The dominant vibe of TM Little Theatre’s upcoming production of the musical ‘Urinetown’ is embodied in the contrasts ‘old and new’, ‘innovation and tradition’.
‘Old’ in that about half the cast are Zamia stalwarts, and half consists of ‘new blood’ from other theatres.
Exemplifying this pairing are father and daughter Brendan and Isabelle Payne. Last seen doing a show-stopping star turn as a stripping cop in ‘Exit Laughing’ in 2025 (who can unsee that scene?), Brendan takes to the stage this time with daughter Isabelle. While he plays Officer Lockstock in ‘Urinetown’, Brendan is too versatile to be considered typecast.
New to the Zamia stage, Isabelle performed in TM State High School’s excellent production of the musical ‘Aladdin Junior’ last year, and is a veteran of Goat Track Theatre shows. The youngest member of the cast, she’s throwing her all into this show.
‘Innovation’ is represented by the choice of a musical. Director Julie Smith clearly relishes a challenge, and musical director Christine Leah and choreographer Lynette Wockner are an integral part of her talented team. It’s been many years since the Zamia mounted a musical. With a four-piece live band, this will be one to remember.
‘Tradition’ is of course the consistent quality of TM Little Theatre’s output, whatever the production, and ‘Urinetown’ will be no exception. The strange title? Its significance will become clear.
Starts 24 April, running for three weekends. $20 pp, $18 (conc), $144 tables of eight. It’s a convivial night out, BYO everything. Book at www.trybooking.com/DJGKH.
