Pro-gay musical ‘Avenue Q’ sure to be a naughty success

As soon as I heard that Avenue Q was coming to Vintage Theatre Nov. 11 I got right on the horn. I knew that the community would be just as excited as I am about the regional premiere of this pro-gay musical that won the Tony Award for Best Musical a few years back.

Director Bernie Cardell agreed to chat with me at his new rehearsal space at 16th Ave. and Downing. Arriving at the intersection a little early I noticed that there were buildings on all four corners and I had forgotten to get an exact address from ‘the Bernster.’ The building on the northeast corner started to look like the culprit as soon as I saw a handsome young man about to enter, while brandishing a rather large neon green puppet. Just behind him was director Cardell, inhaling the final puffs of a late afternoon ciggie.

The usual salutations were exchanged and I was led up to their second floor rehearsal digs.

Immediately upon exiting the elevator I encountered a lovely woman who asked if she could measure me. I told her I’m not an actor in Avenue Q. But the lady quickly introduced herself as costume designer Rosemary Smith. “I just like to measure people,” she said.

Next I got a welcoming hug from Keith Rabin Jr. (Ramon in Love! Valour! Compassion!) who just so happens to be playing Princeton, the leading man in Avenue Q.

One can never be greeted too warmly by an actor who has performed nude before.

Cardell settled in and spoke about the production of Avenue Q. He said that there would be “full puppet nudity.” Hmmm. To me this sounded like a warm and fuzzy take on The Puppetry of the Penis. One thing leading to another, one may certainly count on a veritable Kama Sutra of puppet sex in infinite puppet positions. Yet, apparently it takes two puppeteers to handle a puppet. The handlers in this case would be Paul Jaquith and Leslie Randle Chapman.

Michael Bouchard plays Rod and Mark Shonsey will play Nicky.

Carolyn Lohr will double up as Lucy T. Slut and Kate Monster.

Patrick Brownson will do Trekkie Monster.

Cardell spoke excitedly about the opportunity of bringing this show to the Denver community in its regional premier. Avenue Q has played only once before in Denver and that was the national touring company at The Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

This production is certain to be a lot more personal due to the intimacy of Vintage Theatre.

It quickly became clear that all of the involved cast members were nothing short of ecstatic for the production. There was an outpouring of enthusiastic chatter about the show. Amongst the excitable talk I jotted down a few humourous tidbits, unable to decipher who said what.

“If you’ve ever been offended by anything don’t even think of coming. It’s an equal opportunity offender.”

“It’s racist, sexist and really politically incorrect funny. When puppets are saying these things with tongue planted firmly in cheek, it sort of goes down with a spoonful of sugar.”

“It’s naughty and a musical for a crowd that might not have gotten used to the golden age of musicals.”

Besides the great cast and director there were other things that made this show seem unmissable. There will be a live band, which will be conducted by music director Marsha Whitaker. According to Cardell the show will have a simple look yet he said it certainly will encompass a bit of New York feel.

The show is a Sesame Street for adults.

Some of the songs you can expect to hear are: “It Sucks to Be Me,” “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,”  “The Internet’s for Porn,” “If You Were Gay” and “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today.”

This may be the show to see for the holidays.

Avenue Q runs from Nov. 11 through Jan. 28.