By Jill Holloway – Thomasville Times Enterprise – Jul 16, 2024
THOMASVILLE- Siblings Ransom and Marion Rose Young are set to make their directorial debut this upcoming weekend at Thomasville On Stage and Company as the duo works with their fellow young actors to showcase the satirical dystopia of “Urinetown.”
Set in the future after a megadrought, causing all of the world’s water to dry up, the musical focuses on corporate, greedy politicians who have decided to tax the public on using the restroom.
“You have to use public bathrooms to take care of your private business,” said director Ransom Young. “If you’re caught peeing in a bush or hiding, you’re sent to Urinetown and no one ever comes back from Urinetown.”
While a somewhat silly premise, the Youngs both agreed it’s not implausible.
“It’s a realistic situation,” Ransom said. “The water dries up and the poor people are at a disadvantage and the rich people are able to drink and pee as much as they want.”
However, they also clarified that the musical makes fun of both socialism and capitalism and doesn’t try to push any political agenda.
Working with his sister to create this alternate future has been a challenge. However, Ransom has met it head-on.
Each year the director of the Young Actors Troupe chooses the production, with the assistant director learning the ins and outs, preparing to lead the following year.
Ransom knew he was set to direct “Urinetown” with his sister as the assistant director, and while not necessarily his favorite musical, he said he enjoyed the vibes of the performance and felt like this musical would be the perfect kickstart to his directing career.
“I had seen it performed once and it’s actually the only full performance I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Most everything has just been ideas coming from my head.”
Marion Rose had also read the musical in high school. She said she was originally confused by the concept but has since grown to appreciate the commentary on society’s corporate greed.
They both had visions for the performance, but since taking on the role of director and assistant director, they’ve learned to lean into the changes that often come up in show business.
“I thought I knew what it would be like, but since being thrust into the position, it’s been a very new experience,” Ransom said. “It’s also been a huge learning experience. We didn’t have a set built or anything like that. Everything we’ve done has just been us.”
Marion Rose applauds how her brother has faced adversity though.
“I think he’s done a very good job considering the stress of directing and all the extra stress of other things happening,” she said. “It’s been good to watch what he (Ransom) has gone through and think about how would I avoid that certain stress or how will I handle being in charge of a bunch of people.”
She said she also appreciates how closely she’s been able to watch all the ins and outs.
“I’ve never been able to see directing up close before, so now I have an idea of how I will handle it and it’s helped so much,” she said.
To see the siblings in their debut, along with the talented cast and crew, individuals can purchase tickets by calling the box office. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students.
The show will run for two weekends, beginning this Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. Additional performances will be on the 20th, 26th, and 27th at 7 p.m. and the 21st and 28th at 2 p.m.