Saw Avenue Q!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 3:55pm

I saw Avenue Q yesterday... figured I'd share my thoughts. Well, I was expecting to enjoy it - that goes without saying. I'd heard SO many wonderful things about it, especially from you guys on this board. It definitely is not AT ALL my type of theater, but I think what makes it so great is that it's very different from most other stuff out there.

I'll start with the show itself. I think it's simply a brilliant idea - something that seems so childish in a completely adult manner. It's hysterical and has a lot of very clever jokes. (The line "George Bush is only for now!" In "For Now" got an amazing response from the audience. I was thrilled.) I had bought the cast recording a while back. The music is good, and a lot of fun... don't get me wrong, but even after actually seeing the show I don't think its music is anything earth-shattering. I like it though, I really do. I loved that the sets looked like Sesame Street, and the puppets are just adorable... very creative. (I really wish they would make stuffed animal versions... I would buy them!)

The cast is amazing. They are an incredibly talented group of people, and it's obvious that they have a very close bond - both on stage and off (I'll touch on the stage-dooring later). I think that's what makes the show as good as it is. They're funny, and just all-around great at what they do. I was especially impressed with Stephanie D'Abruzzo and John Tartaglia (who, by the way, has the nicest ass - I don't know if it's ok for me to use that word on here, so Rob and Craig, let me know if it's not cool and I'll take it out... not sure what the rules are). An understudy was on for Christmas Eve, but she was very good. Ann Harada was the only one out, which I was very happy about. Experience has taught me to dread the "at this performance" board.

I met all of the principals after the show. Rick Lyon couldn't stay long; he had to catch a bus, but they were all incredibly nice. It was a lot of fun to have them all out at once, and to be surrounded by such a dynamic group. I often tend to get nervous around people like that, but they were all extremely personable and easy to talk to. Took lots of pictures... can't wait to see how they come out! Stephanie D'Abruzzo is just adorable... she's exactly my height, (which is an unusual treat - not to have to look up to talk to someone) and she's just very candid and down-to-earth. John Tartaglia is such a sweetie... eager to chat with us, take pictures, etc... just a bundle of energy. Jordan Gelber and Jennifer Barnhart were very friendly as well.

I think that's it.... overall I had a great time. Thanks for reading!

Updated On: 3/19/04 at 03:55 PM

[BroadwayDiva]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 5:30pm

Great review! I'm glad you had fun!

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 5:34pm

Very awesome! I'm glad that you loved the show!

[TheGirlinTheFrock]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:03pm

o0o nice .. you'll have to tell me in detail later

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:06pm

lol, sure will! How about right now?!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:06pm

Glad u liked it. I hated the show. Cheap sophmoric humour. Performers are very talented wish they were in something worthier. That being said I did like "iT's a Thin Line" & even occasionally laughed but it certainly isn't the rave u guys( the board in general) tried to convince me of.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:09pm

Look at my signature and then tell me again what the name of the song was that you enjoyed?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:12pm

sumofallthings, I just saw that and thought it was geared toward me.... I was all upset thinking that I had mistaken something! But yes, sabrelady, please double check and correct that.

Updated On: 3/15/04 at 08:12 PM

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:14pm

No worries. George Bush may be only for now but bad spelling is forever.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:15pm

lol! Very, very true.

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 9:16pm

Yay!! I'm so glad you saw it! You must tell me the story. In detail girlfriend!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 9:18pm

Tomorrow, as promised darling. I really should go finish everything that I have to and get some sleep. Last night's festivites combined with an early morning today have completely exhausted me.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 9:19pm

I am very glad you had a great time, sweetie !!!


Take care

[Wicked_Elphie]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 1:39pm

Oh I cannot wait to see it, I'm glad you loved it and I can't wait to get my playbill! I'm so jealous that I wasn't there with ya!

I think that was probably on of your best

Posted: 3/16/04 at 1:44pm

Fine Fine Line.. is one of the best songs written lately. It is one of those songs that is so simple and yet speaks so many volumes in terms of love and life and what one little thing can change the whole game.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 2:16pm

lol, Wicked_Elphie, I think it was! I wish you had been there - you would've loved them.

[BroadwayPhil]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 3:16pm

Saw it last Sunday on advice from the board. A real ripper right from the start. " It sucks to be me" is the first song. Great entertainment and I thought, a very mature and smart show. Fun to see how they work the puppets, with 2 small kid, I've seen alot of Sesame street. Cast very friendly to talk to after the show.

All though I can remember probably about 6 songs, don't think I'll buy the CD. But, I said the same thing about Urintown and the Producers and now own and love both CD's.

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 4:13pm

Great review!! This doesn't seem like my type of show but I hear alot of good things about it.

[Qfan]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 10:53pm

so luvtheemcee are you going to change the name to luvtheQ?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/17/04 at 4:48pm

well, no, lol. I loved Avenue Q, but Cabaret still holds a special place in my heart -- besides, I've worked so hard to get up to being a B'way star (and God knows that won't ever happen in real life...). I did change my icon to a picture from Avenue Q, but some people made me feel guilty for betraying my Adam, so he has made his return. But, if you'd like, you may call me LuvtheQ... lol

Updated On: 3/17/04 at 04:48 PM

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/19/04 at 6:04pm

Couldn't check the title cos i threw away the playbill. A LOT of $$ for one good song. "only for now"... hell everything is only for now including life! All i could think of was the old Flanders & Swan song "lets talk dirty"... KNICKERS!! tee hee hee (Puleeze!!) Updated On: 3/20/04 at 06:04 PM

[Corine2]

Posted: 3/19/04 at 11:08pm

Sabrelady you hated Avenue Q.
I am speechless.

I still like you but i can't believe it. You have such great taste!

[thirdrowcenter]

Posted: 3/19/04 at 11:32pm

I didn't hate Avenue Q. I didn't love Avenue Q.