What's the big deal about Avenue Q?

[producersfan2]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:13pm

I haven't seen the show, but I have the cast recording and I think the humor is sophomoric and unsophisticated. It has a few clever rhymes and pretensions to insight into real life, but it's superficial and the ending is completely inane. "My purpose in life is to turn everything I've learned into a show!" That is the most unsatisfying ending ever.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:14pm

to you...to others, it an original, comic gem

[pab]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:15pm

"I haven't seen the show"

Nuff said.

[producersfan2]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:18pm

I guess nothing's perfect. Wicked has some thrilling songs, especially Defying Gravity, but the show as a whole is mediocre. Still, I think Urinetown was a much better show than Avenue Q, and if there was only one chance for a small hip show to beat a big traditional blockbuster, Urinetown should've been it. Updated On: 11/30/04 at 08:18 PM

[luvWICKED416]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:21pm

Andy... get your ass over to this thread....

[pab]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:22pm

"Still, I think Urinetown was a much better show than Avenue Q"

How can you possibly make that statement if you haven't seen the show? You may be right and you may not but how would you know that without having seen "Avenue Q"?

[Plum]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:24pm

The whole idea of the ending is that it's unsatisfying. Princeton doesn't find his purpose, because for most people, that's life. "Everyone goes 'round a little/ empty inside."

Avenue Q isn't a big, deep, meaningful show (though that's not to say it has no meaning). It is, however, bright, fun, and very well-performed. And its sensibility is considerably more youthful than that of many Broadway shows, which helps it stand out. I loved it.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:25pm

"'I haven't seen the show'

Nuff said."

Exactly.

You have to see it to fully appreciate the show. Like it's so not the same if you haven't seen it.

And I agree that Urinetown should have won over Millie, but just because it didn't, why can't Avenue Q have its shining moment?

~Steven

[Plum]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:26pm

Oh, and re: Urinetown- Guys, it's not like only one show can take the "edgy entertainment" niche in musical theater. There's plenty of room for everyone.

[magelet21]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:26pm

Firstly, I found Wicked to be a wonderful musical. I doubt that it has the long running power of say, Rent or Phantom, but it's much better than you're giving it credit for.

Urinetown...was so not my cup of tea. There were a few good songs, or moments, but I didn't really find it to be that substantive.

Avenue Q...fell off my chair laughing, wiped away a tear or two, and related a little too well here and there (especially the mix tape song, and the wish I could go back to college song)

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:27pm

What would inspire you to say "if there was only one chance for a small hip show to big a big traditional blockbuster, Urinetown should've been it." I don't understand how that's relevant to anything, especially since you haven't seen the show.

On the other hand, I agree with you that WICKED is mediocre - and even that's being kind. The music is decent, but nothing more. I have to say, I don't see the big deal about AVENUE Q either. The music is elementary at best, and is vert amateur. Some of the lyrics are clever, but I don't find anything in the show hysterical or brilliant. I enjoy the show, but it's certainly not the Best Musical. I still can't believe the score won a Tony...it's terrible, and I would even go as far to say that WICKED deserved that more than Avenue Q, but TABOO had a score far superior to any other show last year. I don't understand to draw to AVenue Q either really - I found it quite irritating.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:28pm

I think the big deal is that people get a big kick out of seeing "Sesame Street"-esque puppets being adult, irreverent and inappropriate. The musical tackles "taboo" topics head-on with no regrets or reservations, such as racism, homosexuality and stereotypes. If you go into it looking for a deep, life-changing plot and score, then I can understand being disappointed. But if you take it for what it is (a humorous, tongue-in-cheek, racy comedy), then it is a great show. Updated On: 11/30/04 at 08:28 PM

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:28pm

I adore Ave Q. I happen to like Wicked more but thats not the point. Its all a matter of opinion. I can certainly understand why someone might not like Ave Q, but same goes for Wicked and all other musicals.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:34pm

I certainly didn't go into Ave Q looking for anything deep or life changing - I knew exactly what I was expecting. I felt that they were trying to be too blunt and head on and it came off as insincere. Maybe it's because in person, I'm one of the most blunt, brutally honest people you will ever meet. I'm not afraid to say or discuss anything, and many people find ME funny. The jist of a lot of the jokes in Ave Q as far as homosexuality, stereotypes, and especially racism were not new to me - I found it funny that they were recognizing them, but I don't see them as being "brave" or over the top - I think it's overrated and quite boring. But, you're right - it's a matter of opinion.

[Corine2]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:43pm

See Avenue Q. In my opinion, Q is one of the best musicals I have ever seen.
It is edgy. Funny and has heart. I love Q!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:49pm

I partially agree - it IS funny, and it does have so much heart. You can't help but want to support them and want the most success for them. I just don't find it edgy. TABOO, and even THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and RENT are far more "Edgy" than AVENUE Q.

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:52pm

i think avenue q is absolutely fantanstic and it was one of the most creative shows to hit bway this past year

[jmaclover]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 8:53pm

OOOO

LOGE!

Welcome to the boards, now go away!

[Amy Archer]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:16pm

"See Avenue Q. In my opinion, Q is one of the best musicals I have ever seen.
It is edgy. Funny and has heart. I love Q!"

You can always count on Corine to add fresh insight to every conversation.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:18pm

Let me get this straight...

You have not seen Avenue Q.
You say Avenue Q is a better show than Urinetown.

How can you possibly make a statement like that based on the music and/or other people's statements or reviews?

[Corine2]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:22pm

And I can always count on you being a witch.
Amy, time to take flight, your broom is leaving.
Get a life! Updated On: 11/30/04 at 09:22 PM

[CurtainUp]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:30pm

It's all opinion but I think Q is brilliant. Out of all the characters on Broadway, most of my friends can relate to puppets the most. To quote the big opener "This is real life!" You feel for the characters, you identify with them, you love them! What guy hasnt had a princeton moment? What girl hasnt ever felt like Kate?

People say the music must be so simple to write, but I think the cleverness and brilliance is in the simplicity. It's witty and the tones are perfect for the parody tone.

About theending, its not SUPPOSED to be satisfying (to agree w/ Plum), because it's LIFE. We just see what happens. I think "For Now" is a GREAT philosophy. The show is just so REAL.

AND the CD never fails to make me giggle.

Updated On: 11/30/04 at 09:30 PM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:31pm

Amy, everyone is sick and tired of your nasty comments. You contribute nothing to this message board - you only mock people's comments and try to act superior to everyone else. There's no need for it. Instead of mocking other people's comments, if you're so intelligent and offer groundbreaking contributions, why don't you start posting on the boards and stop being so nasty. You must be one very lonely individual.

[andyf]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:34pm

"and the ending is completely inane. "My purpose in life is to turn everything I've learned into a show!" That is the most unsatisfying ending ever"


I guess it would be pretty dumb when you take it out of context like that. The next line in the show is in response to that very statement - "Are you high??"

And even that isn't the end of the show, but it's a much more realistic representation of it. If you want to talk about shows with unsatisfying endings, this is probably more up your alley: https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=571369&dt=113004054702.

You'd be a lot more justified over there. TADA!!!


Speaking of taking things really out of context, has anyone seen those two HUGE doors next to the Plymouth. One has a picture of Eden and the other has a picture of Ramona. Anyway there's a quote under the pictures: "Someday audiences who saw Brooklyn, The Musical will be able to boast of seeing Eden Espinosa and Ramona Keller in the show that launched their careers."

It's from the Broadway.com review. It's funny because the next line continues, "Those who missed this sight will take comfort in the fact that they were spared the experience of seeing Brooklyn, The Musical." It's the same review that ends, "But the road to theatrical hell currently leads through a certain outer borough."

Not to turn this into the millionth Brooklyn bashing thread, but I thought it was funny. I just feel like they could have been able to find A good quote about Eden and Ramona, I mean, not ALL of the reviews were that vicious, especially when talking about the talent.

For now, I would just say go see Q and then see if you still don't get it.

EDIT: Ha, Corine. Come on Amy, there are plenty of people starting Brooklyn and Wicked threads for you to pick on. Don't hate on Corine just because she has impeccable taste in musicals.

Updated On: 11/30/04 at 09:34 PM

[Amy Archer]

Posted: 11/30/04 at 9:36pm

Oh, Munk. It's simply because I AM superior to everyone else. Don't take it to heart.