Review: Avenue Q at The National Theatre

Review by Michelle Drinnan

What happens if you make Sesame Street R-Rated? Add in some classic American musical charm and you get Avenue Q. AG Theatre's production of Avenue Q at The National Theatre masterfully combines humour, heart, and a dash of puppet-induced mischief. Audiences are transported to a whimsical world where puppets and humans navigate the hilarities and challenges of adulting. There is no denying the musical has dated since it’s 2004 tony award winning days, but the themes are still just as relevant.

Harley Dasey delivers a standout performance as the earnest Princeton, capturing the essence of a recent college grad searching for his purpose in the big city of New York.  Zoe Crisp shines as Kate Monster, bringing warmth and depth to her character, while Jonathon Shilling's portrayal of Rod is both endearing and comically poignant. Cassie Ogle's dual roles as Lucy and Mrs. T are executed with sultry flair and hilarious timing. Every actor merged their human characters and puppet characters beautifully operating as one performance. I noticed the female performers in particular often held their puppet character in front of them which blocked some amazing human facial expressions. 

A special round of applause goes to Andrew McDougall, who showcases exceptional versatility by voicing the reclusive Trekkie Monster while simultaneously performing as the lovable Nicky literally on stage at the same time. This dual performance is a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication. Nicky is one of the few two armed puppets performed by Andrew and Perri Espinoza in a fantastic cohesion. The two actors needed to move as one entity and they did this incredible well.  

Stephanie Lacerna's energetic portrayal of Gary Coleman is a delightful surprise, infusing the show with nostalgia and wit. The ensemble cast, including Perri Espinoza, Darcy Harriss, Matthew Tomlin, and Chiew-Jin Khut, seamlessly blend their talents to create a vibrant and cohesive community on Avenue Q.

Under the astute direction of Pip Mushin, the production maintains a brisk and engaging pace, ensuring that laughter resonates throughout the theatre. It looked to be that Pip directed the show exactly as it would have been performed on Broadway with characters, set and blocking identical to the original experience. Open opening night, there are always some minor mishaps including speaking over audience laughter, but all in all, it was clear this cast is of professional quality. 

The musical direction by Alexandra Byrne brings out the best in the catchy score, while Adriana Pannuzzo's choreography adds a dynamic visual element that complements the narrative beautifully.

AG Theatre's Avenue Q is a must-see production that delivers side-splitting humour, beautiful singing performances, and a hearty dose of irreverent charm. It's a delightful reminder that while life may be unpredictable, it's always better with friends by your side. 

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