Avenue Q

One of the “bigger” Fringe Shows, Arise Productions’ Avenue Q played for a short season at Subiaco Arts Centre, as part of Subilicious and Fringe World. A slick, well sung and well-produced production which delighted audiences.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Avenue Q in Perth, and this nineteen-year-old show, which deals with ‘modern issues’ but predates Marriage Equality, almost universal mobile phone use and wide internet access, still manages to feel fun and fresh and surprisingly “undated”. Sometimes described as “Sesame Street” for young adults, this show features fantastic puppet characters, with this production also using great video content.

Central character Princeton is played with great charm by Greg Jarema. Sometimes stealing focus from his puppet with his gorgeously expressive face, he anchors the show beautifully. Lovely work also from Sarah Booth as love interest Kate Monster, who gives her puppet character (and her own performance) depth and truth.

Lovely performances from the human characters too. Brandyn Kaczmarczyk was a relatable and likeable Brian, with Ebony Uetake glorious as his fiancé Christmas Eve (possibly playing her Japanese heritage for the first time) and an audience favourite. Adriana Herrera has excellent presence as superintendent Gary Coleman.

Terrific teamwork and recognisability from Ethan Churchill and Marshall Brown playing the Bert and Ernie like Rod and Nicky - adorable performances, with Jake Battle demanding attention as Trekkie Monster. 

In smaller roles, Mia Passmore has great fun as Lucy the Slut, Cathy Woodhouse brings comic skills to Mrs Thistletwat and Josh Hartley and Izzi Green work well together as the cute but evil Bad Ideas Bears. Singing throughout is strong, under Musical Director David Gray, with sound well controlled by designer Jake Goodsell.

The multi-level set, designed by the director, works well, allows some great surprises and it is well lit by Richard Timms. The puppets, created by Shoebox Theatre Company, are very sweet, and well costumed by Renae O’Neill.

Avenue Q was a feel-good show that was well-timed in uncertain times, with its anthem “For Now” seeming especially fitting at the moment. Well produced, well performed, well done.

Kimberley Shaw