Life Lessons and Puppet Pornography

Avenue Q

This upbeat, lovable musical opens with an infectious, toe-tapping “Avenue Q Theme,” which kind of serves as a prologue. Then an optimistic 23-year-old named Princeton, newly graduated from college, wanders through the audience. He rhetorically asks the musical question, “What Do You Do With a BA in English?” Princeton’s already lined up his first job but he needs an affordable place to live in New York City. With limited funds, bills piling up and student loans to pay, Princeton has journeyed through Alphabet City, down to the less-expensive part of Greenwich Village. Princeton’s life lessons are about to begin on Avenue Q.

What’s particularly fun about this musical is that it’s a brilliantly funny and a cleverly campy parody of every educational kids’ show on Public Television. Yet, although the musical is structured much like “Sesame Street,” with songs that offer advice for grownups and muppet-style puppets who interact with human actors, this is an R-rated musical. The clever libretto was written by Jeff Witty (“Bring It On,” “Head Over Heels”), and features addictive music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (“Book of Mormon,”). Most of the show is peppered with mature language and deals with all kinds of adult situations and grownup issues. But theatergoers should be warned: this is definitely not a musical for children. 

The winning combination of live actors performing with and interacting alongside plush, furry hand puppets is charming and taps into the audience’s childhood. But the subjects that are dealt with include, among other issues, learning to become a responsible adult, strengthening one’s community by becoming a contributing member, coping with racism, accepting a gay lifestyle and laughing at the widespread popularity of pornographic internet sites. The play also explores various kinds of love. Puppet characters Princeton and Kate Monster flirt with romantic and sexual love, while Rod and Nicky, who are roommates, deal with true friendship and gay attraction. Even Trekkie Monster learns to love giving to others. Human characters Brian, a wannabe Jewish standup comic, and his wise fiancee, Japanese immigrant Christmas Eve, negotiate their rocky personal relationship. Eventually this leads to an impromptu wedding, but Brian must learn to love his wife enough to give up his own dreams, in order to earn a living. And Gary Coleman, who is fictitiously depicted going from former child star to being a landlord of low-income apartments, finally learns to love himself.

But what makes this production a must-see is Guest 

Director/Choreographer Chris Pazdernik’s excellent guidance of his likable, gifted cast. This is one of the most phenomenally talented troupe of trained singers ever to appear with this company. Jimmy Hogan, who leads the cast as Princeton, was last seen as Phil during the holidays at Music Theater Works production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.” He also charmed audiences up in Lake Forest at Citadel Theatre as Schroeder in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” This handsome young triple-threat is charming, charismatic and sings beautifully and without any affectation. Jimmy’s Act I solo number, “Purpose” becomes Princeton’s jazzy theme song. 

He’s paired with amiable and attractive Brandy Miller, as Kate Monster. Ms. Miller, who plays a kindergarten teacher, has been delighting audiences all over Chicagoland, including at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre and at Metropolis Performing Arts. Brandy has an easy-going, sincere but has spontaneous manner with her character, and her singing is simply glorious. Kate’s belting Act I finale, “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” is like all her other numbers, a standout musical moment.

Adam Ross Brody, who plays Rod is another fantastic talent. He’s been enjoyed at Mercury Theater Chicago in “Shear Madness” and “Monty Python’s Spamalot, along with “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” at Porchlight Music Theatre. A talented young man, Mr. Brody is a powerful vocalist who we hope to see more of on this stage. He’s paired with the affable Andres J. DeLeon as Rod’s roommate, Nicky. Andres, who was last seen at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre in “Refuge,” and at Paramount Theatre in “Fun Home,” “Groundhog Day” and “Rock of Ages,” has a smooth way on stage and a terrific voice. Mr. DeLeon also gleefully plays Trekkie Monster and one of the Bad idea Bears.

Melissa Crabtree is a magnificent singer/actor. She positively wails as she belts out her sexy number “Special,” as Lucy the Slut. The auburn-haired Ms. Crabtree, who has a gorgeous voice, is equally hilarious as both Mrs. Thistletwat and one of the Bad Idea Bears, and she literally lends a hand with portraying Trekkie Monster. Her vocal contribution to every company number is especially vibrant. Whitney Dottery, who has appeared on most every stage in the Chicagoland area, plays Gary Coleman. For some unknown reason, this character is traditionally cast as a young woman, and Whitney certainly wraps their head around what makes the former child tick. They are, additionally, a wonderful vocalist and comic actor, with “Schadenfreude,” a duet sung with Nicky, as one their funniest songs.

Mai Hartwich, who hilariously plays Christmas Eve, recently moved from the New England area to Chicago with her husband. She’s been seen at Cabaret ZaZou (formerly Teatro ZinZanni), a production still playing in the Loop. And Ms. Hartwich is yet another cast member who boasts a comic gift and an outstanding voice. Her rendition of the humorous, but touching, “When You Ruv Someone” brings down the house. She’s paired with Thomas E. Squires as Brian. Seen in several Music Theater Works’ productions, such as “The Little Mermaid,” “La Cage aux Folles” and “Billy Elliot,” Thomas brings mirth and joviality to every role he plays. His musical contribution to “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “There is Life Outside Your Apartment” perfectly culminates with his 16-bar solo number, “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today.”

The production features lovely, sound Musical Direction by Eugene Dizon, with accompaniment provided by a talented 6-member backstage orchestra. The professional Puppetry Training offered by Kristi Martens and Andrew Lund is perfect. The entire gift of a show is wrapped in Ben Lipinski’s  impressive, two-story Scenic Design, highlighted by David Sajewich’s terrific Media Design and illuminated by Lighting Designer Andrew Meyers.

Music Theater Works certainly has another bonafide winner on its hands with this gleeful, gut-busting production of the 2004 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, Book, Music & Lyrics. But be warned: this is definitely a musical for adults and one show where it’s advisable to leave the youngsters at home. “Avenue Q,” which features 4-letter words and puppet pornography, is ribald, raunchy and really straightforward in its presentation of adult themes. But it’s also a whole lot of fun for mature audiences.            

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 9-April 2 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL. 

Tickets are available in person at the the box office, by calling them at 847-673-6300 or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com/BillyElliot

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.