Swing Joined: 7/13/04
Ok, I saw the Tony's clip (not horribly impressed, but I love stupid stuff and the premise looked kinda cute) but I have no idea what this show's about. Can someone give me a run down? Also, I know it's very... edgy (to put it politely). Is it's posable offensive-ness in subject matter of lanuage? I can me a prude about some things and don't want to be offended, but I'd like to hear more from the show. Is it "artsy" like Rent or more "raw" like Will and Grace (I'm sorry, but I can not stand that show- love Rent, though).
If you consider 'Will and Grace' 'raw' then steer clear from 'Q'
Not necessarily, Priest.
Keep in mind...
My mother watches Will & Grace weekly, but she would hardly call Rent "artsy".
That musical freaked her out.
I personally would call Rent "raw" before saying it about Will & Grace.
I'm surprised you weren't impressed by the performance on the Tonys; I think it was by far the best performance of the evening.
Anyway, Avenue Q is an adult take on Sesame Street. Remember children's television, and how it taught us things like sharing and how special we all are? Well, we all know life isn't like that. So Avenue Q is like Sesame St, except it explores real (and hilarious) issues like love, sex, unemployment, racism, Internet porn, closeted gay Republicans and finding your purpose in life. It's not a stupid show. Far from it. It's an irreverent, witty and smart show that also possesses a lot of warmth and depth.
This ain't kid stuff. If you're a prude, go see Beauty and the Beast. But if you want a great night of fresh theatre, see Avenue Q. I don't think anyone could be offended by it (unless sex scares you); a lot of the politically-incorrect stuff is equal-opportunity.
By the way, how is Will & Grace "raw"? I think it's the tamest (and lamest) thing on TV. And I don't think "Rent" is artsy, per se; more 1996 edgy.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
If anyone does get offended by Ave Q just remember that it makes fun of everyone. Blacks, Whites, Jews, Asians, former child stars... Its not to be taken seriously
Don't forget those Pollacks!
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
Oh how could I forget the pollacks? Also cab drivers
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
Pollacks? You mean the fish? Or does it make fun of Jackson Pollack?
Avenue Q is about life. The search for "PURPOSE", LOVE and the meaning of life.
It is a modern day Pippin with puppets.
The show is by far the most creative, funny, edgy and delightful shows on Broadway.
It is worth seeing! I have seen it twice and will see it a third time on Monday.
PS If you have not seen Avenue Q, "IT SUCKS TO BE YOU"
Updated On: 7/24/04 at 09:44 AM
I saw Avenue Q a few months ago on a whim, single ticket. I sat next to an older couple, and tried to watch their reactions during the show. They seemed to love it and not be offended at all. There were a lot of children there, though. I wouldn't suggest taking younger children...how do you explain puppet sex? :) Anyway, I am a staunch republican, and I was not offended at all, rather pleasently amused and entertained. And, I can't take the CD outta' my player. Remember: it's just fun theatre, don't take any of it too seriously :)
'Avenue Q' is just a show about a boy who moves to New York to figure out what to do with his life ~Jeffrey Seller (Q producer)
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/04
Great avatar, broadwaystar2b. Elphaba looks like she's about to kill Nicky in your avatar, lol.
Avenue Q is about finding your purpose in life and talking about issues people face in real life mixed with adult humor. A bit overrated, but a great show.
However, I disagree that Avenue Q had the best performance at the Tonys...I think that belonged to Donna Murphy.
REALLY? I don't know about her actual performance, but after watching the number, I was thinking, what the heck was that? It felt really weird out of context.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/04
Yeah, I agree that "Swing" is weird, especially out of context, but I loved Donna's performance. I enjoyed Avenue Q's performance (I actually enjoyed almost all the performances, so I'm not hard to please...I don't count Tony Bennet and Mary J. Blige) but I think it was a bit flat and rushed because of the time restriction. I wish the Tonys were four hours because I think all the performances would have benefitted from their songs not being abridged.
The thing that I don't understand about Avenue Q is how people can listen to the CD and own it and know it all and then be afraid to go see it, or have families who say they're not allowed to go. I've heard that from a lot of people. Now I've seen Q 15 times and let me tell you, you can see a lot worse just watching television or movies.
Anyone who goes to see it and wants to like it has to let down their guard and just sit back and enjoy it. You can't sit there and get offended, its equal opportunity offender.
I just bought the OBCR and bought tickets for late August. The story is basically everything mentioned above lol I can see why it won Best Musical, as a whole it has more innovative music/lyrics and a perfect balance of humor and emotion, IMO. (ie. "The Internet is for Porn" compared to "There's a Fine, Fine Line.")
Amazing show with a super friendly and amazingly talented cast.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
I think Avenue Q deserved the Tonys. I also loved Donna's performance in Wonderful Town another must see.
I have seen Wonderful Town twice and Q twice!
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Avenue Q is about
2 1/2 of the best hours you will spend in the theater in a while!
Updated On: 7/24/04 at 08:54 PM
Yes it is.
I have to say I am so hooked on the cd.
Run and see it. You will be hooked.
Ah yes!
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/04
I admit that the first time I heard "There's a Fine Fine Line," I almost cried. The way Stephanie sings that song is just so touching.
I've seen Avenue Q five times and Wicked three (have tickets for two more of the latter, though), and I think they are both must sees. I take everyone to see Q, and I have yet to meet a person that doesn't like it. I've seen one of the worst performances of Wicked, and it's still amazing. Wicked definitely deserved the Tony, but in any other year, it would've gone to Q (had it been up to me). Updated On: 7/24/04 at 09:39 PM
Will & Grace is the best show on TV.
Will and Grace used to be one of the best shows on TV. Now, it sucks! They've really ruined a great show. The reruns from the early seasons make the newer ones look pathetic.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
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