'Avenue Q' is Hot Property

Avenue Q, which premiered Friday evening at the Ahmanson Theater – almost 4 years after its Broadway bow - is an incredible treat and joy to behold, and has certainly not lost anything in its long circuitous way to Los Angeles. 

Telling the story of Princeton, a recent graduate wth a BA in English, Avenue Q is both a physical and metaphysical place filled with people all searching to find themselves and their purpose in life.  From neighbor Brian, who dreams of being a stand-up comedian (but who clearly isn't funny), to Republican investment banker Rod, who loves to listen to musicals, yet claims to have a girlfriend in Canada, each inhabitant of Avenue Q slowly comes to the realization that the life they had dreamed for themselves is probably never going to become a reality. 

It would be downright depressing in its honesty, were it not for the fact that Princeton and a great many of his cohorts are a gaggle of lovable puppets.  Yes, Avenue Q is full of furry creatures ably brought to life by a stunning and talented human cast.   It is a lot like Sesame Street but much more adult -- instead of teaching its audience about math, the alphabet or how to share, it instead demystifies the idealism and optimism we are all preprogrammed to believe in. 

Whether it's tackling the questionable sexuality of your roommate ("If You Were Gay…") or the disillusionment of the real world ("Everybody's a Little Bit Racist"), each song acts like a modern parable that tackles issues that Big Bird, Count Dracula or Bert & Ernie had no idea even existed, like "The Internet is For Porn", or even taking comfort in someone else's misfortunes ("Schadenfreude").

While it sounds like a critique to say that the melody and lyrics are somewhat simplistic, the true genius in the songs throughout the show is how – despite their relatively uncomplicated style – they accurately, and quite humourously, portray very complex adult situations, emotions and predicaments.  

Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, who wrote the music and lyrics, are a talented duo, and every song brings laugh out loud moments with such lyrical wit.  For instance, in "It Sucks to Be Me," when the Avenue Q gang lament their sad lives, Christmas Eve, the immigrant wife of Brian sings, "I coming to this country/ For opportunities/ Tried to work in Korean deli/ But I am Japanese… It suck to be me."

They are ably supported by bookwriter Jeff Whitty, who gives the show a good structure and consistent story to keep the evening on track.  He even delivers some of the evening's best comedic lines, like when Princeton breaks up with his girlfriend, Kate Monster, claiming he has to spend more time finding his purpose in life.  But when Kate sees him days later going into his apartment late at night with a buxom puppet, she asks, "Is her name Purpose?"  

It seems somewhat ironic to say that this show is full of heart, given that the show is essentially about disillusionment, but the incredible actors who bring life to the puppets (and to the human characters) do so with such skill and love, you can't help but care for each and every man, woman and puppet on stage.

What's truly incredible is how deftly the actors embody their puppets with their movement and voices, yet never steal the spotlight from the furry friends.  Despite the amazing talent of the humans who give them life, your focus never falters from the puppet characters.  It seems an insult to say that the actors fade into the background, but in this case, that is the highest form of praise. 

Robert McClure, Kelli Sawyer and Christian Anderson deserve high praise for their talent, for each of them portray multiple characters, and embody their furry alter-egos with such humanity, that you truly care for the puppet and find yourself identifying and sympathizing with them as if they were your dearest friend.

You certainly don't want to pass by Avenue Q without stopping in and spending a few hours with these great characters, so check it out at the Ahmanson Theatre now through October 14th.  Performances Tuesday through Saturday @ 8pm, Saturday @ 2pm, and Sunday @ 1pm and 6:30pm.  Tickets range from $25 – 90, and are available in person at the Ahmanson Theater Box Office (135 N. Grand Ave.), by phone (213-628-2772) and on the internet (www.centertheatergroup.org).
 

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