The " I walked out of Avenue Q at intermission because I thought it was insipid,self referential and had an elementary score" thread

i've never walked out of anything before!.

Wow. That's amazing. A lot of people I know have seen it, and I really want to, but that's interesting that you walked out.

I kid you not. i wanted to like it, i mean all the buzz I had heard, i finally got around to seeing it, but that wasnt the case. The cast had pronounced pauses for laughs, it was all just so overrated. Best score , best musical. how could this beat out Tesori, Schwartz?

Why would you say the problem is me? If i found the score lacking, thats an opinion, not a reflection on me. isn't that what this board is about?

broadwaygiant,

I said that, because like Urban, you're the first person I've ever heard of who didn't at least LIKE the score. The show itself is another thing, and I can understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, but the songs are VERY strong.

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LOL, to each his own. I really disliked CoC, so all's fair in love and Tonys.

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Yeah, ive read and heard what seems like everything out there: regarding the roots of the show and the humble attitudes displayed by the cast. I dont think that factors into the show quality though. I am all for different, progressive theater as well. I gues s it just comes down to that unfortunate adage: different strokes for different folks.

It's surprising that you didn't like it only because you are the first person I have ever heard that didn't enjoy it. I'm not a huge fan of the cast recording, the lyrics are hysterical but its not the kinda thing that you can really just listen to on repeat (at least I can't). But I adore seeing the show. The cast is so talented and it's something so different. Seeing how they manipulate the puppets and how their facial expressions match up. Plus there is such energy. And the fact that the cast is so incredibly nice, may not make them more telented (not that they need more talent), but it does give you more of an "emotional investment" when you watch them. Besides, I could literally just stare at Barrett for 2 hours straight, and with John..yeah no problem there either :)

Updated On: 2/27/05 at 10:43 AM

I agree...I don't feel that anyone should make harsh judgements about a show until you've seen the whole thing. I bought the cd before seeing the show and fell in love with it. A week and a half later I was there to see the show. I'm a big Q fan and I'm just suprised that someone wouldn't like it. I know everyone is entitled to there own opinion..but I feel that the book and score are both very strong. The cast is amazing on and off the stage, and it is the most unique and funny thing on broadway right now...ahh that felt good!

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Broadwaygiant, you're not the first person to say they didn't care for "Avenue Q," at least that I know. One of my drama teachers couldn't stand it. He said it got hyped SO much, that when he went, he just like, "What the hell is this nonsense." Some of the things I've had questions about, he said weren't justified at all. I don't understand if it's a puppet show, why are we seeing the humans? Why isn't this just a show without puppets, or why isn't it JUST a puppet show w/ no humans on stage. PLEASE people, don't get me wrong. I enjoy the OBCR very much. I do think it's rather simplistic and cute, nothing great (I do prefer the music in "Caroline or Change" and "Wicked") but that's just my opinion. I have wanted to see it for a while, and still plan on it. The last time I posted about "Avenue Q," I got BLASTED about my intelligence and the way I look (talk about strange). So, I think everyone should be able to voice their opinion on a public board without threat of insult to their intellect and their physical.

-Vincent

I can definitely see where the original poster is coming from, but I agree - you can't judge a show based on Act One. While I can certainly understand the Tony Awards for best book and best musical, the best score Tony continues to baffle me. The score is very well crafted and solid, but hardly the best score of the year - especially against CAROLINE OR CHANGE and TABOO. I strongly dislike most of the music and the CD just gives me a headache - it's pretty damn annoying. All in all, I think it's a good show with some nice moments and a talented cast - I hope you give it another try someday.

"How could this beat out Tesori, Schwartz?"

Darling, it's not very hard to beat Steven Schwartz.

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Big fan of Avenue Q, but I do understand how somebody can find the score "elementary"... it is, after all, a comedy score. Personally *I* would have voted for it for the "best score" tony because I think the lyrics do a hell of a job of making me laugh. But it's the same reason Producers' score won over Full Monty's, I assume; Producers has a less complex, more amateurish score (with funnier lyrics) than Full Monty, as does Avenue Q have a more "sophomoric" score (with funnier lyrics) than Caroline or Change. So I totally can understand the argument of CoC or Wicked being the better score because the music is more intricate (especially CoC).

That said, you actually *walked out on it* for having not-as-good a score and for being self-referential? It's one thing to dislike a show, it's another to just plain walk out on it. Did you find the humor too crude for your tastes?
I only know one other person who didn't like Avenue Q, and it was because the humor was so crude she couldn't enjoy it. And something like that could turn you off, sure. Or maybe self-referential humor isn't your taste, which I can totally understand (although I highly suggest you don't see Spamalot this season). But you found the score *so* not-up-to-par-of-Tesori that you walked out?

I guess it takes a lot for me to walk out of a show, though.

If any of you feel the need to walk out please call me.
I would be happy to sit in your seat!