Avenue Q
music & lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
book by Jeff Whitty
directed by Jason Moore
Pantages Theatre
through March 6 only!
This, my second viewing of the smash hit Tony Award winning musical Avenue Q, was even more joyous than the first. This little show, like a Sesame Street for adults, plays out like life - only bigger - with funny situations, great one-liners and tantalizing music, each and every tune a winner. The show leaves you craving more, but unfortunately you only have until Sunday, March 6 to see it, before it moves along on tour.
The amazing artistry of manipulating these puppets onstage entails far more than just pulling the strings and supplying the voice for the appropriate character. Each actor behind the puppet is giving a full-out emotional performance. You have to watch the puppet in motion and the actor to get the full effect. Directed expertly by Jason Moore, the cast of characterizations include Princeton and Rod played by David Colston Corris, Kate Monster and sexy slut Lucy played by Ashley Eileen Bucknam,
Kerri Brackin, Bear and Mrs. T. and Michael Liscio, Jr. playing the other Bad Idea Bear, Nicky, hilariously goofy and groovy Trekkie Monster and other puppet characters. Actors without puppets are Tim Kornblum as Brian, Lisa Helmi Johanson as Christmas Eve and Anita Welch as Gary Coleman. These characters all have a myriad of economic and social problems which can only be resolved with the help and love of friends and community - which is at the heart of Avenue Q. This amazing ensemble work at lightning speed and are all fabulous.
People identify with "It Sucks To Be Me", "The Internet Is For Porn" and "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist". These feisty tunes not only provoke laughter but also nail society's flaws. Great ingenious stuff from composers Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx!
There is some lewd behavior in overtly performed sexual acts at the end of Act I, so leave the little tykes at home. A great, great, completely lovable adult entertainment that will have you jumping for joy. Avenue Q is the place for you!
5 out of 5 stars
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