Avenue Q

This bright, fast-moving production is another accomplishment from Supa. With direction that makes the most of the set (designed by Chris Zuber and Nick Valois) and tight musical direction from a band of six (musical direction by Elizabeth Alford), the audience is drawn into the streetscape of Avenue Q and its human and monster residents. This is not Sesame Street by any means, discussing sex, racism, political correctness, apathy and the difficulties of adult life.

Overall the singing is fine, though flat in high notes in some songs. Some teething troubles with microphones were quickly ironed out. Choreography is simple and clear and takes into account the use of puppets.

Emma McCormack is a standout as Kate Monster. Nick Valois plays Princeton with charm. Josie Dunham plays Lucy T. Slut with appropriate va-va-voom.  Nina Wood as Christmas Eve, the therapist with no return clients, and Riley Bell as Brian, the aspiring comedian, make an amusing couple.

Some of the best songs are the humorous  ensemble piece “The Internet Is For Porn” and “If You Were Gay”, sung by Nicky (Dave Smith) and Rod (Joel Hutchings).  “Schadenfreude”, sung by Gary Coleman (Joanna Licuanan Francis) and Nicky (Dave Smith) was amusing.

It is no easy task to bring a puppet to life, making this show’s achievements with good singing and characterisation all the more impressive.

Rachel McGrath-Kerr

Images: Emma McCormack with Kate Monster, and Joanna Licuanan-Francis (Gary Coleman) and Nick Valois with Princeton.