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February 17, 2026

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March 4, 2025

Students perform in High School musical ‘Urinetown’

By Laila Taraporevala, The American School in London • February 11, 2026

Laila Taraporevala

The “Urinetown” cast sings “Act One Finale.” The cast performed an open dress rehearsal for local senior citizens and teachers to watch Feb. 4.

The Performing Arts Department put on the winter musical “Urinetown” Feb. 5-7. Set in a metropolis similar to Gotham City, citizens deal with a government ban on private toilets following a 20-year drought. The musical is a satirical commentary on capitalism, populism, the legal system, corporate politics and more.

The musical is narrated by Officer Lockstock, played by Ben Rothman (’27) and Little Sally, portrayed by Lila Stenson (’27).

Nicolas Abadie Capel (’26) played Bobby Strong, an assistant Custodian to Ms. Pennywise, played by Manya Fravel (’27). Strong is the musical’s protagonist and leads the revolution after meeting Hope Cladwell, portrayed by Ruby Rogers (’26). Hope Cladwell is Strong’s love interest and the primary motivator behind his actions.

The story grows complicated as Strong learns that Hope Cladwell’s father is the man he led the revolution against: Caldwell B. Cladwell. Caldwell B. Cladwell was portrayed by Michael Gerwe (’27) and is a wealthy businessman.

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The “Urinetown” cast sings “Act One Finale.” The cast performed an open dress rehearsal for local senior citizens and teachers to watch Feb. 4. (Laila Taraporevala)

Nicolas Abadie Capel (’26) and Ruby Rogers (’26) perform “Follow Your Heart” in Act One. Abadie Capel played the protagonist Bobby Strong. (Laila Taraporevala)

Nicolas Abadie Capel (’26) frowns as Michael Gerwe (’27) speaks to him. Gerwe said he was eager to perform and showcase his work.
“I’m really looking forward to the performances over the next few days,” Gerwe said. “I’m really excited, and it’ll be how a lot of fun to keep acting, keep singing, and just to have so much fun.”
(Laila Taraporevala)

Ben Rothman (’27) listens as Lila Stenson (’27) sings during “Act One Finale.” Stenson said her and Rothman’s characters “break the fourth wall a lot.”
(Laila Taraporevala)

The “Urinetown” cast performs “Act One Finale” Feb. 4. Auditions for the musical were held Oct. 20-24, 2025. (Laila Taraporevala)

Ruby Rogers (’26) listens as Nicolas Abadie Capel (’26) sings “Follow Your Heart.” Rogers and Abadie Capel played love interests in the musical. (Laila Taraporevala)

Manya Fravel (’27) recites her lines as Nicolas Abadie Capel (’26) listens. Cast member Viv McCagg (’28) said the cast prepared for multiple hours prior to the show.
“We’ve been getting here about two hours before the show starts, and we warm up and get in costume and do, like, physical and vocal warm-ups, and then get on stage,” McCagg said. (Laila Taraporevala)

The “Urinetown” cast performs the song “Urinetown.” Feb 4. Viv McCagg (’28) said she found the cast to be a “community that is very supportive.” (Laila Taraporevala)

Esme Bagtazo Barsoum (’28) recites her lines. Cast member Lila Stenson (’27) said the musical requires dedication.
“It’s a lot of work and definitely requires commitment, but it’s definitely worth it to see it all come together at the end,” Stenson said.
(Laila Taraporevala)

Ben Rothman (’27) sings during “What is Urinetown?” The musical ran from Feb. 5-7. (Laila Taraporevala)

Ellie Chung (’27) and Michael Gerwe (’27) perform. Gerwe said the process of getting into character as Caldwell B. Cladwell is built on his castmates.
“The character more so comes from my interaction with my fellow incredibly talented castmates, rather than like analyzing or becoming the character,” Gerwe said. (Laila Taraporevala)

This story was originally published on The Standard on February 9, 2026.