MEET Princeton, a
bright-eyed college graduate who comes to New York City with big
dreams and a tiny bank account.
Except Princeton isn't
your average chap. In fact he's a puppet and is the star of Avenue Q,
a witty, satirical coming of age parable which has been entertaining
audiences since it first opened off Broadway in 2003.
Since then it has
transferred to the West End and won a Tony Award 'triple crown' for
Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.
It is now on a six
month tour of the UK with a stop at Greenwich Theatre, the home of
its producers, Sell A Door.
But if you look at the
puppets and are considering taking the kids to see the show, you may
want to think again.
"It's a lovely
show, very funny and with a story and message that is universal but
the language used is a bit more fruity than you'd expect from perhaps
a traditional puppet show," laughs director Cressida Carre.
"In fact some of
the language is distinctly unchild friendly and definitely not
suitable for young children so we've recommended it for those aged 14
and up."
The Charlton-based
director says that aside the show is "fantastic" and has
been a joy to be part of.
"We have a great
cast who are really talented and we are incredibly excited to bring
it to Greenwich," she says.
The story revolves
around Princeton who discovers that the only New York neighbourhood
in his price range is Avenue Q and he soon finds himself moving in
with some truly quirky characters.
There’s Brian the
out-of-work comedian and his therapist fiancée Christmas Eve, Nicky
the good-hearted slacker and his closet gay Republican room-mate Rod,
an internet ‘sexpert’ called Trekkie Monster and a very cute
kindergarten teacher named Kate Monster."
"It's a story of a
boy growing up, his hopes and dreams for the future and what he goes
through to get there," says Cressida.
"Along the way he
meets some pretty colourful characters who help him find purpose in
life. It's a real feel good story, realising what we have to do in
life, how we treat people and all the emotions that goes with that.
"It's an
incredibly well written script and an amazing score and it takes you
from laughing til your stomach hurts to near tears. It's brilliant."
Much like the Muppets
and Sesame Street characters, who many have likened them to, they are
operated by one or two actors who have been put through their paces
by a puppet coach.
And it is the first
time Cressida has worked with puppets and says although it's been a
challenge she has "loved every second".
"Using puppets is
very challenging," she says. "It's a real skill and the
actors have to channel all the emotion and expressions through the
puppets - they dance and sing too - it's quite special.
"Directing them
has been amazing and what's fantastic is that after about five
minutes you forget the actors are even on the stage as you
concentrate on the puppets.
"It's been an
incredible and fascinating experience and very clever and I know
audiences are going to love it."
Avenue Q is on at
Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, from Tuesday, May 12 until Sunday,
May 24. Tickets from £28.50. Visit
http://www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk/ or call the box office on 020
8858 7755.
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