AVENUE Q Review -- (That Rhymes!)

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 2/4/04 at 9:07pm

Please go online, or call ticketmaster right now and order tickets for Avenue Q. I'm telling you people that this show is something EVERYONE must experience. And I don't even work for the show!

But on with my review...

Avenue Q. Hm. What can you possibly expect from a show that boasts live action puppetry, Broadway music, and full puppet nudity? I was sure that I would laugh, but I wasn't sure that I would be impressed. I was very, very wrong.

Never have I laughed harder at a Broadway Musical, and I doubt that I ever will. From the moment the lights dimmed and that cheery, Sesame Street styled theme song began, I began a smile that wouldn't fade until I went to bed later that evening.

The show makes great use of the two television screeens, as words and 'commercial-like' bits play across them for songs and scene changes. But I won't give away any of the jokes. They add a cartoonish feel to an already animated show, and the clever pieces brought plenty of laughter. Great ideas!

The show itself, though outrageous and funny, really has some great messages within its dialogue and song. As the song Everyone's A Little Bit Racist says, "Ethnic jokes may be uncooth, but you laugh because they're based on truth!" It couldn't be said better. We are all aware of the problems with our society, but many times people are too afraid to address topics like racism, homosexuality, celebrities, money, and sex -- but Avenue Q presents them all and helps you to sit back and laugh at the stupidity of them all.

The performers impressed me beyond all belief. I wasn't sure of how much talent would be on stage -- Who knew puppeteers could sing and act? As soon as John Tartaglia and Princeton wandered on stage for the first song, I knew I was in for a treat. Each and every actor on that stage had a clear, crisp, and powerful voice. Their comedic timing goes unmatched in my eyes (Sorry Kristin Cheno!), and I loved each and every person on that stage.

JOHN TARTAGLIA's voice was very easy on the ears, and he could switch from Rod to Princeton in a heartbeat, and bring out each character individually. His voice and energy added so much to the show, as did his characters.

STEPHANIE D’ABRUZZO was another one who absolutely blew me away. Her versatility shined as well, when she melted my heart with There's A Fine Fine Line and then completely transformed into the belty, generously chested Lucy the Slut with another song that dropped my jaw. Her characters were adorable, and she conveyed each emotion flawlessly in her face with her adorable puppets! I demand a Tony Award for her.

RICK LYON definitely had the funniest characters, and he had an awesome voice as well. Trekkie Monster was the greatest! Whenever I saw him come on stage, I knew there was a huge laugh about to happen. His comedic skills are beyond words. It must be so hard to sing in such a nasal or low character voice, but he definitely does it! Along with JENNIFER BARNHART, Nicki, Trekkie, and the Bad Idea Bears are moved about the stage with ease and you forget there are people attached! PS: Jennifer was a hilarious Mrs. T, and Bad Idea Bear!

Sorry, but all the actors are too great to just mention, so the paragraphs continue! Bear with me!

ANN HARADA must have been my all-time favorite. Her Christmas Eve character brought tears of laughter in her flashing dresses, awesome one liners, and impressive vocal talents. The More You Ruv Someone got huge laughs, and she sings it with such comfort and skill. Wow! Go girl! She needs to win something.

NATALIE VENETIA BELCON! Her Gary Coleman was SO funny. I loved everytime she would flash her grin after announcing Gary's name with the little "ding!" from the pit. And her voice? Awe-inspiring. Can you tell that they were all good singers, yet? But yeah, she belted her notes and added a fiesty Gary Coleman attitude.

JORDAN GELBER's I'm Not Wearing Underwear Today was classic. He was the perfect counterpart to the controlling Christmas Eve, and he shined in every way. And his voice? You guessed it, great as well!

You might be tired of reading by this point, but if not, I'll continue! The performers did so well with their puppets that you would often forget they weren't real. The switching of puppets, and voice overs worked so well that you couldn't tell people were behind the puppets. I love how each actor's head moved with their corresponding puppets, and they must convey the emotions on their face since the puppets can't. There is so much more in the show that I don't want to give away, and a lot of unexpected things. The ensemble even comes out with the puppets in the second act! They were great as well!

Overall, it is an experience that everyone should have the privilege to see! Definitely for adults and teens because of the material, but it's Tony material.

Oh yeah. And there IS full puppet nudity. Go out and see it today, you won't be sorry!
Avenue Q! Updated On: 2/4/04 at 09:07 PM

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 2/4/04 at 9:12pm

Very nice review!

All I must say- if I could bring my mother to one of the performances, and have HER laughing her ass off... I just love the show. It better do very well at the Tony Awards!
*crosses fingers*

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 2/4/04 at 9:47pm

I'm planning to bring my whole family. My dad isn't a real Broadway fan, but I think he would find this show hilarious. And I'll bring my older brother in college who isn't into Broadway either. I think the whole family will love it. Can't wait to get more tickets.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 2/4/04 at 10:08pm

It does my heart good to see such ethusiasm for this wonderful, tuneful show with as much heart as it has laughs. Thans for your great post!

[Corine2]

Posted: 2/4/04 at 10:28pm

Great review Joizey.
I couldn't agree with you more.
Q IS FABOO. Updated On: 2/4/04 at 10:28 PM

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 2/4/04 at 10:32pm

I was truly blown away by this show. The entire cast couldn't be better, and the show couldn't fit better on Broadway.

I know some shows often have difficulty moving to the large-scale Great White Way, but Avenue Q has a nice little theatre, and they definitely have enough flash and pizazz to remind you that this is Broadway!

I loved Princeton's dream sequence about marriage. I won't give anything away, but those of us who have seen it can chuckle privately!

[Qfan]

Posted: 2/5/04 at 9:26am

hey its a great musical and a lot of fun. Go to my topic to hear my opinion about possible tony noms

[Sheri]

Posted: 2/5/04 at 10:24am

Wonderful review! :) I'm going to see it next weekend and I'm really looking forward to it!

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 2/5/04 at 3:10pm

Where are your seats Sheri?

I was a little worried about Row D in the mezzanine, but they turned out to be okay seats and I could still see the stage perfectly.

[Elphie]

Posted: 2/5/04 at 4:06pm

My parents, surprisingly, died of laughter during Avenue Q. I thought the sexual innuendos would be a bit much for my dont-say-the-F*-word-mother, but she was cracking up in hysterical fits and was impressed with the talent as well. And she finally got the name of the show right!! Previously before we saw it, she would sometimes call it Avenue K, but now she never mistakens the hilarious puppets' home street. My dad dubbed it the best show of his life. For him that out beats Jesus Christ Superstar and West Side Story. My mom is still faithful to her favorites: Aida and Thoroughly Modern Millie, but considers Q to be "up there." I'm taking her to see Wonderful Town for her birthday!
As for me, Avenue Q was gelastic on every account! It was straight-forward in all its messages, which all have a lot of value and truth behind them. This show is priceless- Nothing will ever out beat it in hilarity and meaning (well it would take ALOT of work.) The cast was incredible, probably fufilling the most demanding roles on Broadway, and not to mention wonderfully nice afterwards at the stage door. Make Avenue Q a must see! I will not say its better than Wicked, which I loved every minute of, because both can not be compared to one another, which really bites when the Tonys come rolling around. Well just if you havent seen this splendid show yet, get out to the city and see Avenue Q! Any seat is good!

Updated On: 2/5/04 at 04:06 PM

[fosse2004]

Posted: 2/6/04 at 12:56pm

I love hearing good things about this show. I am seeing it April 3 and I can't wait until that day comes!!!

[Benzy92]

Posted: 2/6/04 at 1:00pm

I agree completely.. see review towards the end of the page.