Review: Top-notch 'Avenue Q' Celebrates Diversity, Friendship

Life in a big city is never easy, but it's much more enjoyable if you have good friends. That, in a nutshell, is the message at the core of "Avenue Q."

The Players have assembled a talented cast for this wildly entertaining production of the beloved Tony Award-winning musical.

Dean Hernandez stars as the puppet Princeton, a recent college graduate who moves to Avenue Q without much direction. With a Bachelor's degree in English, his employment options remain limited.

Princeton's neighbors include puppets Kate Monster (Cheyanne Patterson), a teaching assistant; Rod, a closeted gay Republican wearing a suit and tie; Rod's lovable roommate Nicky (Alyssa Germaine); and Trekkie Monster (Roger Lemelin), a hairy beast obsessed with watching pornography on the Internet.

The humans on Avenue Q include Christmas Eve (Rosa Nguyen), a therapist from Japan, and aspiring stand-up comedian Brian (Ian Hudgins), who are engaged to be married.

The building superintendent is Gary Coleman (Jonathan Grice), the former sitcom star from "Different Strokes," who has also fallen on hard times.

Princeton and Kate begin dating and enjoy a frenzied bit of lovemaking. Their variety of sexual positions is awe-inspiring and very funny.

Their romance is cut short after the sultry Lucy (Jamie Witherell) enters the picture and makes a play for Princeton, who is still in love with Kate.

Under the direction of Kevin Thibault, the performers show off sharp comic timing and and superb vocals.

Hernandez is a skilled puppeteer, and makes Princeton into a charming protagonist.

As Kate, Patterson is sweet and charming, and demonstrates some tender emotions on the ballad "There's a Fine, Fine Line."

I also liked the energy Ray Fournier brought to the uptight Rod, who finally embraces his sexuality and becomes a happy man.

Brittany Dyer-Pittman's musical direction is lively, and Dan Clement's set design is atmospheric and convincing.

"Avenue Q" has a book by Jeff Whitty and songs by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Despite the cute puppets, this is not a show for children, due to the adult themes and profanity.

One of the musical's more controversial songs is "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist," which satirizes racial and ethnic stereotyping. Some critics have expressed the belief that the lyrics end up trivializing bigotry. I disagree. The puppets are singing about the flaws in all of us, when preconceived notions of others can cloud our judgment. It may make some audience members uncomfortable, but it is taking a stand against ignorance.

Other highlights in the show were "If You Were Gay," "The Internet Is For Porn," and "School for Monsters."

"Avenue Q" celebrates diversity and acceptance in a sometimes cruel and unforgiving world. It's an exuberant production with an important message: Be kind to your neighbors, and they will be kind to you. And with neighbors like Princeton, Kate, and Rod, wouldn't it be wonderful if we had Avenue Qs in every city and town in America?

"Avenue Q" runs through May 28. The Players at Barker Playhouse. 400 Benefit St., Providence, RI. For tickets, call 401-273-0590 or e-mail [email protected].