Broadway Monday

Avenue Q "Avenue Q is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q; still, the neighbors seem nice. There's Brian, the out-of-work comedian, and his therapist fianceé Christmas Eve; Nicky the good-hearted slacker and his roommate Rod -- a Republican investment banker who seems to have some sort of secret; an Internet addict called Trekkie Monster; and a very cute kindergarten teaching assistant named Kate. And would you believe the building's superintendent is Gary Coleman?!? (Yes, that Gary Coleman.) Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life." What an awesomely irreverent take on friendship, love, racism, and puppets. Yeah, I know. Puppets. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but in fact it is a recipe for hilarity!

This show throws just about every topic that could make an audience uncomfortable with a load of laughs, truth and a life lesson or two. Racism. Homosexuality. Internet porn. Stereotypes. Failure. Rejection. Sluts. Full puppet nudity. See? How uncomfortable do you think the average midwestern tourist to NYC would be?! I love it!

We saw the show a couple of years ago with friends on a Broadway-laden 4 day trip to the city. It was fabulous and such a breath of fresh air! The best part of the experience, well aside from the whole Broadway thing, learning a new word: schadenfreude! Try slipping that one in conversation!

Avenue Q won the Tony for Best Musical in 2004, edging out, and upsetting Wicked as the favorite. It is currently playing as a sit down production in Las Vegas, and touring nationally. You can still catch the Broadway production at the Golden Theatre in New York City.