This show is well described as "Sesame Street for Adults" -- a combo of cartoonish characters and real people via puppets and their handlers. Only one is a stand-alone person, the "super" ex-TV star Gary Coleman, played by amusing Ariel Blue. He tries to conduct the conduct of tenants and visitors as they experience the problems of
making it in the Big City.
Newcomer to the group of multilevel apartment buildings on the NYC block of Avenue Q, Princeton, fresh out of that university, poses a typical question: "What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?" In Princeton's case, it will be to pursue his "Purpose."
Meanwhile, the neighbors opine "It Sucks to Be Me" and "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" and "You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When You're Making Love)." Wow! Good thing they're puppets with their racy (in both senses of the term) attitudes and what they think the internet is useful for. Lucy the Slut and Kate Monster's names fit their actions (as Dianne Dawson so well fits these parts).
But there are also happily adjusted interracial lovers (comical Erik Emmerson and sweet if less articulaate Jenn Abreu) and outspoken but nice Nicky (Steve Dawson). To balance a Bad Idea Bear (one of versatile Alex Torres' three roles) is a Good Idea Bear. Evan Glantz gets sympathy for closeted Rod as does Berry Ayers, who sometimes switches the role with Evan. The two also alternate as Princeton, with Ayers, of beautiful voice, most often finding his purpose.
Kyle Ennis Turoff's directorial and choreographic efforts have never been more challenged...or fulfilled! She's at the helm of a first-rate vessel. Though offstage, Don Sturrock and his percussionist John Januszewski make their musical presence felt throughout. Michael Newton-Brown's colorful set, David Walker's just-right costumes and Brad Pattison's bold lighting make as strong social and economic statements as the script.
Avenue Q doesn't need all the notoriety it gets over nudity, sex on stage, political incorrectness, innuendo. But the hype is well deserved by the Apple.
