Review: AVENUE Q at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center

Particularly over the past several years, the Tony winning musical Avenue Q has become a favorite show of mine. It is emotional, hilarious, relatable, and an original American production utilizing the fascinating art of puppetry. Now running through October 1st at Long Island's Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC), this wonderfully executed production is superbly directed by Heather Van Velsor who additionally operates the puppets Kate Monster and Lucy in the show.

Avenue Q discusses the complexities of entering adulthood and realizing the sometimes cruelty of growing up. For example, we first meet Princeton, one of the puppet characters operated by CMPAC staple Steve Cottonaro. Princeton just graduated college, moved to New York, got a job, and then got fired before he even started because of "downsizing". Along the way Princeton meets Rod, Nicky, and a host of other interesting characters who are all trying to discover their purpose in life (the major theme of the Robert Lopez/Jeff Marx/Jeff Whitty tuner).

Besides enjoying the story by Mr. Whitty, you will also find the score by Mr. Lopez and Mr. Marx is entertaining and fresh and still resonates today as it did in the production's 2003 debut. The often performed "There's A Fine, Fine Line" and "It Sucks To Be Me" are a few of the many highpoints. Indeed, the Entire company is truly remarkable. Everyone sounds fantastic and thunderous laughter abounds at several points throughout the show.

Also a highlight is the great set cleverly coordinated by CMPAC's Artistic Director Patrick Grossman. Set in present day New York City, the neighborhood everyone lives in is run down. Tall "fronts" of buildings take up the majority of the stage. Ronald Green III's costumes are relatively easy; the actors operating the puppets wear black ensembles while the rest wear colorful pieces like Christmas Eve's (Asami Tsuzuki) outfits. Also impressive is how well the puppets resemble the Broadway and Off-Broadway production.

Avenue Q is presented at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center through October 1st. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com

Score by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx, Book By Jeff Whitty, Directed by Heather Van Velsor, Musical Direction by Matthew W. Surico, Puppetry Direction by Frank Longo, Stage Management by Dana Abruzzo, Set Design by Patrick Grossman, Sound Design by Nicolette Carosi, Lighting Design by Allison Weinberger, Costume Design by Ronald Green III.

Starring Heather Van Velsor, Steve Cottonaro, Andrew Lenahan, Sean Burbige, Asami Tsuzuki, Taneisha Corbin, Kristen Digilio, and Carl Tese

Photo by Lisa Schindlar; Steve Cottonaro and Heather Van Velsor in Avenue Q at The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre

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