BWW Reviews: SoLuna's AVENUE Q

Particularly over the past several years, the Tony winning musical Avenue Q has become a favorite show of mine. It's hilarious, relatable, and an original American production particularly with the use of puppetry which is a fascinating skill to watch. So, as you can imagine, Hauppauge's SoLuna Studio had a lot of work to do and a lengthy rehearsal process to prepare to put this show on.

According to their program, Director Karen Braun had her casts attend puppet boot camp beginning in September. Yes, there are two casts. I had the pleasure of attending the Mainstage cast while there is also a teen cast. The dedicated and talented company filled with SoLuna vets did a superb job.

Avenue Q discusses the complexities of entering adulthood and realizing the sometimes cruelty of growing up. For example, we first meet Princeton (one of puppet characters operated by Dan Kiernan). He just graduated college, moved to New York, got a job, and then got fired before he even started because of "downsizing". He is struggling, as we all do, to find his purpose in life.

Along the way Princeton meets Rod, Nicky, and a host of other colorful characters who help him discover his purpose in life. Most of the actors operate the puppets and there are three "human" characters. Incidentally, special kudos to Mr. Kiernan for taking on the task of learning puppetry and then teaching the casts; the intricacy of the art and the actors making the puppets convey emotion was well executed by everyone.

Besides enjoying the story by Jeff Whitty, you will also find the score by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx entertaining and fresh. "There's A Fine, Fine Line" by Kate Monster (another puppet character operated by Katie Murano) and "It Sucks To Be Me" by several of the cast members were highlights among the audience. Everyone sounds stunning (together and in their solos) and the appreciative crowd was enthusiastic.

Also a highlight is the set done by Megan Pietroforte (who also does the lights and sounds). Set in present day New York City, the neighborhood everyone lives in is run down. Tall "fronts" of the buildings take up most of the stage. The costumes, done by Ms. Braun with Mr. Kiernan and Nick Caron, were relatively easy. The ones operating the puppets wear black ensembles while the human characters wore colorful pieces like Christmas Eve's (Melanie Mednick) outfits.

And so, Avenue Q is certainly another hit for SoLuna. The show is fun yet hits on some important issues. Also, as you can see, it is a top notch cast. And if you don't want to trek into the city (and don't want to pay their prices), this intimate Long Island gem of a theatre will give you that theatre experience.

Avenue Q is presented by SoLuna Studio of Hauppauge, Long Island, through February 1st. Music & Lyrics by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx, Book by Jeff Whitty, Direction & Choreography by Karen Braun, Music Direction by Danny Passadino, Lighting & Sound & Set Design by Megan Pietroforte, Costumes by Karen Braun & Dan Kiernan & Nick Caron. For more information and to purchase tickets please call 631-761-6602 or visit www.solunastudiony.com.

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