News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Theater Picks

Published: May 09, 2008 12:00 AM
Modified: May 09, 2008 01:57 AM

Theater Picks

Kelli Sawyer and Robert McClure in a scene from the touring company of 'Avenue Q,' in the Triangle this weekend.

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The puppets of Broadway's "Avenue Q" may look like "Sesame Street" Muppets, but they don't act like them.

Trekkie Monster is addicted to online porn. The Bert-like Rod is secretly in love with his Ernie-like roommate, Nicky. Kate Monster gets drunk and performs sexual gymnastics with her new neighbor. And the Bad Idea Bears encourage drinking games and suicide.

If that sounds Not Funny at All, this PG-13 show isn't for you. And Broadway Series South producer Jim Lavery is being even more conservative than his New York counterparts, recommending that parents think hard before bringing their teenage kids.

But for those who don't mind vulgarity, irreverence and ethnic jokes, this triple Tony winner (best musical, script and score) is a smart, tuneful and surprisingly tender look at racism, homosexuality and post-college waywardness.

Even the merchandise is funny, with a furry book on the making of the show, a Trekkie "The Internet is for porn" mouse pad and T-shirts with the song title "It Sucks to Be Me."

For a full review, go to www.newsobserver.com and search "theater reviews."

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