A musical that advertises full-puppet nudity has got to grab the attention, or at least pique the curiosity, of most adult theatergoers. This 2004 Tony winner for Best Musical (beating out "Wicked") is, despite disclaimers against such a comparison, an adult version of television's "Sesame Street." But don't let this put you off. This show is just plain adult fun that's full of heart; if that's not enough to compel you to see it, I don't know what will.
Bursting with almost two dozen catchy, hummable tunes and filled with clever lyrics examining such varied subjects as finding your life's purpose, reveling among romantic fantasies, racism, sexual preference, unrequited love and glee at the misfortune of others, this musical will delight every open-minded theatergoer, high school-aged and older. Despite its cast of innocent-looking furry puppets and a bunch of quirky humans, this is NOT a children's show. The musical is full of graphic sexual situations, four-letter words and a host of politically incorrect topics, all of which might offend the more sensitive viewer.
The set is a replica of one of lower east side Manhattan's familiar, brownstone-lined alphabet avenues; Avenue Q, of course, is as far away as you can get. TV's Gary Coleman, played with sassiness by actress Carla Renata, is unbelievably the super of these buildings in which live feisty Japanese therapist Christmas Eve and her fiance, Brian, a wannabe stand-up comedian. Other residents include two puppet roommates who look and sound remarkably like Bert and Ernie, a large, furry, somewhat perverted internet addict who happens to resemble Cookie Monster, but is named Trekkie Monster, and a sweet, romantically unattached kindergarten aide named Kate Monster. Enter Princeton, a recent college grad with a B.A. in English, but with no job and very little money. Add to this mix of characters the two Bad Idea Bears, who devilishly act as Princeton's conscience, Kate's crabby mentoring teacher and a buxom cabaret singing puppet named Lucy the Slut, and you have a sidesplitting group of characters primed to teach us all some pretty important life lessons.
The entire company is winning, energetic and every bit as strong as the original Broadway cast. Robert McClure, who resembles a young Paul Reiser, is perfect as both Princeton and Rod, one half of the two roommates. Lovely Kelli Sawyer is his match as Kate Monster, Lucy the Slut and others. David Benoit breathes hilarious life into the other slacker roommate, Nicky, as well as Trekkie Monster, one of the Bears and other characters. Minglie Chen displays her versatility in a number of puppet roles, Angela Ai is wonderful as Christmas Eve and Cole Porter plays a wonderfully grounded Brian.
It took four years for this award-winning musical to finally make it to Chicago, but, unfortunately, it's not going to be here forever. Don't miss the chance to be charmed by these wacky characters and to learn how "It Sucks to Be Me," why "The Internet is for Porn," and other important lessons for survival. You'll be so glad you did.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
