Broadway's Tony-winning hit has become famous for its boisterous bawdiness and let-loose laughter, and the current production at Arts After Hours in Lynn promises both and more!
Director Julia Fiske goes for broke in her unapologetic approach to the material but understands that underneath all of the laughs lies a whole bunch of truths.
The stage is literally set early on with Sean Crosley and Micah Greene with their smart and sexy portrayals of Rod and Kate, respectively. All of the puppeteers maneuver their characters like seasoned professionals. J.Michael Spencer is both hilarious and sincere as Brian, and Paige Clark creates his anchored wife with a beautiful voice.
Andy Porterfield is impressively animated and talented as Nicky and Trekkie. Leeta White is wonderfully funny and sincere as Gary, and Melinda Mogel manipulates her puppets better than the best of them with a winning smile.
Both the set and lighting are professionally detailed, and the music direction is upbeat and never drops its momentum.
As stated earlier, none of this would mean anything if the show weren't grounded in reality, which Avenue Q certainly is. Bills. Life. Being closeted. Getting by day-to-day. Fiske understands this and effortlessly transitions to the tender moments while never slowing the pace. We also completely believe that these neighbors know and love each other.
Kudos to Corey Jackson! The proceeds from the pass-the-hat section actually go to real organizations!
Watching this production is like meeting and visiting friends. Too bad the run is only "for now."
A is for Awesome.
http://www.artsafterhours.com
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