"Urinetown," Yelm High School’s spring musical, is all about pee — who can do it, where and for how much.

Bryanna Roseen, who is part of the show’s ensemble, said the plot of “Urinetown” involves a “massive issue” between the rich and the poor that gets flushed out as the story progresses.

“Resources have become so limited that now the poor must pay a fee for life’s necessities, such as the privilege to pee, whereas the rich are the only ones to afford to pee in privacy…” Rosen said. “It reflects very similar to the problems we face, but in a harsher and sillier way.”

Nathan Lovitt plays Officer Lockstock, who is the narrator and also acts as the city’s number one enforcer. According to Lovitt, the play is truly about a clash of ideologies.

“‘Urinetown,’ in my opinion, is about the conflict between realism and utopianism,” Lovitt said. “On one side there is a cruel, greedy dictator — Mr. Cladwell — who uses his business to control the population and keep a rigid social order. On the other (side) is an idealistic rebel — Bobby Strong — who wishes for a perfect society without the unethical laws that Cladwell enforces.”

Simply put, in “Urinetown” things may be yellow, but they aren’t mellow. However, the play isn’t about good versus evil — supporting one ideology in favor of another — it’s more nuanced than that, Lovitt said.

“Both of [Cladwell’s and Strong’s] perspectives have their merits and their faults to ranging degrees, and that is something that the play explores,” he said.

Lovitt also said that his time playing Officer Lockstock has given him time to explore the dispositions of the character, helping him see the events of the play through the cop’s eyes.

While Roseen doesn’t have a lead part, she said her experience has been enriching in its own way.

“Although I’m in the back, I’m dancing and singing to my heart’s content,” she said. “I’m also considered one of the best dancers among the ensemble, so I get to do more exciting stuff such as stunts. I’m also in multiple dance numbers which will require costume changes which I’m excited for.”

Some of this dancing has been a challenge, because the recording that the cast had been using to learn was at a different pace than the pit band’s rhythm, Roseen said, causing her and the other students to discover the necessity of adaptability.

Lovitt, while feeling strong in the acting department, said that his biggest challenge so far has been the vocal work.

“Singing has not been my strong suit, and working up the confidence to really give it a try was the hardest obstacle to overcome,” Lovitt said. “However, thanks to our amazing vocal instructors, Mr. Henderson and Ms. Hollatschek, I managed to learn how to use my voice and have confidence while doing so.”

In the past, Roseen said she has spent all her time doing work behind the scenes, so stepping out into the limelight with the rest of the ensemble has been an exhilarating experience for her. Similarly, Lovitt said he loves the camaraderie that has grown amongst the cast members.

Roseen said the people of Yelm should come see the play because “it addresses many problems in our current world and in Broadway productions in the silliest way possible with song and dance.”

And she said that people shouldn’t let the name fool them.

“‘Urinetown’ is an odd name for a Broadway production, but that’s what makes it better — because you don’t know what to expect with such an odd title. Definitely come watch because it’s an unforgettable production for sure,” she said.

This production was directed by Yelm High School teacher Bethany Olson.

“Urinetown” will show at 7 p.m., March 7-10, and at 2 p.m., March 9-10, at the Yelm High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $8 for Yelm High School students with an ASB card and seniors 65 years and older. Pay at the door.