The
problem with writing about the same show three times over the course of
the past five years is that it’s very hard to not repeat yourself. This
is especially true when several of the performers from the previous
performances return for another run, though some in vastly different
roles than before. As I can’t be certain people have read my previous
thoughts on the previous runs of the Avenue Q, I can’t take for granted
that the reader is going to be familiar with the plot- Which is as
follows: Princeton (the returning Nicholas Kelly) is a fresh-faced
puppet straight out of college who is in for a rude awakening when he
enters the “real world” and it’s mundane hurdles of paying rent, finding
a job, random encounters and a string of poor decisions that come with
growing up. All of this is told in the same style of a Sesame
Street-type show that’s geared toward facing much more adult scenarios
that include sex, racism, employment, and the day to day lives of those
who live on Avenue Q.
But
for those readers who have seen my previous thoughts on the show, much
of what I’ll be writing will be a rehash of some familiar thoughts on
the show. The songs are catchy, the band is solid, and returning players
Kelly and Jay Devine (as “Ernie-like” puppet, Nicky) are solid and as
inspired as the first two go-rounds. Also returning for another go-round
are two of the traditionally “human” characters, Kate Faber as Asian
American therapist Christmas Eve; and Jared Hussey as her 33 year old
struggling comic and lay about, Brian. Everything I’ve said about them
both is just as true today as it was a few years ago… for those who
don’t remember, said they were awesome and other stuff like that.
And, also returning for another go-round, is Robert Feeney who slides
from one role into that of “Burt-like” staunch Republican Banker, Rod.
He’s very good in the role and is especially moving in the number,
“Fantasies Come True”- his manipulation of the Puppet is spot on and he
breathes life into the character throughout. Stepping into Trekkie
Monster (Formerly played by Feeney twice) is Cody Moore, whose
experience with puppetry makes him a grand slam addition to the cast. His voice is also spot on for the gruff and lovable porn-addicted monster.
Also stepping from one role to another is Jordan Brewer, filling the
shoes of iconic child-star actor “Gary Coleman” (Represented in Puppet
form). “Gary” is the butt of everyone’s jokes and Brewer carries off the
tongue in cheek humor of the character very well.
New
to the show is the shows other lead, “Kate Monster” (Vanessa Burkleo).
Her voice carries strong throughout her solos and is endearing with a
sense of blushing nervousness as she wishes for romance and dreams of
one day opening a school for Monsters. Teri Dobbins plays “Lucy the
Slut”, the wanton foil to Kate’s innocence and a delivers the goods on
“Make ya’ Feel Special” solo. Then there are the enthusiastic “Bad Idea
Bears”, a sickeningly cute pair of trouble-makers with lots of bad
advice and temptations for our lead characters. The pair are played by
Kelsey Posey and Taylor Landess with terrifically over-the-top
enthusiasm.
The rest
of the ensemble cast step into a number of additional roles throughout
the show, including an hilariously voice “Mrs. Thistwetwat”, a
rambunctious clown with a great magic trick involving a bird, a terrific
counting number, and a very blessed moment of silence.
5 out of 5 and a great way to lift your spirits when the holiday dumps come a’calling.
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