A musical comedy starring puppets and their humans, AVENUE Q opened on Broadway in 2003, playing until 2009 for a whopping 2,500 performances before moving off Broadway – where the show just kept playing. Winner of three 2004 Tony Awards for best musical, best book, and best score, AVENUE Q continues to remain fresh, fun, and frolicking. A parody of Sesame Street and the Muppets, AVENUE Q’s characters are grown-ups facing grown-up problems – but with an ironic humor engendered by a kiddie format that incorporates racism, pornography, profanity, intercourse, and even some nudity (puppets, of course). To inaugurate their new and beautiful space in North Hollywood, Wisteria Theater Company proudly presents AVENUE Q, their first 2025 production in their new home.
Marcha Kia and Drew Maidment – Photo by Brayden Hade
New college graduate Princeton has just arrived in New York to seek fame, fortune, and a purpose in life. He’s moved into a small run-down place on Avenue Q, where he is surrounded by equally questing folks trying to figure out life. There’s teacher Kate Monster with dreams of opening a school for monsters – and, hopefully, getting an A in relationships. Then there’s Trekkie Monster (no relative), who spends most of his free time digging into internet porn sites. Brian (Drew Maidment) and serious girlfriend Christmas Eve (Marcha Kia) have some dreams too – like moving up the ladder to Koreatown. Rod and roommate Nicky have some issues too – with being gay at the heart of it. All of the denizens of Avenue Q are shepherded by cheerful Gary Coleman (Amber France), the manager cum handyman of the block.
Lexi Collins – Photo by Brayden Hade
Puppet handlers sing up quite a storm and often switch from one puppet identity to another. Multi-talented Connor Bullock, Lexi Collins, Cameron Parker, and Taylor Renee Castle do their best to keep their alter-egos in line. Talented director Brayden Hade helms the show with skill and also helped create the puppets crucial to the musical. Constructed of household items, lots of creativity, and the occasional “professional” touch, AVENUE Q puppets are the heart and soul of the tale. Tanya Cyr’s scenic and costume design give new meaning to multi-media and are delightfully evocative of any old street in the New York boroughs. The entire production team (including choreography by Anasha Milton, music direction by Nolan Monsibay, and lighting design by James G. Smith III) do a phenomenal job of shaping the show with their individual talents.
AVENUE Q cast – Photo by Brayden Hade
Special kudos to the “live,” non-stuffed cast, who support humanity with panache. However, this was a difficult production in which to pinpoint and separate each individual’s contribution – since the ensemble was abundantly effective – and lots of fun besides. Like pre-school tots, even adults can learn something from AVENUE Q – and have a great time doing it. AVENUE Q is a perfect introduction to the Wisteria Theater Company’s new space, a not-to-be-missed, one-of-a-kind show that will entertain, educate, and amaze everybody in the audience.
Taylor Renee Castle, Cameron Parker, and Amber France – Photo by Brayden Hade
AVENUE Q runs through March 2, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Wisteria Theater is located at 7061 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA inside a pocket office center. Tickets range from $30 to $75. For information and reservations, call 818-237-4643 or go online.
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