BWW Reviews: DOMA's AVENUE Q Best of the Season

Avenue Q/book by Jeff Whitty/music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx/directed by Richard Israel/DOMA at Met Theatre/through December 16

This, my third viewing of the smash Tony Award winning musical superhit Avenue Q, was by far the most joyous and rewarding of all. This little show, like a Sesame Street for adults, plays out like life - only bigger - with off-the-wall grotesquely funny situations, hilarious one-liners and tantalizing music, each and every tune a winner. The show leaves you craving more, but unfortunately you only have through December 16 to see DOMA's splendid production at the Met Theatre in Hollywood. It's one thing to see this show on the huge Ahmanson or Pantages stages and quite another to see it on the smaller more intimate stage at the Met. This close-up intimacy enhances the enjoyment of the show 150%.

The amazing artistry of manipulating the puppets onstage entails far more than just pulling the strings and supplying the voice for the appropriate character. Each actor behind the puppet is giving a full-out emotional performance. You have to watch the puppet in motion and the actor to get the full effect. Directed expertly by Richard Israel, the cast of characterizations include Princeton and Rod played by dynamic Christopher Kauffmann - with an overabundance of animated expressions, he's Dudley Moore reincarnated; Kate Monster and sexy slut Lucy played by versatile Danielle Judovits... and Nicky, Trekkie Monster and one of the Bad Idea Bears by  fantastically adept Mark Whitten. Libby Letlow does a great Mrs. T and  the other Bad Idea Bear. Actors without puppets are Chris Kerrigan as Brian, Janelle Dote as Christmas Eve and Benai Boyd as Gary Coleman. They all possess terrific singing voices and give zesty portrayals of these characters. With a myriad of economic and social problems to face, these lower-middle class folks turn for resolution and help to the love/support of friends and community. Unity is at the heart of Avenue Q and this amazing ensemble work at lightning speed producing unbelievably gratifying results.

People identify with "It Sucks To Be Me", "The Internet Is For Porn" and "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist". These feisty tunes not only provoke laughter but also nail society's flaws and human obsessions. Is it really that important to find your purpose in life? Maybe just participating wholeheartedly is enough. Great, ingenious stuff from composers Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx! Staci Walters' set is spot on and Richard Israel's staging, perfection!

There is some lewd behavior in overtly performed sexual acts at the end of Act I, so leave the little tykes at home. A great, great, completely lovable adult entertainment that will have you jumping for joy. Avenue Q is the place for you! It's by far DOMA's best show this season!

http://www.domatheatre.com/

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