Having seen the West End production six years ago
(and remembering it strongly), I had high expectations for Trifle Theatre Company's production of Avenue Q. Furthermore, I had some reservations as to whether
it could match the magic of my original viewing, but within the first few
minutes that doubt disappeared. We may only be in March but I can confidently
say that this will be one of the best shows I see this year.
The story follows a recent college graduate,
Princeton (played by Jordan Pollard), who is a little wet behind the ears and
entering the "real world". Moving to Avenue Q (the best he can
afford) he gets acquainted with the locals, including Kate Monster (played by
Sarah Golding), Trekkie Monster (played by the wonderful Andy McDougall),
married human couple Christmas Eve and Brian (Leah Lim and Michael Linder) and
Gary Coleman (in an interesting casting choice, played by Zuleika Khan).
What follows is two hours of sharp and witty comedy
and laughs as each character works towards finding their way in life. Despite
the sexually charged innuendo and racy songs such as "Everyone's A Little
Bit Racist" and "The Internet Is For Porn", there is much heart
in these stories and that often-confusing transition into adulthood. The whole
cast, including the ensemble, work seamlessly with the puppets and manage to
create some human emotion through their movements, actions and speech.
Lighting work by Jason Bovaird captures the mood of
the characters and the environment brilliantly and the stage design by Jacob
Battista authentically replicates a shabby, down-town New York city block. The
six piece band however, led by Musical Director David Wisken, are truly amazing
in their unseen performance in a separate room to the small stage.
Avenue Q pushes boundaries between clever and lewd
and the only way it succeeds is because puppets can get away with a lot more on
stage than any actor could. With a big dose of disbelief, it perfectly blends
the innocence of a childhood with the scary realisations of adulthood and
creates an uplifting and affirming story about change and transition. Director
Stephen Wheat should be congratulated on not only creating a show that is on
par with its predecessors but also allowing it to form its own individuality
and uniqueness.
I would strongly be encouraging people to go and
see this production, but the whole season has already completely sold out.
Guess it really does suck to be you.
Season: Until 11 April | Tue-Sun 8:00pm, Sat 2:00pm
Tickets: $43.50 Full | $38.50 Conc
Bookings: Chapel Off Chapel or 8290 7000
* Original review appeared on Theatre Press on 30 March
No comments:
Post a Comment