Avenue Q takes the idea of a puppet show for adults to the next level with the show discussing topical issues in a humorous way.
The originally American show is currently having its run at the Pieter Toerien Theatre, bringing to Joburg audiences the story of Princeton, a young recent university graduate that moves to Avenue Q and forms relationships with the other characters of his new neighbourhood, who are all just making efforts to live lives they can be happy in.
It makes sense that the show was modeled after the lives because it tackles a variety of everyday themes such as love, sexuality, racism, unemployment discrimination and the value of education without being too preachy about it.
These are conversation and ideas weaved into the lives of the puppets and humans through dialogue and song.
Hilarious Tony Award-winning musical @AvenueQ_SA now at Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre!
Book @Computicket #PG16 #comedy #musical pic.twitter.com/2mYm5rySUs
— PieterToerien (@PieterToerien) June 1, 2018
The production is American and you can expect to see a couple of Americans without them becoming distracting. I loved most of the musical items with There's a fine, fine line, everyone's a little racist, what do you do with a BA in English and what do you do with a BA In English being among the ones I enjoyed the most.
The set design was also visually pleasing with it bringing an authenticity to the play being set on Avenue Q, it looks like a block of apartments.
Avenue Q. Picture: Christiaan Kotze
One of the strangest moments for me was witnessing puppets have sex. Hilarious and stage at the same time.
I also appreciated the portrayal of the character Christmas Eve, a Korean social worker that loves helping people but has no clients.
Avenue Q. Picture: Christiaan Kotze
She was funny, exaggerated but in a good way. The production will seem very Takalani Sesame at some points, but for adults, with a diverse group of people that live on Avenue Q.
The show is ultimately quite funny and enjoyable and will certainly allow adults to experience adulting in a funny, honest and musical way.