DOES IT SUCK TO BE ME?
Puppets on Broadway? Let’s see…there was CARNIVAL!, FLAHOOLEY, THE LION KING, WAR HORSE and I believe Bill Baird had a show on the Great White Way as well. When AVENUE Q arrived on the scene in 2003, though, it actually resonated as a revolutionary event. Broadway would never be the same! (to wit HAND TO GOD provides an inkling of what may be coming). NEW VILLAGE ARTS (NVA) in Carlsbad reminds us of the daring and savvy aspects of the New York production in its rendering of the Tony winner on its stage. Still retaining the show’s fresh look at the social mores of our time, it’s an undeniable winner!
Not that it’s the only production of Jeff Whitty‘s AVENUE Q on the boards, but it is the only game in town at the moment. Originally its Broadway production played at the 800 seat John Golden Theatre. Since its closing at that theatre in 2009, it moved to New World Stages (499 seat STAGE 3) where it thrives even today. It now qualifies as an Off-Broadway production since it plays in a theatre with fewer than 500 seats.
The smaller confines of NVA’s modest theatre welcomes this production with open arms and brings even more immediacy to the enterprise. Just as both productions in NYC have continually updated the clever script, one can notice occasional changes to this version as well. The regional premiere in San Diego occurred a long time ago in The Old Globe production at downtown’s Spreckels Theatre, a cavernous 1463 seat facility, just after its renovation. Local audiences are fortunate to visit AVENUE Q in its friendly 99 seat Carlsbad playing space.
Growing up with SESAME STREET as we have (either as a parent or a child), it’s easy to relate to the environment on this make-believe street in the outer boroughs of NYC. What might be an eye-opener for some, though, is its adult themes. The outrageous, humorous conceits manage to make the proceedings palatable for most. Of course, if salty language, internet porn talk and puppet sex would offend, then it’s best to stay home and read a book. Obviously, this show was written by Jeff Whitty with music & lyrics by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, as a musical comedy for adults. Sorry kids!
The cast members of this production bring it home and create a deliriously funny time in the theatre. Zackary Scot Wolfe (as “Princeton” and “Rod”) gives a wondrous star turn in this show. All of us need a bit more of Mr. Wolfe in our creative lives. While he may be singing “It Sucks To Be Me” onstage, it certainly doesn’t suck to be an actor blessed with his talent.
Other hilarious performances are borne on the shoulders of performers Tony Houck (as “Trekkie Monster”) and Melissa Fernandes (“Lucy the Slut”). Cashae Monya dazzles again as “Gary Coleman”. Locals are sure to remember her brilliant performance in Cygnet’s THE LAST WIFE recently down in Old Town San Diego.
The remaining cast members enliven the audience experience as well in this ensemble driven show, a hallmark of NVA productions in general. Congrats to Gerilyn Brault (“Kate Monster”) along with cohorts Chris Bona, Ciarlene Coleman, Steven Freitas and Jasmine January. Well done actor/puppeteers!
AJ Knox directs this laugh riot with Nina Gilbert responsible for Music Direction (and conducting the lively band). Bravo to NVA for their commitment to live musicians with their productions.
Christopher Scott Murillo designs the clever, snazzy setting. Other production credits are commendable as well.
A special shout out goes to Lynne Jennings, puppet coach, who guides these actor extensions to a life of their own.
So, this reviewer urges a stroll down AVENUE Q to celebrate the art of being politically incorrect. Let the gang (with tongue planted firmly in cheek) try to convince us that “Everyone”s a Little Bit Racist” or that “The Internet Is for Porn”.
Theatre Curtain Calling…Reviewing the Situation
