Avenue Q

AVENUE Q is a musical show that combines puppets and humans and has lots of adult content.  The music and lyrics are by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.  The book is by Jeff Whitty and its based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.   BAOS were lucky that on this occasion they were able to use puppets from the original West End production.

The set was brilliant and portrayed the street of Avenue Q as one large backdrop with various doors and windows allowing easy access and egress. The props were well used. The bed, on its end, for the scene between Rod and Nicky was inspired and very effective.

The costumes were excellent, and the entire cast’s costumes enhanced their characters. The costumes for the puppets were also well represented including a change of clothing for some of the puppets including Lucy The Slut. 

Overall the sound was good.  The music and singing under the direction of Andrew Wood was first class with the occasional exception of some pitch being a little high and therefore clarity was lost. The American accents sometimes caused confusion (with me anyway!) but none of this spoiled the enjoyment of the musical aspect of this show. 

There was a huge amount to enjoy in this production with its large, multi-talented cast.   Some of them are now quadruple threats, adding puppet mastery to their acting, singing and dancing skills. The show covers multiple themes and social issues: sex, purpose, race, homelessness, debt and addiction.  But the serious undertones are done with some hilarious exchanges such as Rod coming out.   Everyone in this production had endless energy and skill.   Jack Baldwin as Princeton opened the story having just finished college and was looking for purpose in his life.  Along the way he found love, eventually, with Kate Monster (Hollie Parks).  The characters/occupants of Avenue Q were a rag bag bunch of misfits including friends Rod and Nicky; Benedict Kennedy and Sammy James Dodds respectively.     Trekkie Monster, who had a voracious appetite for internet porn (Spud Smith for the performance I saw) was just hilarious and stealing every scene she was in. Lucy The Slut was in the very capable hands of Eloise Chandler. Most of the puppets had endearing qualities but Emily Fagg was perfect as Mrs Thisletwat, the moaning old bitch. The Bad Idea Bears operated by Jade Williams and Jess Harris did not always have good intentions.   Richard Bond, Harrison Crangle and Sasha Wong as the non-puppeteers in the cast interacted well with the puppets and gelled seamlessly with the puppets.   For the entire performance I forgot the puppets weren’t living, breathing beings!   Every one of the cast including the lively ensemble, were totally engaged through the evening.   The creatives, led by Director Catherine Hannan, took on a massive challenge in choosing this production but, as ever, BAOS rose to the challenge and treated us to a polished, professional and hugely entertaining evening.

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