Rochdale is known for being the birthplace for the Co-operative Society but it also plays host to culture like theatre! With the renowned Gracie Fields Theatre, I may have vaguely recalled reference to The Curtain Theatre but have never attended before and what a delight it is - an unexpected surprise and stark contrast to the less than glam surroundings of its exterior. Having driven past their base earlier in the day, it was lovely to have the opportunity to witness the latest offering of Whitworth Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society’s Avenue Q.
With it being the third night in I would have expected a slick performance overall, but sadly that was not the case for all aspects of the production with lighting and some performers’ vocal ability letting the show down a level. Nonetheless the clever wit of the lyrics which are well-placed within the brilliant dynamics of the music by Robert Lopex and Jeff Marx, based on their original concept and the book later written by Jeff Whitty. Speaking of which, the story follows the residents of Avenue Q in New York as they seek to help one another through advice and friendship, and the arrival and settling in of a new arrival - Princeton (Jack Martin) - and how ‘It Sucks To Be [Them]’.
Although nothing to do with Sesame Street or The Muppets, the show is performed, as all promotional material suggests through furry puppets. Despite this you do still see the talents of the puppeteering performers as they manipulate their characters and embody the roles. Their facial expressions contribute to the success of the show and their efforts to match the voices of the original cast recordings just makes it. With dance moves thrown in to execute whilst working their puppets, these cast members are a joy to watch and should be commended - some haven’t ever worked with puppets before!
Although Martin’s portrayal of Princeton is great and he is the one who is on stage for most of the show, the prize for best characterisation to that of the original (I know we shouldn’t compare but with a show like this, you really have to) is Kate Monster (Megan Wight). Maybe it’s Wight’s degree in Psychology that helps? The likes of Christmas Eve (Ashleigh Ho) and Gary Coleman (Leroy Liburd) - who both play the parts as humans - surprised me. It was Ho’s debut on stage and I wholeheartedly commend that she did improve as the show progressed and her nerves disappeared. In contrast, the programme bills Liburd as a more experienced performer, but that this is his first musical and that was evident with his somewhat flat character and poor singing voice. Sorry, I am being honest. Liam Dodd played the remaining human character Brian - Christmas Eve’s fiancé - and was wonderful.
Musical Director Chris Addington is a seasoned performer in musicals and bands across Greater Manchester and plays the role of Nicky well. Nicky suspects that his flatmate Rob (Steve Cheeseman) is gay and is later proved right after Rod has therapy from Christmas Eve. Songs like ‘If You Were Gay’ and ‘The More You Ruv Someone’ are symbols that whether in a relationship or orientation or on the outside, you should stick with it and that ‘Fantasies [can] Come True’. To hide his embarrassment at the thought of being ‘outed’ Rod declares that he has a ‘Girlfriend Who Lives In Canada’. Kate falls for newbie ‘Purpose’-seeker Princeton - who has a “useless degree” and questions ‘What Do You Do With A BA In English?’ - and he for her. He makes her a ‘Mixtape’ and the Bad Idea Bears (Martin White and Jess Dawber) convince them to be ‘As Loud As The Hell You Want (When You’re Making Love)’ after they go on a date at the Around The Clock Café where guest performer Lucy the Slut (Eleanor Kelly) is appearing. Lucy flirts with Princeton and ends up sleeping with him after making him feel ‘Special’ and Kate realises that ‘There’s a Fine Fine Line (between love and a waste of time)’. Earlier on, Princeton asks whether Kate and Trekkie Monster are related to which she is astounded before they sing ‘Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist’. Allowed to teach her kindergarten class alone - which she misses because of the night before - she intends to teach them about the Internet which, Trekkie Monster (Phil Harrison) states, ‘Is For Porn’.
When Rod kicks Nicky out, Gary revels in the ‘Schadenfreude’ of “happiness at the misfortune of others”, namely Nicky and they explore the satisfaction gained from giving to others through ‘The Money Song’ which spurs Princeton to raise money for Kate’s dream ‘School for Monsters’.
Directed and produced by Andy Kelly, with choreography from Julie Mulligan, this show is a hilariously clever one, with hints of reflection on real life. With thanks to the whole of the production team involved, we look forward to a welcome return to the venue and the society’s future offerings.
Reviewer - John Kristof
on - 10/10/18
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