This way to Avenue Q

Most of the time, I’m keen to discover vocal flaws in performances. Stutters, off-key notes, fading breaths, these hiccups resonate in my ears like sirens during a show. Last February, I cringed at the touring production of “Wicked” which graced the stage of the Hippodrome. Yes, the vocals were still beautiful, but, oh, there were definitely some not-so-pretty notes. Four strenuous years of intense vocal lessons and choir since age 10—always part of the harmonic alto section—will train you well.

Last week, I visited the lovely Hippodrome again to view “Avenue Q”, a risqué musical about life after college and how much you don’t really know anything about anything. The show script is quite catchy, discussing throughout how we are all the same. Songs like, “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist”, portray a truth, if you will, about society. We’re all prejudice in our own way, against some thing or some one. Maybe the audience should be offended, but the show is quite tactful in the presentation of the discussion. Puppets are the unique device that allows the audience to accept the crude content. Puppet sex, however, is simply volatile. It is incredibly strange to see people maneuver puppets in sexual positions. The immature kid in me totally giggled throughout that entire scene. I couldn’t help it. Okay, volatile maybe too harsh, but it is most definitely hysterical and slightly uncomfortable.

So, back to vocal talk. I didn’t hear a wrong note all night! Alleluia! Each character had a distinct sound as well which always adds a sense of personality and depth to the character. I really thought the characters were fantastic in their execution.

Maybe the puppets helped the actors get into character; especially sense some actors played multiple roles. To me, there was a real sense of character development and actor-character relationship…meaning really, you could believe the actor was indeed the character (or puppet rather) feeling those emotions and thinking those thoughts. This can be difficult for the actors because props can be distracting, yet in this instance, it seemed to help the performance.

"Avenue Q" is not "Sesame Street"; Mr. Rogers is not in the neighborhood, but if you want some grown-up humor and don’t mind laughing at yourself, it is definitely a show to see. Enjoy cautiously adults.