Yonge Street Paves Way for ‘Avenue Q'

Show: Avenue Q
Authors: Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx
Director: Jason Moore
A DanCap Production
Location: Toronto
Run: July 29 - August 31, 2008

Reviewed By: Jenny Sung (Toronto Correspondent - Canada)

"‘Avenue Q'?!" exclaimed my cousin-in-law when I told him I would be watching the Broadway musical.  "Isn't it supposed to be...vulgar?"  Vulgar doesn't even begin to describe this hit show, but coupled with catchy tunes, and colourful (literally) characters, the end definitely justifies the means. 

Loosely based on the personal experiences of co-creators Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, ‘Avenue Q' has become famous for its use of innocent, Muppet-like puppets and monsters who deal with real life through episodic, mockingly educational songs.  "Puppets and monsters?" you may ask.  What do puppets know about real life?  Well, the habitants of the New York borough of Avenue Q learn quite a bit about it throughout the two hour show.  Following the experiences of protagonist Princeton, a recent graduate with a B.A. in English, and the steep learning curve about life he takes after graduating from college, songs about racism, porn, and having loud sex abound in this Tony Award winning musical. 

The actors are especially challenged in this show, having to perform the dialogue and the songs of the characters while having to manoeuvre their stuffed friends.  Aside from the singing, dancing, and acting that these performers are all experts at, being a puppeteer is a whole new craft to learn, and was executed wonderfully by most of the cast (especially the brilliant David Benoit who plays three different characters).  However, the main female lead played by Anika Larsen, unfortunately kept drawing attention to herself and not to her puppets due to her poor handling of the sweet and innocent Kate Monster that made the audience all too aware of her backstage reality as a mere rag doll.  Additionally, the Toronto cast seemed to make a little too transparent of the transitions between actors when switching between one character to another.

After a couple viewings of this musical, it is no surprise as to why it has been so successful.  The unusual yet refreshing combination of (seemingly) family entertainment with adult topics is the first of its kind to be truly relatable to the adult audience it was intended for.  I doubt anyone can keep a straight face throughout the show, even with the unexpected use of potentially offensive language.  I often found myself nodding to the lyrics in complete agreement, or laughing awkwardly at how on-point the jokes were when discussing (GASP!) sex.  I also find myself wanting to see it over and over again.

The use of puppets as characters was a brilliant move by both Lopez and Marx, who admit that it was an attempt to "do something funny and relevant about people like us, and make it appealing enough for people to get over the hurdle of it being a musical".  Even with the crass language and rated R themes, the underlying message is still very human: to give is to get.  Although advertised as "Nor Fur Little Ones", I believe that anyone can walk away from ‘Avenue Q' a little more compassionate and hairier...er...happier. 

‘Avenue Q' has recently expanded internationally, making a place for itself in London's famed West End theatre district.  The Toronto run continues from now until August 31, 2008 at the Elgin Theatre and Winter Garden.