New Theatre, Cardiff
Mon 25-Sat 30 Jan
Puppets are not something you would normally associate with a theatre production for adults, but normal is certainly not something that Avenue Q strives to be. The creation of Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Book Of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen, the musical has some serious genius behind its production. With its prestigious credentials, being a winner of the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is a musical like no other.
Following a five-year run in the West End and boasting performances across the globe, this hit show is back, ready to bring its intoxicating cocktail of mischief, bad behaviour and laughter to the people of Cardiff. Carefully combining human actors and Sesame Street style puppets, it is a completely unique show. Avenue Q tells the tale of Princeton, a bright eyed English graduate. Unemployed and lacking in money, Princeton begins the struggle in the search for somewhere to live. Whilst he begins his hunt in Avenue A, he eventually settles on Avenue Q as it is the only place that he can afford. Here on Avenue Q, Princeton meets an eclectic variety of eccentric and completely crazy characters who eventually grow to become his friends. These include Rod, the closeted gay puppet who is filled with frustration, Japanese immigrant Christmas Eve, and her husband Brian, a failed comedian.
Many coming-of-age issues surround this group of friends, including pornography, homosexuality, strippers, drinking and sex, and they are explored through songs which will cause you to shed tears of both sympathy and laughter. Essentially it is a show that many people can relate to: growing up on Sesame Street, graduating from university with a seemingly useless degree and financial challenges means many of us have begun life on Avenue Q. However, it is a place to learn life lessons, make friends and find your purpose in life, resulting in a show that provides comedic relief as well as being touching and uplifiting.
Tickets: ÂŁ12-ÂŁ34: Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
words LOUISE HEATH
photo MATT MARTIN