Ever wonder what would happen if “Sesame Street” took place in a more realistic setting? What if the lovable puppets from our childhood dealt with adult problems like racism, poverty and homosexuality? Well, then you might have something a little bit like “Avenue Q.”
The deliciously warped vision of Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, “Avenue Q” is a musical that stars down-on-their-luck puppets and their colorful human companions as they attempt to find their way through life in a depressed “outer borough” of New York City.
The show tells the story of a puppet named Princeton, a recent college graduate who moves to NYC with dreams, ambition and virtually no money. Princeton is forced to rent an apartment far from the city on Avenue Q, a place where everyone feels their life is missing something.
The puppet is quickly introduced to his neighbors who are all searching for a purpose in life. From Rod and Nicky (parodies of Bert and Ernie), who are grappling with sexual identity issues, to Trekkie Monster, a porn addict, and Lucy T. Slut, a, you guessed it, slutty night club singer, the neighborhood is filled with people looking for a better life.
Featuring songs like “It Sucks to Be Me,” and “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” “Avenue Q” is a far cry from Jim Henson’s children’s show, even though Marx, and original puppet designer Rick Lyon, both worked on Sesame Street.
The show originally began its run Off-Broadway in 2002, moving to Broadway a year later. Since then, the show has had productions in Las Vegas and London’s West End, and won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Last July the show began a national tour that will bring the troubled puppets to Boston beginning March 11 at the Colonial Theatre.
The show is extremely popular and is expected to sell out. Discounted tickets through Student Life have already sold out, so move fast. However, if you do miss out, don’t give up. A day of performance ticket lottery will also be held. A limited number of orchestra tickets will be available to purchase for $25 prior to each performance. Two hours prior to the show names will be collected at the box office to be drawn at random. Winners must be present and able to pay cash for their tickets (maximum of two per person).
Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster, going online to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com or directly at the Colonial Theatre Box Office. Tickets range from $27.50-$87.50.
Due to the “adult situations” in the show (such as simulated puppet sex and profanity), it is not recommended for anyone under the age of 13.
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