Avenue Q Issues - Essay Example

2 May Avenue Q Modern life of average person is frequently diluted with aesthetics sources for satisfaction of moral needs. Hence, in order to distract attention from the working and family issues, people visit movies, theatres, concert halls, exhibitions, fairs, art galleries and others. However, it is important to state that all these places and cultural events do not only play entertainment role, they are expected to cause progressing influence on the development of children and intellectual enrichment of adults. For example, it is well-known that theatre is a powerful mix of positive and negative emotions that encourage viewers to stimulate brain activity and educe individual outlook. Sometimes, a good performance is able to give a solid ground for further reflection on some notions, the raise of awareness regarding their meanings and consequences and changes of person’s attitude. One of the most attended by celebrities show that is often criticized regarding its appropriateness and positive impact on young viewers is the extremely famous Broadway performance created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez that is called Avenue Q. The show represents a courageous decision of its creators to use puppets that dance and sing about the problems of unemployment, racial segregation, pornography, sexual preferences and others. It is important to stress that a profession of puppeteer is not very popular nowadays; therefore, due to the unconventional format of the performance, the show has managed to receive increased attention among critics. Despite the coverage of rather frank and piquant topics, Avenue Q is considered to be extremely realistic, educational and arresting. Starting from 2003, the show had won numerous prestigious awards, including Drama Desk Award, Tony Award, Theatre World Award and even Grammy. The success and popularity of the show has also been supplemented and influenced by attendance of such world celebrities as Hilary Swank, Tom Hanks, Danny DeVito, Janet Jackson, Martin Lawrence, David Schimmer, Tony Shalhoub and many others. The performance resembles the scenic adaptation of childish TV series “Sesame Street”, whose main characters experience strong emotions and solve mature and serious problems. The authors made a successful attempt to create a musical first of all for grown-ups but with a clear emphasis on its instructive function ensured for young audience. The show tells a story about a guy named Princeton who has recently graduated from college and whose plans for the future are full of hopes and dreams. However, reflecting over his position displayed in the song “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English”, the hero realizes that received education does not guarantee stability and reliable perspectives in his life. Being anticipated and inspired by positive changes, Princeton moves to New York but the only place where he can find an affordable apartment turns out to be the Avenue Q. There, he makes acquaintances with new friends who also try to get by in exhausting megalopolis. Sharing own experiences and feelings, they all strive to find a proper job, realize their life goal and most importantly find the true love. All characters are fascinating; they manage to captivate audience with their versatility and uniqueness. At the same time, the story of each hero is quite plain and trivial which also helps viewers to feel the reality of presented events. For example, moving to a new apartment, Princeton is introduced to such characters as the teaching assistant Kate Monster; the recently fired comedian Brian; his fiancee Christmas Eve, a therapists who has trouble with finding at least one patient; Trekkie Monster, a guy who day after day spends online watching porn videos; the house manager, Gary Coleman whose image has been created as an imitation and parody of American actor known by his roles in sitcoms; Lucy the slut and others (Avenue Q). The Avenue Q community consists of ten characters and only three of them are human beings meanwhile the rest are puppets managed by peppertrees that are supposed to be ignored by the audience. It is interesting to note that each puppeteer is responsible for several characters. For example, an actor who plays Princeton also leads the republican Rod. In addition, one puppet is not always operated by the same puppeteer. The actors are prone to switch their roles, which sometimes may look quite confusing since a puppet may be voiced not by the same person who operates it. This peculiarity of the show makes it more spectacular and intriguing. The musical consists of various songs that are dedicated to the real problems of modern life. Brilliant vocal of actors, saturated with humorous actions plot, tuneful melodies and ingenious lyrics leave unforgettable memories about the show. The topics that are raised in the performance force its audience to ponder about social issues and sometimes review personal attitude to them. Hence, listening to a song of Brain “It sucks to be me”, a viewer sympathizes him simultaneously getting a chance to look at own life and make a conclusion that everything is not so bad compared to the character’s troubles. The song “Purpose” contains some philosophic motif that highlights the importance for every person to have own goal in life. Except of urgent problems of society, the show depicts also the overall tendencies and stereotypes of its development. For example, the issue that is connected with a fear of responsibilities, which frequently can be seen in ordinary life, is very vividly acted in the scene when Kate catches the wedding bouquet and this event abruptly makes Princeton worry and panic. On his suggestion to stay friends, Kate just replies that “if someone doesn't love you back it isn't such a crime, but there's a fine, fine line between love and a waste of your time” (Avenue Q). In this respect, a viewer can observe a quite common situation with rather trivial reaction that often happens in reality. Therefore, veracity of the plot and its plausible depiction create favorable impression about the performance and turn even the most lackadaisical visitor into genuine fan. Despite that many people argue the appropriateness of the show for youngsters, the creators of Avenue Q do not hide the fact that the plot touches a lot of straightforward and grown-up topics without any disguise or embellishment. The official site of the show frankly states that it can not be proper for children because of mentioned issues about alcoholism, pornography, sexual relationships and others, each parent must carefully consider the decision to take their kid on a show but in case this happens, the scriptwriters guarantee that it is most likely that this child will be very grateful for such gesture (Avenue Q). The main idea of the show is that each person soon or later faces the problem of reality, which does not match the childish fantasies about the future. Hence, with a great potential and hopes for promising happy life, Princeton realizes that there are a lot of troubles connected with money, inability to afford a good accommodation, unemployment, friendship, stereotypes and love affairs. Life turns out to be not so carefree and easy as it may seem. Facing cruel reality, Princeton tries to get by in this world and find his purpose in life. This specific event usually happens with every individual who outgrows illusions of the childhood. Kids frequently get an idea from their parents and teachers that each of them is special and therefore there is supposed to be a great future waiting for them. However, when the years pass by and such kid becomes adult, it becomes clear that most of the dreams, plans, perceptions and comprehensions have been incorrect and the only thing that is left is bitter disappointment that should be accepted with dignity and strong position to endure all life trials. Avenue Q is not just a satirical story with good songs and dancing, it is an educational material for the further considerations. The show will help in seeing some aspects of life more vividly and even provide some grounds for the reviews of own attitudes and re-evaluation of personal failures. Consequently, the list of quality performances can be easily fulfilled with another great show that is not only able to raise people’s mood but also give valuable lessons of life. Works Cited Avenue Q. DTE, 2003. Web. 1 May 2013. Read More