Rating: ★★★★ (out of 4)
Winner of three Tony-Awards, Avenue Q: The Musical returns to the Toronto theatre scene at the Lower Ossington Theatre. The show is directed by Seanna Kennedy & choreographed by Amelia Hironaka, both graduates of Toronto’s very own Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts. The musical was originally conceived by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx, who wrote the music & lyrics for the musical. The book is written by Jeff Whitty.
Avenue Q is the story about a new college grad by the name of Princeton. Armed with a useless degree, fueled by dreams that rival Mount Everest & equipped with barely a penny in his pocket, Princeton sets his eye on New York to make his dreams a reality. He soon finds out though that his even-more-useless bank account is not going to get him a place to stay in the big city. This takes him far out to Avenue Q, where he not only finds an apartment he can afford but also the true reality of life. It’s Sesame Street all grown up. Utilizing puppets along with human characters, the experience watching this show is like none other.
There is always a question one asks when something iconic as Avenue Q is taken and then locally produced: Has the magic of the show been retained? Happily, more than ever! From the very beginning, you are captivated by the brilliant puppetry showcased by the company. Every detail, from the way the puppets speak to the direction of their eyes, has been accounted for. The puppeteers, who are physically there on stage, also mimic the emotions displayed by the puppets, making it easier for the audience to stay in tune with the moment if focus is shifted from the puppets to the puppeteers. The attention to detail is mind-boggling and the result is absolutely brilliant. You can see the puppetry in-action in interviews conducted with the puppets. CLICK HERE.
The elements of the show are nicely balanced. The stage, housed in a not-so-large theatre, has been simply but beautifully made. Utilizing the space nicely, the stage design truly sets the atmosphere for the show. The lighting has been choreographed very well to reflect the mood in each scene, which adds value to the whole experience. Of course, one cannot forget the amazing music & lyrics by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx, a soundtrack that can get you tapping and clapping all through out.
The company has really put in the hours to make this production brilliant. Every moment in the show sparks some level of emotion. Kennedy & Hironaka have taken a brilliant play and given it a dose of local personality. There is a hint of Canada in every bit of the performance. A special surprise too during the “For Now” song! Avenue Q uses simple elements to share a mature story. A story about life, its up’s & downs, and how we all find our calling. It is a story that we can all relate to.
Don’t miss this brilliant production! Avenue Q plays until February 4th 2012 at the Lower Ossington Theatre. For tickets, visit www.ticketwise.ca or call the box office at 416-915-6747. For additional information, visit their website at www.lowerossingtontheatre.com
ADVISORY: The show contains adult situations, mature subject matter & vulgar dialogue. This is not appropriate for children.
