I (heart) Avenue Q ...

I was very surprised to learn that after 6 very successful years on Broadway, Avenue Q is set to close it's doors September 13 2009. During our 10 day stint in the city, we were fortunate enough to have been able to see this show. The talent was amazing.. If you are planning to see a show on the Great White Way, please take my advise and see this show. The reviews speak for themselves.

The wikipedia summary of the show doesn't do any justice in regards to the amazing cast. Honest to god, this show brings Dame Edna to shame. Charming and Absolutely vulgar in every possible way, you will not have a dull moment and won't be disappointed with this spectacle.

A little about the theater..

The John Golden isn't a brand new state of the art facility. The seats are old and the place is really run down. That being said, there isn't a bad seat in the house (viewing wise). It's a smaller theater and the intimate setting really worked in the shows favor. You want to be able to see the actors facial expressions and watch as their characters come to life. We sat in the balcony (second tier) and saw EVERYTHING. (Also, if you have a chance, take a moment and look up at the ceiling and stage's ornate decor. It's a sight to see)

If I were to recommend one thing, skip the booze at intermission. The bartender was a little too liberal when she made our drinks.. (I'll take it easy on her.. she probably had an off night) $20 for 2 very small/boozy drinks.. I only wanted a refresher!! If you're really thirsty go for the pop and grab a drink after the show. There are tons of restaurants and cafés in the area, you'll have a good mix of choices available to you.

Alrighty, back to the show..

{shot of the set for Avenue Q at the John Golden}

The set, a row of run down townhouses, is very minimalist. The characters are really the driving force which brings this show to life. Saying that the cast is amazing is an understatement. They really know how to make their puppets feel emotions and keep us captivated in their story. Carey Anderson, an ABSOLUTE Stand out, charmed the pants right off of us as Kate Monster & Lucy the Slut. I'd say that she alone is worth seeing this show, but it wouldn't be fair as the rest of the ensemble cast also performed beyond our expectations. That said, the petite blond is all we could think about after the show. She made quite the impression on us. You also can't forget Treckie (a cookie monster/ Oscar the grouch cross), he will leave you in stitches.

My top 3 numbers from the show:

-What do you do with a BA in English (great show opener!!)

-The Internet is for porn

-My girlfriend who lives in Canada
-There is life outside your apartment (I know I said top 3, but there is a moment in this song that cracks me up all the time)

I tried getting familiar with the music before seeing the show but I just couldn't get into it. I'm a very visual person and I had a hard time associating with the different characters and didn't really know where the story was going. I suggest you wait to listen to the soundtrack before you see the show. Now every time I listen to this soundtrack, I LOVE it.

I would totally recommend this for adults & teens around the age of 16-17. You can bring your entire family, but be WARNED. Be prepared to explain curse words, sexual references and explicit puppet fornication (sex) to your 13 year old. I'll leave it at that.

After the show, head on outside to have a photo op with Treckie (in billboard form). We couldn't help but hog the poster for about 15 minutes. You want to remember the good times right??

{a friend and I getting cozy with Treckie}

On a last note, DO NOT BUY TICKETS AT FULL PRICE. Not right now anyways. Look online for LEGITIMATE ticketing companies who offer discount codes for the show. They are trying to get tourists back in the city, due to the crappy economy, so take advantage of these special codes. You can also head down to Time Square the day of the show at the TICKTS booth for great discounts; anticipate for a huge line-up. I signed up to get e-mails from Playbill.com for discount codes.

VERY WELL WORTH IT!!

Ratings: A++++++