It makes you laugh, cringe, sigh all in the same scene
Avenue Q is widely known for being a musical that deals with adult issues in quite cynical, silly and controversial ways. But despite debates on whether or not famous songs like “Everyone is a little bit racist” is really good or warranted, it won the prestigious Tony award for a reason. We follow Princeton, a recent college graduate struggling to find a place to live until he reaches Avenue Q, where he makes friends, finds love, and discovers how uncertain life is.
It tackles adult issues explicitly, in a flamboyantly fun way (and definitely in no way parodying Sesame Street) that consistently wins crowds over even during the more awkward moments. It’s safe to say it’s done that again with this fringe run.
The entire show keeps this energy up throughout with a cast that effortlessly acts as well as puppets (mostly at the same time), bringing to life each of the beautifully crafted puppets with superb physical acting (for both the puppets and themselves). This comes out so easily in the dynamic between the two room mates Nicky and Rod (Seumas Cross and Liam McGrath respectively) who bicker and argue constantly like a married couple, puppet arms flailing and eye brows twitching included. Like the rest of the show their dynamic isn’t a one note surface level joke, their relationship explores deeper themes of identity and sexuality, this ability to balance both is what makes this show charming. It’ll make you laugh, cringe, sigh all in the same scene and earns each feeling so well.
The puppet and children’s puppet show aesthetics create a really relaxed atmosphere that allows the shows more funny but also edgier explorations of adult issues easier to stomach and enjoy. During the specific songs and scenes dealing with these issues in a more edgy or otherwise direct way, the audience always warmed up to it and laughed along. It’s important to remember that this musical was written in the cultural landscape of a post 9/11 America trying to understand itself amidst cultural and political uncertainty, and the characters and songs reflect that – often in a tongue in cheek fashion.
There’s little that’s not done really well here simply put. The cast is very strong putting in solid acting performances as well as vocal ones. The standout is Melissa MacNaught (Emma Twigley as the alt for the night) whose entire energy is perfect for the character, being jubilant and playful pre school assistant one moment and selling a transition to an angry and hurt Kate the next. On the other end of the spectrum Gary Coleman (Ibrahim Bakhait) while still acting as well as his castmates, the singing is far more lackluster although this isn’t helped by mic issues that make it hard to really hear him throughout the songs.
That can’t detract from the whole show which from start to finish is really entertaining, complex and earns every laughter it can from you. It’s more than just an edgy Sesame Street musical, and it’s hard not to lap up every creative risk it takes. Some bits have aged, but it’s still more than worth your time and it’s hard to beat it’s entertainment value at 9:30pm.
Hiya! Completely not your fault as there was no cast announcement prior to this show, but the performer for Kate Monster was not who was listed here as she had to drop out due to illness, and was instead alt Melissa MacNaught so please could this be changed to reflect this? Thank you 😊
We’ll amend now!