Hartford, WI. – Hartford Union High School’s (HUHS) 2024 production of the satirical musical Urinetown has garnered an impressive 17 nominations from the prestigious Jerry Awards, including its first-ever nomination for Outstanding Stage Crew. Performed at the Schauer Center in early November, the production captivated audiences with its humor, energy, and creative design, making it a standout in Wisconsin’s high school musical theater scene.
Set in a dystopian world suffering from a severe water shortage that leads to a ban on private toilets, Urinetown offers a sharp critique of corruption, corporate greed, and blind idealism. It also pokes fun at the conventions of musical theater itself.
“There was nothing subtle in the show,” said Dani Kuepper, one of the directors. “The cast had an invitation to be wild and boisterous to illustrate the dire context of the plot and the wickedly smart irony underlying the story.”
The Jerry Awards, which celebrate excellence in high school musical theater throughout Wisconsin, will announce the winners in May. Outstanding performances will be honored at the Overture Center in June.
2025 Jerry Award Nominations for HUHS’s Urinetown
- Outstanding Musical
- Outstanding Ensemble
- Outstanding Stage Crew
(Kimmie Callies, Nash Gartzke, B’Elanna Hawley, Adelynn Jansen, Owen Linehan, Kendall Loendorf, Sydney Megel, Makenzie Pauers, Chloe Rabitoy, Emma Roltgen) - Outstanding Design
- Outstanding Lead Performances:
- Lukas Lichtenwalner (Caldwell B. Cladwell)
- Maddy Adams (Little Sally)
- Max Klockow (Officer Lockstock)
- Carissa Lauson (Penelope Pennywise)
- Stuart Gottfried (Bobby Strong)
- Elliott Brunner-Selsing (Hope Cladwell)
- Outstanding Supporting Performances:
- Lily Mercado (Little Becky Two Shoes)
- Paige Kaiser (Hot Blades Hattie)
- Outstanding Scenic Design: Colleen Boelkow
- Outstanding Lighting Design: Colin Gawronski
- Outstanding Costume Design:Mary Lou Stelter, Sue Steldt, & Sandy Wallish
- Outstanding Sound Design: Zach Szalay
- Spirit Award: Annie Nettesheim
HUHS is proud of the dedication, talent, and creativity showcased by the cast and crew of Urinetown.
The nominations are a testament to their hard work and the collaborative spirit that brought this unique production to life.
Photos courtesy Dynamic Light Photography