Matt Byrne Media. Arts Theatre – 7 to 30 Jul.
Matt Byrne Media’s Avenue Q is a triumph. The talented young cast deliver an outstanding production which easily rivals the professional version for quality and execution.
Avenue Q is an endearing story of love, life and finding ones purpose, cleverly told by a combination of both puppets and people. The story covers many complicated issues in a very light hearted manner, often broaching some awkward subjects, but always laughing it off.
Amy Hutchinson is delightful in her portrayal of Kate Monster, David Salter gives an impassioned performance as Princeton, Dirk Strachan is a standout both vocally and in his skilful operation of the puppet Rod and Michael Williams' characterisation of Nicky is hilarious. Kym Clark as Trekkie Monster is an absolute crack up and one of the audience’s favourite characters. In the human role of Christmas Eve, Megan Humphries gave the kind of power house performance we have all come to expect. Rohan Watts gave and excellent and energetic performance as Brian, and Alisa James as Garry Coleman commanded her role and was very entertaining.
The whole cast needs to be commended on the new skill they have mastered; the operation of the amazing puppets created by Sue Dosset was first rate. The animation on the puppets faces seemed a little less flexible than those in the professional version; however the cast more than made up for this, wonderfully interpreting the feelings of the characters on their own faces.
This is a great show and a very entertaining night out in Adelaide. I would suggest you brave the cold night air and support some local theatre by checking out this gem. Avenue Q runs at the Arts Theatre until the 16th of July, and then at the Shedley Theatre until the 30th.
Paul Rodda
