AVENUE Q started off as a quirky off-Broadway parody of TV’s Sesame Street, but with adult themes.
Featuring puppets and actors, the musical comedy transferred to Broadway and won Best Musical, Book, and Score at the 2004 Tony Awards.
The show has been a West End and global hit, and a school-friendly script has been produced. Now Avenue Q is to be staged at Bradford Playhouse. The production, by the Bradford Players, runs from June 7-10.
Director David Ayres says Avenue Q “explores very human subjects, such as finding your meaning in life, the trials of dating, racism, and what the internet is really used for”.
“What do you get when you fuse a coming-of-age story with catchy, emotive musical numbers, performed by a cast of humans and colourful puppets? Avenue Q of course. Part flesh and part felt, it’s the story of bright-eyed college graduate Princeton (Paul Matthews), who arrives in New York with big dreams but a tiny bank account. His journey to find purpose in life begins on Avenue Q, where he meets puppet neighbours such as love interest Kate (Fiona Passey) Rod, Nicky, Trekkie Monster and human characters Brian, Christmas Eve, even actor Gary Coleman.
The cast have been learning puppetry techniques (Image: David Ayres)
Adds David: “It certainly has been one of the most challenging but rewarding shows to work on. Avenue Q involves all the elements of a normal musical, but then you add on top the complexity of bringing these Muppet-style puppets to life.
“The whole cast has been outstanding in learning how to control and interact with the puppets, and have implemented techniques that make them just as realistic as the human characters they share the stage with.
Rehearsing with the puppets (Image: David Ayres)
“Every one of them has risen to the challenge, and the talented production team I have worked with has bought this musical to life in the most amazing way. Avenue Q is a rarely staged show that shouldn’t be missed, however, due to its adult content and explicit nature, this isn’t a show for a younger audience.”
For tickets call (01274) 800415.
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