'Avenue Q' by the Castle Craig Players - My Review

The Castle Craig Players perform in a storefront in downtown Meriden. The space is intimate but comfortable and works beautifully for their latest production of the slightly naughty and riotously fun Avenue Q. Although puppets figure prominently in the entire musical, this is not a show for young children. However, if you bring a teen along, as I did at the cast's final dress rehearsal, he/she will love it.

The set is decorated as the faux New York City street in the title, and a monitor house left displays some well-integrated graphics. Some gave a nod to Sesame Street and the Electric Company for those who were paying attention. Music Director Andrew Gadwah sits house right behind an electric piano to ably accompany the musical numbers. Because the space is so small, microphones were only used for actors working backstage. 

The production team of the show has gathered together a fine group of very talented young people that can sing, dance and act, all while simultaneously working a puppet. Well actually, they did much more than just work these puppets; they acted along with them in a kind of dual character that is difficult to describe but hysterical to watch. There were even six cardboard box puppets that sang. There was not a weak performer in the group of puppeteers, and all of them played multiple roles.

Programs were not ready for distribution at this rehearsal, so I cannot credit everyone who worked very hard to get this show onstage. The director did an amazing job of working out the logistics of the actors with double roles. Members of the small crew seemed to do it all, from running lights/videos and last minute set repair to making the small audience feel welcome.

As the sweet Kate Monster and the sexy Lucy, Jenny Del Sole was adorable. She has a lovely voice that sounded distinct for each of her characters. Wesley Tack used a voice that sounded just enough like Jim Henson's when he spoke for Nicky and the very naughty monster Trekkie. Arthur Canova and Zach Martowski played a host of minor characters, including the two devilish candy colored teddy bears, and Meg Ryan served as the right hand lady for the two person puppets.

In the two leads roles of Princeton and Rod, Ian Galligan was priceless. His comic timing was flawless and one facial expression funnier than the next. Like Ms. Del Sole, he sometimes had to play both of his characters at once with the help of another cast member, but it worked. I have probably said this before but Mr. Galligan can do anything and do it very well. 

The human-only actors included the genuine Nick Alden as Brian, Emma Czaplinski as an authentic Japanese Christmas Eve and Jorge Melendez as an Hispanic Gary Coleman. While the rest of the cast was dressed in black and dark gray, these three sported some great costumes. The red outfit that Christmas Eve wore to marry Brian was a riot.

I laughed out loud often and my teen would definitely see it again if we weren't heading to other shows. If you have never seen Avenue Q before, it is worth the drive to Meriden to see this excellent production. If you have, you won't want to miss it. The show opens on Friday.

Avenue Q Preview

Fridays & Saturday
July 26, 27 & August 2, 3
Sunday Matinees
July 28 & August 4
Reservations required – Admission $20.00
Call: 203 634-6922 or castlecraig.org