The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Tuesday 16th - Saturday 20th September 2014
It's been ten years since Avenue Q first appeared on Broadway; created by Jeff Marx and Bobby Lopez, who never intended it to be a stage play let alone a musical. Now Sell A Door (2008) bring us the first major production in a few years, touring the UK.
The production follows Princeton; a recent graduate of English looking for his purpose in life, only for life to get in his way, which is relatable for many people my age (early 20s, just left university). After starting on Avenue A Princeton finds himself moving to Avenue Q, an affordable area in New York, renting from none other than superintendent Gary Coleman. Here Princeton meets some interesting characters, Kate Monster, his love interest, sweet but surprisingly feisty, Brian, an unemployed, failed comedian with his 'oriental' wife, Christmas Eve. Trekkie monster, Sesame Street's Cookie Monster gone dirty, obsessed with porn, who in no way is related to Kate Monster, because that's racist! Bert and Ernie's famous platonic relationship is reflected in the parody Nicky and Rod. Lucy The Slut, who's name says it all really and the Bad Idea Bears, the two furry red devils sitting on everyone's shoulder telling them to drink and have loud sex.
Avenue Q's premise is producing hilarious songs that explore controversial, although often relatable, issues such as racism and sexuality, they approach these subjects bluntly, but these muppets gone wild do soften the blow. However, seeing a graphic puppet sex scene is something that I'll never forget! The production gives us catchy songs such as "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist", "The Internet Is For Porn", "You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When You're Makin' Love)" and "If You Were Gay".
The idea that the actor would be in full view of the audience on stage was revolutionary, this is without any attempt of ventriloquy, however the puppets are more of an extension of the actor controlling them. By the end of the production, the actors and their puppets had almost merged into one another, and the legs seen became the characters'. Another point that assists this illusion is the actors creating the same expressions and posture as the puppets on their hands, it was especially clever when two actors controlled the same puppet, as was often the case with Trekkie Monster. The entire cast focused their energy into their puppets making them come to life!
On this night, the character of Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut was played by the second cover Jessica Parker, although I haven't seen the usual actor, I honestly do not understand why she wasn't the first choice every night, she blew the roof off The Alex! Furthermore, her ability to switch between her two characters never disrupted the flow of the piece and was truly stunning. The same goes for Stephen Arden, who I did question whether he had a body double because he appeared on different sides of the stage as another character within seconds, as Nicky, Trekkie Monster and Bad Idea Bear. Tom Steedon stole the show with his superb character work and beautiful voice. Overall, a particular highlight of mine was the pure uproar of laughter at seeing Brian's (Richard Morse) wiggling around in his loose shorts in "I'm Not Wearing Underwear Today", again an image that I cannot erase from my memory. The whole ensemble deserves mention, for all their hard work in mastering their puppets, which I'm sure is no easy task, congratulations to all involved!
Review by Ellie Scandrett
Creative Team
Music and Lyrics Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Book Jeff Whitty
Original Concept Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Director Cressida Carré
Choreographer Cressida Carré
Set Design Richard Evans
Lighting Design Charlie Morgan Jones
Sound Design Chris Bogg and DBS Solutions
Puppet Designed Paul Jomain (www.Qpuppets.co.uk)
Orchestrations Stephen Oremus
Arrangements Stephen Oremus
Producers Sell a Door Theatre Co and Richard Darbourne Ltd.
Running Time: 2hrs 30 mins | Suitable for 14+
Show Details
Avenue Q
New Alexandra Theatre
Tue 16 – Sat 20 September 2014
Tickets Prices: £17.90 - £39.40*
Book now on 0844 871 3011 or visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
*Booking fee included, an additional transaction fee will apply
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