RSS 2.0 FeedNovember 16, 2011, Theatre
A long way from Sesame Street
In a Kansas City premiere, the Jewish Community Center brings “Avenue Q” to The White Theatre in a finely rendered production that captures the heart of the hit puppet musical without avoiding its enjoyable excesses.
It may seem an unconventional venue for the Midwest premiere of Avenue Q, but the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City offered a production that held its own with the off-beat, racy musical comedy about twenty- and thirty-somethings trying to “find their purpose” in the tenements on some distant avenue in a way-outer borough of New York City.
Given its tagline—“It’s your life…only funnier. And with puppets”—I expect many attendees were unprepared for such musical numbers as “The Internet Is For Porn,” “If You Were Gay,” and “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist;” the latter was received fairly well, though the hesitant applause indicated it may have left some feeling a bit uncomfortable (and missing the humor entirely from the honest-albeit-tongue-in-cheek lyrics that make up every number).
The JCC did offer a program note regarding the decision to produce the Kansas City premiere of Avenue Q, equating the Jewish tenet of tikkun olam (“repairing the world,” making it a better place) with the central theme of the show, which is rife with sneering optimism about one’s ability to really make an impact in the world. As Krista Lang Blackwood, Director of Cultural Arts, explains, “Avenue Q provides a possible blueprint—a racy, profanity-laden, hysterically funny and extremely uncomfortable blueprint, but a blueprint nonetheless—for navigating the gulf.”
An unorthodox production involving puppets lends a creative element to the staging. The leads and the chorus members not only sing and dance with over-animated vocal performances and boxy choreography, a perfect interpretation of afterschool special kitsch, but also manipulate Jim Henson-like puppets, translating every gesture.
A little bit Rent, a little bit Sesame Street, Avenue Q is simply an ensemble coming-of-age comedy of young neighbors and their landlord…who happens to be Gary Coleman (yes, that Gary Coleman). Complete with occasional instructional animations and a lengthy puppet-on-puppet sex scene, it’s reminiscent of the topical nature of South Park, where buried beneath the raunchy, off-color humor lies a poignant moral. Though hearing an audience member whisper between scenes how thankful he was he had not brought his pastor left the question as to whether the salient purpose of this production will get through to everyone.
As reminded throughout the show, “there’s a fine, fine line.” Avenue Q toes it every step of the way yet never crosses it.
REVIEW:
The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center of Kansas City
Avenue Q
Runs November 5–November 20, 2011 (Reviewed November 5)
White Theatre
5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS
For tickets call 913-327-8054 or online at www.jcckc.org
Top Photo: Avenue Q at the White Theatre (from left) Samantha Agron, Brent Nanney and Kristi Mitchell.
Film, Theatre Contributor
Calli Parker studied film production and English at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After working on various projects in Kansas City, she relocated to Los Angeles where she served as a production manager and assistant director on short and feature films. Currently residing in Kansas City, Calli continues to collaborate with the talented filmmakers and artists of the emerging arts community.
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