Review: AVENUE Q at Gore Musical Theatre

Avenue Q is a multi-faceted piece of theatre that requires complex and expertly delivered theatre techniques that would challenge the most knowledgeable and experienced theatre practitioners.

Gore Musical Theatre, a community theatre group in a rural town of 12 500, have successfully produced this show. It is highly entertaining.

Key to the success of the show, was the smart move on behalf of Gore Musical Theatre to employ professional director Hamish McGregor who has specific expertise, particularly in puppetry.

While McGregor has successfully nurtured the talents of the cast, they needed to give him something to work with.

And they sure did.

The story revolves around the character of recently graduated 'Princeton' (Tyler Dowling) as he struggles with his 'adult-world options" including negotiating his relationship with 'Kate Monster' played by Fran Brabant. These two were outstanding in their roles. Brabant's rendition of 'There's a Fine, Fine Line' was a highlight.

While some scripts ask for a measure of commitment and dedication, this script demands 110% to pull it off. There is no margin for complacency. Errors would lose the audience in a heartbeat.

The cast were faultless in their cues and movement.

The singing is sensational. The belt style vocals are strong, deliberate and controlled. Great work Musical Director, Sonya Barker.

Casting a first-timer in the role of Gary Coleman was indeed a risk but one that paid off. Fraser Gulliver is convincing in his role and endeared the audience.

The musical involves the use of puppets, operated by unconcealed puppeteers, alongside human actors.

The puppeteers need to be faultless whilst singing, moving and acting using a mostly foreign accent. No mean feat.

To further complicate things, some of the 'live-hands' puppets require two puppeteers and I was in awe of Nicole Weir who was often the 'second person' having to manipulate the puppets alongside the main actor. The fluidity in which she moved, and at times impromptu, was achieved with a high level of skill. She also sung beautifully. She is the full package.

Those who played more than one character, notably Emily Mason and Craig Wadsworth moved in and out of their roles seamlessly. Their portrayal the 'bad-idea bears' who represent temptation were a highlight for me.

Dressed in expletives the story line is presented in a very earthly, 'non PC', R18-way and explores the issues of the purpose of life, love, helping others. The characters are stereo-typical, exaggerated and mostly very funny.

Rosie Brown provided the perfect balance of sultry and mean (until she becomes a born-again-christian) in her role of Lucy.

Bradley Gentle playing duel roles of Nicky and Trekkie, is talent personified. His characterisation was totally excellent.

He engaged the audience the minute he stepped on stage and was simply delightful. The same can be said for Brad McSoriely in his excellent portrayal of Rod, a guy struggling with his sexuality.

Blokey-bloke Brian (Marty Grounds) and his fiancé Christmas Eve, (Shelly Ballantine) played contrasting characters, juxtaposed in their world-experience but cynical in commonality were an entertaining duo.

The cast should be very proud of themselves for successfully melding the puppets, assistants, human characters into one glorious entity of entertainment.

Oh and special mention to the tech team. The sound was perfect!

There's so much happening onstage that I'm hoping to go again.

Avenue Q Gore Town and Country Club November 11-19th

Tickets available St James Theatre Gore, Phone: 03 208 7396

https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2016/nov/avenue-q

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