The Bonstelle Theatre closes its 2014-15 season with the Tony Award-winning Urinetown: The Musical, playing through April 26. A hit on Broadway and in London’s West End, the wickedly smart book and lyrics satirize crony capitalism, while the score parodies popular musicals. Written by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis, it was originally produced on Broadway in September 2001 by the Araca Group and Dodger Theatricals in association with TheaterDreams Inc. and Lauren Mitchell.

Set in a dystopian near-future, a long-term water shortage opens the door for private control of the scarce water that remains. All amenities fall under the control of The Urine Good Company, and private toilets become a thing of the past. Residents must be flush with cash in order to flush.  In the tradition of 20th century American cinema, a “little guy against the world” appears and revolution is the order of the day.  

Smart and sharp-witted, Urinetown mocks not only its subject matter – cronyism, political hackery, hollow heroism and a bit of Malthusian angst — but also how it goes about delivering its message.  Parodies of musical styles and specific musicals — from Les Miserables to West Side Story — are the means by which the librettist and composer pursue their targeted victims, even wondering aloud, “What about a bad title? That could kill a show pretty good.”

Tickets range from $20 to $25, and are available by calling 313-577-2960, visiting wsushows.com or visiting the Wayne State University Theatre Box Office, located at 4743 Cass Avenue.