Vintage Theatre presents the Regional Premiere of
“Avenue Q”
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; Book by Jeff Whitty
Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Stephen Oremus
Music Direction by Marsha Whitaker; Choreography by Kelly Van Oosbree
Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Stephen Oremus
Music Direction by Marsha Whitaker; Choreography by Kelly Van Oosbree
Directed by Bernie Cardell
Puppets don't blush. But audiences will, at Vintage Theatre's production of Avenue Q, opening Nov. 11 and playing through January 8. It's hard to believe this show beat out Wicked on Broadway, but this intentionally shocking, push-the-envelope Sesame Street spoof is infectious and funny. The most politically incorrect, amoral and degenerate things are said and done, but they get away with it because, after all, it's "just a puppet show".
Since the hyper-violent Punch and Judy plays of medieval England, and even going back to when actors wore masks, disguised or objectified characters have been able to get away with unrestrained sex and murder. After all, there's no real harm done. Try it for yourself. Put a sock on each hand, add a couple of googly eyes, and let the puppets "talk" to each other. Most of the time, it only takes a few minutes before they are hitting each other and stuff around them, and they may even curse a blue streak.
It takes real talent to take that impulse and channel it into a fiercely intelligent, challenging yet entertaining show. Then add songs that are even better than the book. It's harder than it looks. Social institutions, attitudes and behavior of urban America are skewered, roasted, and put on display in the charming, witty and gleefully naughty Avenue Q.
There is a boy-meets-girl love story, but chaos lurks all around. A recent college grad named Princeton moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy the Slut (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life! Avenue Q is the winner of the Tony® “Triple Crown” - Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book and is rated “WTF” for colorful language and full puppet nudity.
The outstanding cast includes Michael Bouchard as Rod, Patrick Brownson as Trekkie Monster, Leslie Randle Chapman as Female Puppeteer/Bad Idea Bear, Eric Fry as Brian, Anna High as Gary Coleman, Paul Jaquith as Male Puppeteer/Bad Idea Bear, Carolyn Lohr as Kate Monster/Lucy T. Slut, Keith Rabin as Princeton, Arlene Rapal as Christmas Eve, and Mark Shonsey as Nicky.
Don't take your mother (and certainly NOT YOUR CHILDREN!) to see this one, but if there remains within you a rebellious streak, a secret delight in giving the finger to social propriety, you might want to "go slumming" and take a side trip to Avenue Q. Just wash your hands afterwards.
Since the hyper-violent Punch and Judy plays of medieval England, and even going back to when actors wore masks, disguised or objectified characters have been able to get away with unrestrained sex and murder. After all, there's no real harm done. Try it for yourself. Put a sock on each hand, add a couple of googly eyes, and let the puppets "talk" to each other. Most of the time, it only takes a few minutes before they are hitting each other and stuff around them, and they may even curse a blue streak.
It takes real talent to take that impulse and channel it into a fiercely intelligent, challenging yet entertaining show. Then add songs that are even better than the book. It's harder than it looks. Social institutions, attitudes and behavior of urban America are skewered, roasted, and put on display in the charming, witty and gleefully naughty Avenue Q.
There is a boy-meets-girl love story, but chaos lurks all around. A recent college grad named Princeton moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy the Slut (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life! Avenue Q is the winner of the Tony® “Triple Crown” - Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book and is rated “WTF” for colorful language and full puppet nudity.
The outstanding cast includes Michael Bouchard as Rod, Patrick Brownson as Trekkie Monster, Leslie Randle Chapman as Female Puppeteer/Bad Idea Bear, Eric Fry as Brian, Anna High as Gary Coleman, Paul Jaquith as Male Puppeteer/Bad Idea Bear, Carolyn Lohr as Kate Monster/Lucy T. Slut, Keith Rabin as Princeton, Arlene Rapal as Christmas Eve, and Mark Shonsey as Nicky.
Don't take your mother (and certainly NOT YOUR CHILDREN!) to see this one, but if there remains within you a rebellious streak, a secret delight in giving the finger to social propriety, you might want to "go slumming" and take a side trip to Avenue Q. Just wash your hands afterwards.
Vintage Theatre presents “Avenue Q” November 11 – January 8 at Vintage Theatre, 2119 E. 17th Ave. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Added performances begin with Thursdays on December 15, 22, 29, January 5, one Wednesday performance on December 21 at 7:30 p.m. and one Saturday matinee performance on December 31 at 2:30p.m. Tickets are $30 - $35 on Fridays and Saturdays; $25 -$30 all other performances. An Industry Night is offered on Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. and all tickets are $20. Tickets are available by calling 303-839-1361 or online at www.vintagetheatre.com.
