Review: Big-Hearted and Irreverent AVENUE Q at Constellation Theatre Company

AVENUE Q is an irreverent and big-hearted look at life once you've graduated from Sesame Street and from college but Real Life hasn't quite kicked in quite the way you'd envisioned. Constellation Theatre Company's production is full of fun, featuring a magnificent ensemble of talented and appealing actors.

At the center of the show is Princeton, a recent college grad searching for an affordable apartment ... and his purpose in life. On Avenue Q he finds a great array of characters - people and puppets. Matthew Dewberry as Princeton has a winning earnestness and wide-eyed wonder even as he soon ponders "What Do You Do With a B.A. in English?" and discovers that "It Sucks to be Me."

A friendship (or something more?) sparks between Princeton and Kate Monster, a kindergarten assistant who dreams of opening a dedicated school for young "people of fur" sparking one of the show's most memorable songs, "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist." (Robert Lopez, who co-wrote AVENUE Q's music and lyrics with Jeff Marx, went on to write similarly hilarious did-they-really-just-say-that songs for BOOK OF MORMON.) Katy Carkuff (Kate Monster) mixes great comic timing with huge heart and vulnerability. Carkuff's lovely and versatile voice is at its best with the stirring "Fine, Fine Line" which poignantly closes the first act.

The cast is collectively excellent. Their strong voices, ease with the puppets, and multidimensional characters work to great effect with AVENUE Q's brilliant book and music. Wannabe stand-up comedian Brian (Mikey Cafarelli) builds a life with Christmas Eve (Justine "Icy" Moral) his Japanese fiancée who holds a slew of advanced degrees in therapy but has no clients. Child star Gary Coleman (Eben K. Logan) has found work on Avenue Q as a building superintendent. Nicky (Alex Alferov) assures his long-time friend and roommate Rod the Republican (Vaughn Ryan Midder) that "If You Were Gay" it would make no difference in their friendship but Rod is quick to talk about "My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada." Lucy the Slut (Emily Zickler) wreaks havoc between poor Princeton and Kate. Reclusive Trekkie Monster (voiced by Midder) spends most of his time on the computer, finding agreement among the others that "The Internet is for Porn." Bad Idea Bears (Jenna Berk and Christian Montgomery) are a memorable highlight as their boundless energy and gentle singsong voices convince the others that they should, for example, opt for the huge and delicious Long Island Iced Tea on a work night.

The production is skillfully directed by Allison Arkell Stockman, who is also Constellation Theatre Company's founder and artistic director. With ten performers and six musicians, the small space is filled with energy and music. The intimate space works to the production's advantage, allowing a greater connection and immediacy between the performers and the audience. Assistant Director Matthew McGee, who is a Helen Hayes Award-winning actor and freelance puppeteer, served as puppet coach; the seamless integration of puppets and actors is an extraordinary feat. The audience had a genuine, heart-felt bond to the puppets.

The production elements were top-notch. Subtle whimsical touches like the moving boxes labeled "Star Wars Collectibles" and "Future Man Cave" or the rainbow lights of the cityscape during "If I Were Gay" were amusing surprises to discover among A.J. Guban's clever scenic and lighting design. The live music under the musical direction of Jake Null gave energy and fullness to the production. There were some balance issues making it a challenge at times to hear specifics (occasionally with Ron's lisp or Christmas Eve's accent and particularly the lyrics to "Schadenfreude").

Constellation Theatre Company has built its fine reputation on epic productions featuring strong ensembles and high production values. AVENUE Q might seem more contemporary than most of the company's work, but it fits their mission of exuberant collective work and visual spectacle. The company's commitment to live musicians rather than recorded music is another priority of Constellation Theatre - a challenging bill to foot for theatres of any budget size and Constellation should be commended for taking this on.

AVENUE Q balances frivolity and reality in an assured and thoroughly-enjoyable production. The production shines in Constellation Theatre Company's capable hands with its winning cast, solid staging and polished production elements. Don't miss this wonderful production.

Runtime: 2:15 plus one intermission; absolutely no late seating

Avenue Q (book and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; book by Jeff Whitty; based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx) runs through November 22 with shows Thursdays - Sundays at 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees (times vary), Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30. The production is at Source, 1835 14th St. NW. For tickets, please visit Constellation Theatre's website here.

For audiences 16+ (adult language and themes)

Photo Credits: (top) Matt Dewberry as Princeton (DJ Corey Photography)

(center right) Justine Icy Moral as Christmas Eve and Katy Carkuff as Kate Monster (by Stan Barouh)

(center left) Jenna Berk and Alex Alferov as Nicky, Vaughn Ryan Midder as Rod Trekkie Monster, Kate Monster: Christian Montgomery, Katy Carkuff (by Stan Barouh)

(bottom) Christian Montgomery as Trekkie Monster, Katy Carkuff as Kate Monster (by Stan Barouh)

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