In 2004 a little puppet musical made waves on Broadway. Avenue Q won multiple Tony Awards and rave reviews, even defeating Wicked for several awards that year. Since then Avenue Q has struggled to gain a larger foothold compared to other big Broadway musicals. A short-lived Vegas run, and struggles to get a touring audience, led to the show becoming available for local theatre productions. Storybook Theatre did a bang-up job a few years ago with the show, and now Stage West takes a turn, a move that undoubtedly raised some eyebrows.
Why? Because Avenue Q features puppets having sex, swearing, and singing songs about racism. For a clientele that is used to more traditional fare, like Fiddler on the Roof or the company’s musical revues, it is a drastic contrast to what Stage West is known for. However, in terms of my social media circle, I have seen more comments from friends having gone to Stage West, many for the first time, to see this show than those offered in the past. That is a positive, because they have now seen the quality of presentation that Stage West offers in both its shows and its food. You can bet some of those first-timers will be back. Shows like Avenue Q and Evil Dead: The Musical may be what triggers someone to pay for their ticket. If they get hooked, the theatre community benefits.
While much of the hype surrounding Avenue Q is the combination of adult themes with adorable puppets, the show is so much more. Asking questions like ‘I’m out of college... now what?’, addressing relationships, being in the closet, and the struggles of everyday life are all themes explored that resonate with the audience – they are just covered in puppet fur.
It is a testament to the cast of this production, under the direction of Mark Bellamy, how well the production works. Hardcore fans of the show want to hear the specific voices and characters that they know and love, so not only do the actors have to learn how to work puppets, act, work together (some of the puppets are two-handers or have the voice being done by one actor while another works the puppet) they also must recreate the characters. And they do so spot on. Everyone tackles their roles with a joy and enthusiasm – it is clear they love being part of the show, and it is infectious.
Avenue Q is a great night out with friends, birthday party or date night. It is charming; the songs get stuck in your head, you laugh, your jaw drops at times, and it is just pure fun. Catch it before the run ends August 31st.
