20-year drought, there’s not enough water to go around, so people must pay to use restrooms – and are forbidden from peeing elsewhere. It’s the ultimate class warfare, with the lower class fighting for its right to pee.

That’s the premise of this year’s Westfield Summer Stage production, “Urinetown: The Musical.” But it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, although a commentary on capitalism, this show also has a love story and is a song-and-dance-filled comedy.

It also marks the 20th anniversary of Westfield Summer Stage, and Director Michael Viola (South Lakes High’s theater director) especially likes the fact that it brings together “all-star talent from several different schools in the area. We have very talented singers, actors and dancers demonstrating an exceptional work ethic during our fast-paced rehearsals.

“They’re playing into the absurdity of the show while still representing its underlying meaning. There’s a message of corporate and government corruption and the effects of power. The absurdity is about the silliness of musical theater – especially musicals about revolutions, rebellions and uprisings. This one draws inspiration from shows like ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘West Side Story.’” 

Show times are Friday-Saturday, July 11-12, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 13, at 2 p.m.; and Friday-Saturday, July 18-19, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 at the door or $15 online via https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/21130/westfield-high-school-auditorium.

“It’s a satirical comedy that tackles serious themes,” said Viola. “And if the audience finds parallels between it and today’s reality, that’s a bonus. It’s been 25 years since it first came out on Broadway, but it’s still maintained its relevancy.”

There’s a cast and crew of about 50, with a multilevel, industrial-looking set. Scenes take place outside a public restroom, in a corporate boardroom and on street corners and alleyways. And the costumes clearly distinguish the class levels. Wealthy people are dressed in bright, jewel-toned clothes, while lower-class people wear costumes reminiscent of those seen in musicals such as “Les Miserables,” “Annie,” “Footloose” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Westfield High 2025 grad Lilli McNerney portrays Penny Pennywise, who works for the UGC (Urine Good Company) in Urinetown. “She runs the slummiest toilet in the whole city,” said McNerney. “She does what her employer tells her to do, even if she doesn’t agree with it. She also employs Bobby Strong – played by the wonderful Jake Deering – who leads the people’s uprising for their right to pee.”

“Penny’s a rough, gruff, down-to-earth woman doing what she needs to do to survive,” continued McNerney. “She acts like lower class, even though she’s a higher-privileged individual. She only has a sweet spot for Bobby, and no one else, and is always looking out for number one.

“She’s so fun to play. Her mannerisms are low class – she spits on the ground and gets in people’s faces to challenge them since she’s part of the rough-and-tumble world. And because she’s an older woman, she’s experienced life before and during the drought, so she has a unique perspective on the way things are today. Penny’s also very honest and says things how they really are, with no sugar coating.”

McNerney’s favorite song, “Privilege to Pee,” is one that she sings. “It explains the show and its conflict quite well,” she said. “It’s also vocally cool because it has lots of challenging notes to hit and vocal choices to make.”

“I think this show’s super important and relevant, with all the things happening in the federal government today,” said McNerney. “It’s a fantastically funny musical filled with emotional highs and lows, plus potty humor, while the lead characters navigate themes of love and loss. Audiences will appreciate the characters’ comedy and the way the show calls attention to how our society works today, in an easily digestible fashion.” 

Playing Sen. Fipp is Fairfax High rising senior James Wise. Fipp is a corrupt senator on the payroll of Caldwell B. Cladwell, who owns UGC – Urine Good Company – which runs all the public bathrooms in Urinetown. And Cladwell’s daughter, Hope, is torn between her love for her father and her new love for Bobby Strong.

Wise describes Fipp as “slimy and uptight. He treats poor people badly and looks down upon them, like Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter musical. I love playing villains because that’s not who I really am. And it’s fun to be mean sometimes.”

Wise especially likes the song, “Why Did I Listen to That Man?” because he has a solo in it. “It’s when Fipp finally realizes that Cladwell isn’t a good person and calls him a crook,” said Wise.

He said audiences will really enjoy “Urinetown” because “it’s a satirical comedy about what’s about to possibly happen in real life. In addition, this show is comprised of some of the best students in Fairfax County Public Schools. People will also like all the singing and dancing, plus the references to other musicals throughout the show.”

Rising Centreville High senior Jillian Couch is part of the ensemble of poor people. “They can’t afford new clothes and struggle to pay for food and rent because most of their money goes toward being able to use the bathroom,” she explained. “After Bobby spurs them on to rebel, they stop paying, but Bobby lets them into the public bathroom to pee for free – which sets up a conflict with the police.”

The ensemble also sings and dances. And according to Couch, “‘Snuff that Girl’ is one of the best numbers in the show because of the amount of dancing and the style of music we’re doing. It’s similar to a new casino opening but, instead, it’s like betting on someone’s life.”

Excited to be in this show, she said, “It’s amazing to be part of the ensemble. The people here are so open, kind and easy to talk to. And we get to be really expressive onstage.”

Couch said “Urinetown” has something for everyone. “There’s something about the dance numbers that’ll make you want to tap your toes, and the dancers interact with the audience during them,” she said. “The songs are either about standing up to the man or why the rich are the best. And people will absolutely love the costumes because they give off a poor vibe, as well as a nice aesthetic.”

Portraying Little Sally is Skyler Lee, a rising eighth-grader at Rocky Run Middle School. “Little Sally helps narrate the show and has sort of a father-daughter relationship with Officer Lockstock, a cop who’s also the narrator,” said Lee. “And she tries to help the rebellion as much as she can. She’s always watching the scene and knows what’s going on around her. She’s naturally curious and a bit of a know-it-all. And she wants to be one of the gang and fit in with the rebellion.”

“It’s a fun role because Sally has an exciting personality,” continued Lee. “But it’s also hard because she breaks the fourth wall but isn’t as immersed with the audience as Officer Lockstock is. So I have to find the right balance between interacting with the audience and being an actor.”

Lee’s favorite number is “Cop Song,” sung by Henry Belvins and Andrew Beasley, as police officers Barrel and Lockstock, respectively. “It’s fast-paced and has a good beat and good dancing in it,” said Lee. “It also has dark humor, but it’s still funny to hear the stories they’re relating.” 

Overall, she said, “Because this show’s so overblown and corny, it makes fun of musicals in general. Audiences will like it because the characters are extreme versions of themselves, while still being funny.” 

“While the show’s title and storyline may seem unfamiliar, the plot structure and narrative are archetypal of some of the best and most well-known musicals in theater history,” added Director Viola. “We allude to upwards of 25 different shows through the blocking, choreography, costumes and characterizations. Astute theatergoers will appreciate the references; but regardless, all people will enjoy this show – it’s hilarious.”