Playhouse’s ‘Q’ is bold, funny despite flaws

By Stephanie Ottey

entertainment@vindy.com

youngstown

“Avenue Q” has had a reputation as a dirty, raunchy, and hysterically funny “Sesame Street” satire since its debut in 2003. By Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty, the musical has won tons of awards and thrilled thousands of theatergoers.

Though marred by a risque reputation, the show is just short of genius. Fun, puppet characters similar to those Muppets we grew up with sing cheerful tunes of profound truth. The result is a show that keeps adults hanging between childhood nostalgia and a humorously blunt and relatable reality.

The Youngstown Playhouse has taken a leap in choosing to stage the show, a bold choice for its mainstage season. The set, lighting design and darling puppets created by Brian Palumbo are proof that a great deal of hard work went into the production.

Somehow, this production still lacks the energy required to successfully pull off such a unique and vibrant show.

The musical style of “Avenue Q” is like no other, save for what’s heard in children’s programming. It’s quirky and childlike, and when performed appropriately, it feels crisp, bouncy and light. In the Playhouse production, however, there’s a disconnection that drags the energy down.

For the past two years, musicals at the Playhouse haven’t had the acoustic oomph they need. Whether from lack of proper equipment or knowledge of how to use it, there’s a real problem here. On opening night, it was clear that actors were wearing microphones — the cords on them were clearly visible even in the back of the house — but it also was clear that most of them weren’t turned on for all of Act 1. This led performers to strain vocally, so the band quieted, tempos dragged and energy was sapped.

Despite the wickedly funny lyrics, the band gives the actors no room for comedic interpretation, often squashing funny lines with rigid entrances.

Comedic timing is weak all around. Most laughs come built into the script.

Of course, it can’t be easy for nonpuppeteers to exude confidence in a show such as this, and the cast deserves recognition for its efforts to learn the unique trade. A few of the actors seemed to have embraced the craft fully, and it showed in their performances.

Claire Blackledge, despite having to share her roles with other performers, stood out on stage due to her commitment to her parts. She was physically and facially engaged with her puppets, shining without saying a word.

Travis Ascione also showed a dedication to creating his characters. He showcases a broad range of vocal talents, and raises his energy to meet Blackledge’s when they control Nicky together. He’s a standout in the show.

The rest of the cast displays vocal talent when the microphones allow us to hear them, but they seem to be impaired physically by the puppets. It’s clear that not enough coaching was given to make them confident puppeteers, but Aaron Kubicina, Brianne Kochunas and David Croach get points for their efforts. David Lynch, Stacy Anderson and Alexis Shellow also appear in the show.

Director Lester Malizia would have been wise to invest more time into connecting his cast to their puppets, but the characters speak for themselves regardless.

Despite these misses, the show is so flawlessly written and created that there is still plenty to laugh about.

“Avenue Q” runs through next Sunday at the Youngstown Playhouse. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. today and next Sunday. For more information, call 330-788-8739.