Everything in life, is only for now; Avenue Q farewell thread

[saveusmike]

Posted: 9/9/09 at 5:29pm

Avenue Q will close September 13th after six years on Broadway
and 2,534 performances. Q was the little show that could and defied odds (and gravity) winning three tony awards in 2004 including best musical beating out The Broadway Blockbuster, Wicked.

On Septmber 13th I will see the show for my 7th (and most likely) last time. I will miss this show and it has brought me so many great memories. But I learned as the show states only two things are gaurnteed to happen in life, and that is to die and pay taxes. Everything else in life including this amazingly funny and unique show, is only for now.

Reflect upon Avenue Q and tell your memories.

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 7:38am

I've seen in 11 times and I have to tell you, it changed my life. I must leave for work in a moment but the show truly got me into loving Broadway. I laughed as much each time I saw it; I never laughed so much in my 25 years of life. I quote the show ALL the time. It was truly a show that touched me. It was a show that shows the true human feelings in a funny and "odd" way. It was a show that had you laughing because of it's sincerity. It was a show which made you realize that you are not the only one.

I recommended it to more than 20 people, most of whom saw it and recommended it to others.
Congrats for such a successful run, Avenue Q!

[saveusmike]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 11:12am

SweetQ thats so cool to hear :)
Are you going to the final performance sunday?

I also loved the sincerity of the show. Its not just a show that ends happily ever after and the worlds gonna be great, like most shows. It gives a real life ending. Everyone is happy now, but in life everything is only for now. And they all seem to accept that.

[rorygilmo52]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 3:20pm

I saw Avenue Q for the first time on August 29th. I loved it more that I expected I would. I hate that I probably won't see it again. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had seeing a show.

[HollyGolightly2]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 3:24pm

I hate how many of these farewell threads there have been recently. Happy trails to Q!

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 3:29pm

Ugh I never got to see it. I am so upset.

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 4:28pm

saveusmike, I really would die to see the final performance but there were only a certain amount of tickets available and invites only. There is a lotto but it would be a 1.5 hr train ride both ways when the chances aren't likely of winning.

If I knew for sure I was able to get a ticket, I would go in a flash but I don't want to pay for the train and stuff on the off chance that I would win lotto.




CSonBroadway, is the tour coming to your city? I know it's not the same as Broadway but it's worthwhile none-the-less!

[singer73192]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 4:34pm

I am shamed/ excited/happy to say that I will be seeing Avenue Q for my first time at the last show. I just haven't gotten to it yet, but suppose this is a good time. I think it's kind of cool for the cast and creators to know that even though it is the "last" show, it is the first time for someone in the audience who will carry on the show's message.

[wendilin622]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 4:45pm

Very cool singer.

Avenue Q was a simply fantastic show. I saw it when I first graduated from college, so it was something that I could really relate to. I'm so beyond happy for the shows creators, crew, cast and fans. It had a fantastic run on broadway and definitely left its mark.

Here's hoping that the cast has a fantastic final weekend!!

[Corine2]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 8:08pm

Sigh! It is my favorite Broadway show. I will miss it.
If you love Avenue Q, you should go to my blog and site.
There are over 23 video features on the show and articles.
Updated On: 9/11/09 at 08:08 PM

[zamedy]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 9:29pm

It's had a tremendous run, exceeding all expectations and made a (blank) load of money. But it is still very sad to see the Q crew say goodbye. I saw this show about a year and a half ago when the tour came to my town. And while I laughed more than I quite possibly ever had before in my life, I didn't exactly love it. For some reason, it wasn't until the very next night when I went back again that I truly fell in love with it and became quite addicted to just about every song and every character. I was just listening to the OBCR in my car today... and was once again taken back by how good just about every song is.

As others have said.. it is a show with a message, and with incredible heart. I can relate to these little people.. these puppets. And yes, Rod still makes my eyes swell up when he says "Christmas Eve.. I miss Nikki" right as the first bars of "I Wish I Could Go Back To College" play.

Best of luck to the incredible cast, crew and creative team. I am really hoping that BroadwayWorld films the final "For Now" and curtain call, just as they did at closing night of another long runner, HAIRSPRAY.

Also.. I really really want to read the interview on this site with Jennifer Barnhart. But when I go to the page, NOTHING loads! Has anyone else had this problem?

Love you Q... NOW and forever!

[rorygilmo52]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 9:42pm

"Also.. I really really want to read the interview on this site with Jennifer Barnhart. But when I go to the page, NOTHING loads! Has anyone else had this problem?"
I have. I've tried multiple times and nothing.

During the show as soon as I heard "Why does everyhing have to be so hard?" I started sobbing because I knew For Now was coming.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 9:51pm

It really is one of the most unique, funny & sweetest shows ever on Broadway. Nobody thought it would run 6 years(or even half that). It will be missed!!

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 9:53pm

I LOVE HER. I was hoping she was going to get a main part but I am very glad to see she stayed through the very end...that shows major dedication, even without a "main" part.

Kudos to her.

For those who want to read the interview, try this link: https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/AVENUE_Q_Exit_Interview_with_Jennifer_Barnhart_Its_LongestRunning_Star_20090905


I also tear up when Rod tells Christmas Eve he misses Nikki. And, as I hear the first notes of "For Now" I start to cry. The song makes you realize that it's (the show) is coming to an end. For Now. The cast does their little "do-do-do-do" circle type dance at the very end and I'm sitting there crying and smiling.

I am tearing up just thinking about it.

[CyCoSpAz2]

Posted: 9/10/09 at 9:58pm

Avenue Q was the second musical I ever saw and 80+ shows later it is still my absolute favorite, and I don't foresee any show overtaking it. Such an endearing show that makes you feel all kinds of emotions... and not once have the jokes fallen flat on me.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 8:11am

I'll be there Sunday afternoon with my daughter courtesy of BWW (I won the Eye Q contest...were more than one set of tickets awarded?). It will be my fifth time (counting tour) and her third (likewise) and we can't wait.

The show had me at "What Do You Do With A BA In English," since that perfectly explained my life at 22. And seriously, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in a Broadway theatre. OK, maybe the original '83 production of "Noises Off," but you get my drift.

So glad Ann Harada is back. The first time I saw the show was weeks before her initial exit and she so owns the role. I'm thrilled that my daughter will be able to see her too.

[zamedy]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 1:37pm

Congrats broadwayjim. Can you please please please promise to post a review on here after the show? I'm so jealous!!

And I STILL can't read that exit interview with Jennifer Barnhart. The link still doesn't work. If it works for someone else, can you just copy and paste the article in this thread, or send it to me in my message box? I have so much admiration for her talent and dedication to this incredible show through its entire run.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 1:54pm

I'll do my best. It's not the last show, since there is an evening performance, but still....

I've never attended a next-to-final, much less a final performance...should be quite the experience.

Then "Kristina" in 12 (and possibly 13 if I decide to stay for both shows) days...turning out to be quite a month.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 9/13/09 at 10:34pm

Damn, what a whirlwind of emotions today...first the show itself and then coming home to the news that it's moving off-Broadway. From sadness to joy in eight hours flat!

It really was an emtional afternoon. I teared up during "Avenue Q" and "For Now" and my daughter and I just kept looking and grinning at each other the whole show. It probably holds up better than any show I've seem multiple times and the audience was really into it. Everyone, human and puppet, got entrance applause and the cast responded in kind.

If there's anything resembling a weak link, it's Nicholas Kohn as Brian...he just seems kind of blase but it's not exactly the most developed role in the show to start with.

I'd seen Anika and Robert on tour in January so I knew what to expect there (very good things), Danielle Thomas was a solid Gary Coleman and Ann Harada...I love her to death. Seconds after her first entrance, ny daughter agreed with what I'd told her going in--Ann owns Christmas Eve...there will never be a better one.

We also got a special treat, at least for those who recgonized him--Jeff Marx was there. I didn't see him until intermission, but during the second act my daughter and I kept sneaking peeks at him and he was quite the proud papa...smiling, laughing, looking a little contemplative and covertly videoing both the cast and the audience. I would have loved to have shaken his hand and said "thank you" but he was pretty mucvh surrounded at show's end.

My daughter did the stage door thing while I played photographer for a guy from Dallas who wanted pictures with the cast. I'm not sure if it was his first Broadway experience, but I hope it was a memorable one for him..he seemed to be in a state of bliss after all the pics.

And then to come home and find out it's coming back...perfect ending to an awesome day.

P.S. Thanks Miles and BWW--great seats!!!