"I actually would object to a High School doing Avenue Q. Rent as (sic) a point behind its language and subject matter. Avenue Q is adult comedy and should be kept as such."
So vulgar language is OK for a high school production if a show is "serious?"
I daresay AVENUE Q has as many "points" to it as RENT. AVENUE Q deals humorously with many contemporary issues - acceptance and tolerance chief amongst them (hm, RENT does that too, right?). High school kids are some of Q's biggest fans. Do you think Q would have lasted on Broadway this long if if was just a one-note adult joke? It has heart behind its humor, and the protagonist's coming-of-age journey to find his purpose resonates with younger audiences.
Should younger actors not do this show because their puppetry will suck? Well, suck compared to what? I've seen some pretty terrific productions of musicals presented by high school students, or even younger. A high school musical is more about learning and sharing an experience than it is about production value. I've seen great performances in shows that had cardboard sets!
Should high schools have the opportunity to do a version of AVENUE Q? Sure. And judging from the popularity of the show with that age group, they will!
Updated On: 3/22/09 at 04:35 PM