This could be the shortest review of a Milton Keynes Theatre production, ever! All that is needed is, IT WAS AMAZING! However, that would be to miss the point of a review...
This could be the shortest review of a Milton Keynes Theatre production, ever! All that is needed is, IT WAS AMAZING! However, that would be to miss the point of a review.
Before arrival, people of a certain age might already have seen a connection between the name Avenue Q and that of the edutainment programme known as Sesame Street. Add in the style of puppets and it seemed a close fit.
Yes, well that would have been rather a mistake. It was recommended that certain scenes "may be unsuitable for under 12s." They weren't kidding!
Sure, the whole storyline took place in a street - well, avenue - and the humour was complimented by animations (on drop-down monitors, each side of the stage), but when Nicky (male) ends up singing a song about gays/homosexuals to his flatmate, Rod (male - who it turns out, is gay but not yet 'out') it does rather suggest that the link is tenuous, at best!
Perhaps a misleading example to use: it illustrates the 'adult/grown-up' humour in Avenue Q, but quoted as above, it really doesn't convey the harmless frivolity in the delivery and who was supposed to be laughed at - definitely Nicky!
The acting and puppet animation was marvellous. Rod's reaction to Nicky's song made it very clear to the audience that Nicky was the one to be laughed at. And laugh we all did!
The Trekkie Monster (who was faintly reminiscent of Sesame Street's 'Cookie Monster') had the audience in fits when he retorted, in song, that the, "Internet was for PORN!" His belief in the 'spiritual' value of porn was something he never managed to let go of throughout the performance and resulted in his financial contribution to... No, it would be real cruel to say - you really ought to go and see for yourself!
Laughter seemed to be a huge part of the performance. The audience laughed at the humour, they applauded the songs, and they sighed when there were poignant moments. The production reeled the audience in and we remained captive throughout - willingly!
The sound was very good; the performers well miked up, and the set and its operation was incredibly slick and well thought out.
The singing was incredible and the words clear. The cast singing together was a joy to hear. But those lyrics were, oh so funny...
Avenue Q is one of those shows that make you realise just how good it can be to attend the theatre. No words can convey just how impressive the evening was. In short, IT WAS AMAZING!
19/04/2011
