"Avenue Q"- Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide

“Avenue Q” is one of the most outstanding productions Adelaide has seen in a long, long time. The Robert Lopez/ Jeff Marx musical has been a major hit on Broadway (where it won several major awards including the Tony Award for best musical), the West End and across Australia. It’s easy to see why.
The musical makes a mockery of the Sesame Street style by setting words like “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet Is For Porn” to melodies that wouldn’t be out of place on the children’s classic. And neither would the puppets. There’s the Bert and Ernie pairing of Rod and Nicky, the cookie monster style Trekkie Monster who are joined by a cast of other puppets and real life humans in their endeavours.
What makes this production outstanding is the hard work and brilliant performances of the cast who manipulate and voice the various puppets in full view of the audience- yet strangely enough, you hardly linger the humans as the puppet characterisations are that good.
Of the cast Natalie Alexopoulos is the highlight in her dual role as the lovable Kate Monster and the incredibly well endowed Lucy T. Slut. Her singing is exceptional and her movements and work with the puppets is top notch. Luke Joslin also is in terrific form as the scene stealing Trekkie Monster and the goofy Nicky. Mitchell Butell caps off a magnificent trio in his dual roles as the “fresh-faced” Princeton and the closeted Nicky.
The human characters are well performed by David James, Christina O’Neill and Leah Howard as Brian, Christmas Eve (his fiancée) and super intendant Gary Coleman (he of Diff’rent Strokes fame).
Jonathan Biggins has directed the show with aplomb making sure the action never drags and the clever use of multimedia adds to a hilarious night- all admirably backed by musical director David Skelton and his band.
The set is a remarkably adept one that changes frequently for different scenes set in and around the area.
Whilst there were some sound issues in the first half and some dialogue that needed a little slowing down, these are minor complaints in what is a must-see show for anyone who needs a good laugh. But be warned, this is no kids show. The language is a tad fresh at times and if you've seen "Team America" and thinkk you've seen the only puppet sex you'll ever see you'll be wrong.
Do not miss this wonderful, witty show.