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| The creative, collaborative cast of Avenue Q |
Okay, so first a disclaimer (after all, I’m a lawyer). Since I help with publicity and
marketing for this show, this can’t really be an objective “review” in the
traditional sense. But having seen
Avenue Q on opening night at the
Farmington Players barn theater, I wanted to give you my first impressions.
Avenue Q is a roller
coaster ride of funny songs, silly jokes, and playful puppets. The comparisons to Sesame Street
(despite all disclaimers to the contrary) are obvious. But what you might not expect from this
show is that Avenue Q is a hard place
to live, full of human frailty and life’s disappointments. It is a bit disillusioning when a
wide-eyed Princeton (played by Gary LaKind) has his naïve bubble burst. And when Kate Monster (Mary Malaney)
gets her little heart broken, I even shed a few tears.
This cynical world view – embodied by songs such as “Everyone’s a
Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude” (pleasure derived from the misfortunes
of others) – might make you a little uncomfortable. And if that doesn’t, the vigorous
puppet sex certainly will! It was more
than a little awkward watching this show with my 23 year-old daughter,
especially during the song “You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When
You're Makin' Love).”
But at its core, Avenue Q
really is insightful, funny, and like its characters, has a Purpose. It is also
a great showcase for some very talented young actors and vocalists. Jason Wilhoite and Paige Wisniewski practically steal the show as the Bad Idea Bears. Connor Rhoades’ mastery with puppets
really brings his character Nicky to life. And Bob Cox’s voice, mannerisms and
even his tufted haircut make him entirely convincing as Rod, Nicky’s
roommate. Bob explains why it all
comes together so well: “Nicky and Rod are a little similar to the way Connor
and I act in real life, which could possibly be why our chemistry is good on
stage. It also helps that Connor has turned Nicky into a character off stage as
well. Lots of times I come into rehearsal, and instead of being greeted by
Connor, I get a ‘Oh Hi Bob!’ from Nicky, along with a wonderful puppet hug.”
Avenue Q has a lot of
heart. Go in with an open mind, check your political correctness at the door,
and be prepared to laugh about things that might be in “bad taste” but still
ring true. Avenue Q runs through
Saturday August 25. Get your
tickets (while they last) at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by
calling the Farmington Players box office at 248-553-2955. Find us on Facebook under “Farmington
Players.”
