The actor was announced to exit the city limits of Urinetown March 18 to head for the urban Skid Row of Little Shop of Horrors rehearsals, but he'll continue to March 20, the producers announced. Charlie Pollock will replace him March 21.
Foster originated the role of the young revolutionary, Bobby Strong, in the darkly comic Urinetown in the summer 2001 Off-Broadway run, and moved with the cast to Broadway. The show would win three major Tony Awards in 2002: Best Book, Best Score and Best Director (Musical) and became a surprise hit at the Henry Miller Theatre.
Comic, dark and political, the show is set in a drought stricken futuristic city where water usage is controlled by an evil corporation that obligates people to "pay to pee."
Regarded as the "sweet-faced boy" who has his "head in the clouds," Bobby dreams of a day when people are free from the burden of paying for their natural functions. In the tradition of heroes of such satiric shows as Strike Up the Band, Of Thee I Sing and Let 'Em Eat Cake, Foster gets to sing a lament ("Tell Her I Love Her"), inspirational gospel number ("Run, Freedom, Run"), romantic ballad ("Follow Your Heart") and patriotic march ("Act One Finale").
Foster begins rehearsals soon for the Broadway-bound revival of Little Shop of Horrors, taking on the role of Seymour. Foster's credits include the U.S. national tour of Martin Guerre, Broadway's Grease!, Les Misérables and Footloose, and the concert of Alan Menken's King David. Charlie Pollock makes his Broadway debut March 21, stepping into the role of Boby Strong. Pollock was a standby for Off-Broadway's tick, tick...BOOM!
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In other Urinetown casting, Tony nominees Spencer Kayden and Jennifer Laura Thompson return to the show March 25 and March 18, respectively.
Kayden and Thompson replace Megan Lawrence and Anastasia Barzeee, respectively.
The Urinetown cast also includes Victoria Clark as Penelope Pennywise, John Cullum as Caldwell B. Cladwell and Jeff McCarthy as Officer Lockstock, with David Beach, Jennifer Cody, Rachel Coloff, Rick Crom, John Deyle, Joanna Glushak, Victor W. Hawks, Ken Jennings, Stacie Morgain Lewis, Daniel Marcus, Peter Reardon, Don Richard, Lawrence Street and Kay Walbye.
Urinetown is produced by The Araca Group and Dodger Theatricals, in association with TheaterDreams Inc., and Lauren Mitchell.
Performances play 7 PM Tuesday, 8 PM Wednesday Saturday, 2 PM Wednesday and Saturday, 3 PM Sunday.
Tickets range $35-$95. Urinetown, the musical, plays The Henry Miller, 124 W. 43rd Street, between Sixth Avenue and Broadway. Call (212) 239-6200 for information.
