Puppets on Broadway

By Evan Zimmerman ‘24

It’s 2003, and the lights are coming up on a brand new Broadway spectacular. As a spotlight shines, the show’s hero, Princeton, sings a heartwarming opening about finding one’s life purpose. But as he sings a song worthy of tears, something is off. The song doesn’t seem so soul-crushing given that it’s sung by a felt hand puppet.

Combining the nostalgia of Jim Henson’s muppets with the adult humor of Monty Python and Mel Brooks, the comedy-musical Avenue Q will keep you guessing and laughing at every turn. 

The show follows a heartfelt soul journey as the main character, Princeton, adjusts to life after college and struggles to find work and love, as well as a will to live.

From the start, Avenue Q shows the audience that they’re in for a rollercoaster of emotions. Music choices change abruptly from the relatable, philosophical ballad “Purpose”, immediately into the next great comedy song, “If You Were Gay”.

A lovable cast of characters joins Princeton on his journey, from an elementary school aide, to two closeted gay roommates, to a failed comedian, to Gary Coleman himself. The close-knit community the characters have with each other leads to many hilarious and heartwarming subplots playing out.

These characters aren’t afraid to break the fourth wall, either. The tone and comedy of the show is all very real and down to earth, made better by the fact that it’s all said and done by muppets. 

The show takes many real-life problems and turns them into comedic tools. Two easy, musical examples of this are the self-explanatory “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist”, and “Schadenfreude” , a lovely rock song about finding happiness by laughing at others’ misfortune.

Touching on many adult themes and shoving others directly in the viewer’s face, this definitely isn’t a family show. But if you don’t mind some less-than-kosher themes, alongside muppet-ized violence, this is the show for you.

Despite leaning heavily into the comedy side of things, the show has an impressively in-depth plot, filled with twists and turns and all the obstacles of any other hero’s journey.

While still making your stomach hurt from laughing, the show also brings light to sensitive subjects. Exploring facets of racism, homophobia, and what it means to truly love someone, the show will make you wonder why you’re crying over a hand puppet’s love life.

Despite its time on Broadway being done, this show is a must see whenever it comes to your area. You’ll find yourself invested in the lives of Princeton and his friends, while simultaneously doubling over in laughter. If you’re ever in the mood to laugh, this is the show for you. It flies by, from “It Sucks to Be Me” to the reprisal of “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” you’ll find yourself both laughing and crying.

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