[NEohioPAL] Berko review: 'AVENUE Q' and preview: Bernadetta Peters to appear with North Coast Men's Chorus

[Roy Berko]

‘AVENUE Q’ delights at the Palace; Bernadette Peters
to appear with North Coast Men’s Chorus

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

--coocleveland.com--

According to one of the songs in ‘AVENUE Q,’ which is
now being staged as part of the Broadway series at the
Palace Theatre, “life sucks on Avenue Q.”  Don’t tell
that to the near capacity audience who attended the
opening night performance of the touring show.  They
loved life on ‘AVENUE Q’!!!

Known as the “porn puppet musical,” ‘AVENUE Q’ won the
2004 Tony Award for Best Musical.  

The show, which was conceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff
Marx, opened off –Broadway in 2002, was transferred
on-Broadway in 2003 and went to Las Vegas in 2005
instead of doing the usual touring production routine
of major musicals.  The Vegas run is why it has taken
so long to get here.

The script is largely inspired by ‘SESAME STREET.’ 
Most of the characters in the show are puppets.  In
contrast to the tv show, the actors who operate the
puppets are clearly seen.  It’s delightful to watch
the human facial expressions and body actions
paralleled by the puppets.   The set depicts several
tenements on a rundown street known as Avenue Q, in
New York City.  Many of the characters are pure
parodies of Sesame Street.  The major difference is
that the “Q” characters are young adults facing adult
problems who sometimes use profanity.

The story is about a bright-eyed college graduate
named Princeton who finds himself in a search for
purpose.   When Princeton moves onto Avenue Q, he
encounters a group of delightful misfits including
Kate Monster, a lovelorn kindergarten assistant, who
falls in love with Princeton;  Nicky, a good-hearted
slacker who lives with Rod;  Rod, a closeted gay
Republican investment banker; Brian, an out-of-work
comedian, engaged to Christmas Eve, a Japanese
psycho-therapist; Gary Coleman, yes, the former child
actor; Trekkie Monster, think a porn obsessed Cookie
Monster; and, Lucy T. Slut – a slutty night club
singer.

    The songs are delightful.  They include "What Do
You Do with a B.A. in English?,” "It Sucks to Be Me, "
"Purpose," "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist," and "I'm
Not Wearing Underwear Today." 

Many of the topics and song lyrics brought sustained
laughter because of their connection to the audience. 
For instance, during the song “For Now,” which lists
things that are only going to be around for a short
time, the name “George Bush” was sung.  The audience
broke out in prolonged applause and cheering.

What about the advertised porno inclusions?  Yes,
there is some swearing and the use of “those” words.  
And, yes, there are puppet sex acts.  However, except
for those with severe red state attitudes, the viewers
will find the  going-ons fun, not perverse.

The touring production is excellent.  The cast is
strong and the staging and special effects are well
conceived.  

Audience favorites included Robert McClure, who
performed the roles of Princeton and Rod.  This is a
talented young man, who was in the Broadway production
of the show, has an excellent singing voice, great
acting skills and a compelling stage presence.  Kelli
Sawyer (Nicky, Trekkie Monster) has a strong singing
voice and interacted well with McClure.  Angela AI was
delightful as Christmas Eve and Carla Renata made for
a great Gary Coleman.  

Capsule judgment:  ‘AVENUE Q’ is a total delight.  
Go, you’ll have a great time!

‘AVENUE Q’ runs through January 27 at the Palace
Theatre.  For tickets call 216-241-6000, 800-766-6048
or go on line to www.playhousesquare.com.

Playhouse Squares next major production is ‘THE COLOR
PURPLE’ (March 26-April 13).  Upcoming shows are ‘THE
25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’ (May 6-18) and
‘JERSEY BOYS’ (June 18-July 20).  

BERNADETTE PETERS will appear at the Allen Theatre on
March 28 with the North Coast Men’s Chorus.  They will
be accompanied by The Cleveland Pops Orchestra.  For
tickets, which start at $10, visit www.playhouse
square or call 216-241-6000.


Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.  His reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com


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