Singing Guide: Urinetown
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Urinetown is a satirical, Tony Award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book and lyrics by Greg Kotis that premiered in 2001. The show pokes fun at the legal system, capitalism, and musical theater itself. The music is reminiscent of Kurt Weill and the lyrics are witty and full of puns.
The unique vocal technique required to perform in Urinetown is a strong musical theater belt, which can be a challenge for many singers. To prepare for this role, it is important to work on developing a powerful and supported chest voice. Singing Carrots article on chest voice and voice registers is an excellent resource for learning more about these concepts.
As for specific songs to showcase your vocal talents, "Don't Be the Bunny" is a comedic number that displays the character's strong and confident persona. "Run, Freedom, Run" is a big, anthemic song that showcases a powerful belt. Meanwhile, "Follow Your Heart" is a duet that merges comic timing with vocal skill.
To further develop your musical theater skills, Singing Carrots offers a vocal range test to help you identify your range and find repertoire that suits your voice. Additionally, Pitch Training offers a variety of exercises and warm-ups that can help you achieve a more powerful and controlled vocal technique.
In conclusion, performing in Urinetown requires a mix of strong vocal technique, comedic timing, and an understanding of musical theater style. By using the resources provided by Singing Carrots and working on your chest voice power and mix, you can prepare for this challenging and rewarding musical.