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UNCG can do better

When reading Go Triad, a wave of dismay washed over me. I am referring to "Urinetown: The Musical." With all the wonderful musicals available, why would one choose what seems to me to be coarse and base?

I am ashamed of UNCG's theater department. I am ashamed that a fine city such as Greensboro would be associated with this. I feel disdain, but also pity for the producer and the author. One who has to resort to toilet humor speaks volumes of a lack of imagination and creativity.

I believe someone who is truly talented and gifted could take an often-used subject and bring new, innovative ideas to it. How revolting to build a musical around such an unsavory topic. I believe we deserve to expect decency and not gutter entertainment. Come on, UNCG, you can do better than this.

Pat Mitchell
Randleman

Comments (7)

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hugh [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

If they ban asparagas I don't think it will be that bad.

littlebuddababy [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

....lighten up! Literally.

Joe Schmoe [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

First, I would like to know if the writer has actually seen the musical in question. Generally people tend to react to the title of things. "Judging a book by its cover" is the cliche that comes to mind.

Second, on a more personal note, what is it with musicals anyway? I have never found them entertaining. I have yet to meet someone who belts out a suddenly created song when they are faced with a problem. Give me a drama or comedy any day!

truth [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

I think the title alone is course and disgusting. I agree with Pat Mitchell that UNCG can do better. It's not that we're saying UNCG shouldn't be allowed to put on a show called Urinetown, but they can do better. In my opinion, it degrades the University and does not put forth a good image. Since UNCG stands to lose so much money by offending its alumni and donors, maybe they should have given this one a second thought.

But what more can you expect from a place that requests and pays porn-star/self-proclaimed anal sex experts for speeches.

For a university with lots of great classes, this shows little class.

Shock value is just stupid.

Ed Cone [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

Urinetown won three Tony Awards, and was nominated for several more...we're not exactly talking Oh! Calcutta here.

The New York Times reviewer called it "fiercely loopy and self-conscious satire," "exuberantly entertaining," and "simply the most gripping and galvanizing theater experience in town."

mrproduce [TypeKey Profile Page] said:

The title is totally satirical. Stop and think, Ur in eTown.( Your in town). The title itself is loopy but given the satirical nature of the musical the title fits. I would not waste time nor money to see it for myself no matter how many awards it won. That in many instances in todays times is enough right there to get me to stay home or just not watch.
I am with you Joe, most musical's just don't cut it. There were a few great ones in years gone by such as South Pacific, Sound of Music and a couple of others but I would rather sit through a good drama or old comedy.

Wow the New york Times gave good reviews????
That makes me sleep better.

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