Puppetry for grown-ups - Avenue Q review - Comment News

A CROWD of twenty-somethings flooded Roleystone Theatre on Friday night, lured by advertising that promised they would see a show very unsuitable for children. There were adults of all ages, though, attending the opening night of the highly unorthodox, Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q. “This is an adult puppet musical with full puppet nudity,” the program warned, and well it might. Avenue Q features 11 different types of puppets manipulated by visible puppeteers, some so large they need two “operators”, and three human characters, all searching for a “purpose” in life. The quaint style of the sets and songs sets the audience up for a simplistic experience, but in its bawdy, confronting and touching way, this is actually one seriously sophisticated show. I worried that Roleystone Theatre would not be able to source singers up to the demands of the challenging solos and layered harmonies of this song-driven musical, and it is true one or two actors had slightly weaker voices than Broadway would have demanded. However, they were well-coached and supported by a cast that surprised me with the training and character of their singing, most notably Kate Monster (Shoreina Pereira) who nailed every note, particularly during her crucial number, There’s a Fine, Fine Line. I could not fault a single moment of the acting, which required every actor not only successfully animating their puppet to interact with the others, but also putting everything into their own vocal and physical performance. I am seriously impressed with the reach, personality and professionalism of Roleystone Theatre. You know when you leave a theatre having laughed so much your face aches, it has been a great night. Review by EMMA YOUNG Sourced from: http://comment.inmycommunity.com.au/going-out/theatre-and-the-arts/Puppetry-for-grown-ups/7636221/# http://www.communitydigital.com.au/OLIVE/ODE/COMMENTNEWSARMADALE/Default.aspx?href=CA%2F2012%2F11%2F20&pageno=49&view=document