I went to watch “Avenue Q” on Nov. 11 and stood in line for 30 minutes before I got to my seat. I had
no idea what I was in for. It was one of the greatest plays I have ever seen, and it is my favorite play I have seen at the Backdoor Playhouse.
“Avenue Q” is the story about Princeton, played by Josh Rapp, and his quest to find his purpose. He is a college graduate and doesn’t know what to do with his life. He ends up moving to “Avenue Q,” a fictitious street in New York City, where a series of hilarious antics ensue. Along the way, Princeton falls in love with Kate Monster, played by Samia Anderson.
Some of the characters are puppets and some are actors, like Christmas Eve’s character and her husband, Brian, played by Mary Pashley and Julio Godoy, respectively. One character I found highly amusing was a grown Gary Coleman, who is the superintendent of “Avenue Q,” played by Kristin Weathers. His character is also not a puppet.
There is even a chance for the audience to become involved with the play in the second act.
The puppets remind me of Muppets with a risque twist. Trekkie Monster makes me think of Animal from “The Muppet Show,” only a perverted, porn-addicted version. Nicky and Rod are pretty much Bert and Ernie.
My favorite singer was Anderson’s Kate Monster. Her voice was powerful, and she should go on to sing professionally. I see a bright future for Anderson. The song and scene that received the most laughs by myself and the crowd was “You Can Be as Loud as You Want.”
“Avenue Q” is possibly one of the most controversial theater productions out there. It is a musical that covers the topics of alcohol consumption, homosexuality, death, racism, pornography and homelessness. I laughed through the entire performance, and I was amused at songs like “It Sucks to be Me” and “Internet is for Porn.”
If explicit language and puppets bother you, then don’t watch “Avenue Q,” but you’ll be missing out on a great show. If you do attend, make sure you bring a needle and thread so you can sew your sides back together when you’re done laughing.
The last performances are Nov. 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. with a matinee showing on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. All shows are in the Backdoor Playhouse in Jere Whitson Building.
