AVENUE Q

Over 15 only, was the rule for this show. Avenue Q has the look of the children’s TV programme Sesame Street with some of the puppets recognisable parodies of those in that programme, but the content is definitely adult.

The cast is made up of 3 human characters and 11 puppets animated by puppeteers dressed in black, who give voice to their puppets as well. Songs and dialogue are often vulgar and adult themed but the overall ironic humour addresses issues such as racism, sexuality and pornography. The puppeteers were all so expert in their mechanics while still acting with their own faces (credit to puppet coach Sarah Lyle) that they appeared to merge and seem as if the puppets themselves had facial expression!

Princeton, operated by Jonathan Brown, portrayed a recent college graduate who moves into an apartment on Avenue Q amongst a disparate group of 20-somethings. His was a convincing performance and vocals were excellent. Kate Monster, a kindergarten teaching assistant, was animated by Rachel Keys, who sang and acted in a most appealing way. I really felt that she and her puppet were as one. Another excellent performance was from Ben McDaid as Rod – the puppet who would not admit to being gay. I loved the ‘dream scene’ with Nicky (operated by Joshua Martin). He also was an engaging character and I really felt sorry for him when, evicted by Rod through a misunderstanding, he became homeless! Ben also operated the Newcomer and a Bad Idea Bear – one of a pair of troublemakers who kept appearing to convince other characters to change their good and sensible ideas to bad! Rachel Hume operated the second Bad Idea Bear – she and Ben worked well as a team. They suggested that Kate and Princeton order some Long Island Iced Teas, which resulted in the very drunk pair going to bed together! Rachel was also Mrs Thistletwat, the rather bad-tempered teacher to whom Kate Monster was assistant – and sometimes the second arm of Nicky. (I was amused that Mrs T. was just taking one afternoon off to have a heart transplant!!) Vincent Vyce animated the outrageous Trekkie Monster with great gusto and Rachel McAdam was Lucy the Slut - confidently interpreting the seductive demeanour of the character!

The human characters had a more difficult job than the puppets to impress! Brian (Ben Logan) and Christmas Eve (Tara Lolly) made an interesting couple with little in common! However they each had a chance to shine with “I’m not wearing underwear today” and “The more you Ruv someone”.  Gary Coleman (a TV celebrity from years ago) was played by Raya Smyth. She was larger-than-life and a whirlwind of energy! Mark McClean was Ricky, Trekkie’s second arm when required, and in charge of Props - they were all appropriate and appeared on cue. The Set, a reduced version of the professional one, was brightly painted with functional curtained windows. Lighting had good blackouts and special pools of light when the action did not take place in the street. MD Wilson’s small band was situated in the auditorium stage right and Sound was well balanced with those on stage.

This show did not involve much dance but choreographed movement from Emily Olive kept the pace up throughout. I love the backing singer boxes in “Purpose” and the audience loved it too. As Directors, Shane and Emily rose to all the challenges of this ‘coming of age’ show and produced a unique evening of entertainment. My thanks to everyone involved.

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