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As a musical theatre fan, I’m excited about Hamilton Theatre Inc.’s upcoming production of AVENUE Q. It’s one of those shows that manages to be both wildly funny and surprisingly relatable — the kind of musical that makes you laugh at things you didn’t expect to recognize in yourself. With its mix of puppets, people, and brutally honest humour, AVENUE Q feels like the perfect show for anyone trying to figure out adulthood one mistake at a time.

  AVENUE Q first premiered off-broadway in 2003, and it quickly became famous for being “Sesame Street for grown-ups”. That comparison makes sense — the show uses puppets and upbeat songs to explore real-world issues like job hunting, dating, and self-worth — but it doesn’t rely on nostalgia alone. It won Best Musical, Book, and Score at the 2004 Tony Awards.

  The story follows Princeton, a recent college graduate who moves into a run-down New York apartment on Avenue Q, hoping to find his “purpose.” Instead, he meets a group of neighbours — some human, some puppets — who are all struggling with their own versions of that same question. It’s sharp, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.

  The show carries an R rating for language, sexual humour, and mature themes, which is fair — this isn’t a family musical. It’s for adults who can laugh at life’s awkward realities. What’s so great about it, though, is how inclusive and good-natured it feels even while it’s pushing boundaries. The mix of live actors and visible puppeteers makes the experience both theatrical and intimate — you’re always aware that you’re watching a performance, but the emotions still hit home.

  The songs are a huge part of why AVENUE Q has stuck around for so long. The score by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx is full of clever, memorable numbers that balance comedy with honesty. “It Sucks to Be Me” is a hilarious anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re falling behind in life. “If You Were Gay” uses humour to talk about acceptance and friendship, and “The Internet Is for Porn” somehow manages to be both ridiculous and insightful about online culture. Beneath all the jokes, there’s this core idea that everyone’s trying to grow up — and that maybe nobody ever really does.

  Hamilton Theatre Inc. has pulled together an impressive creative team for this production. It’s directed by Aramenta Sobchak with musical direction by Jennifer Ferreira, and features set design by Chris Stolz, costumes by The Muses, and a dedicated puppet team led by Ferreira, Matt Moore, and Giovan Anthony Paz. The cast includes Ryan McGinlay as Princeton, Kristi Boulton as Kate Monster, Eliott Shams as Rod, and John Connolly as Nicky. From the looks of it, this is going to be a dynamic and ensemble-driven show that captures both the comedy and warmth of the original.

  What makes AVENUE Q so appealing, is how real it feels beneath all the absurdity. It’s about graduating and realizing that the world doesn’t owe you anything, that your dream job doesn’t appear overnight, and that figuring yourself out is harder than anyone warned you it would be. The show manages to laugh at that uncertainty without belittling it, which is exactly why it connects with young adults. It’s funny, it’s awkward, and it’s oddly comforting.

  Seeing a show like this staged locally feels exciting. Hamilton Theatre Inc. has a reputation for tackling challenging, high-quality material, and AVENUE Q is a perfect fit. It’s a production that invites you to laugh at yourself while also admitting that maybe nobody really has it together. That mix of humour and humanity is what keeps the show relevant after all these years.
Performances take place at the 100 seat HTI Studio Theatre at 140 MacNab Street North. If you love musicals that are funny, honest, and just a little outrageous, you’re going to want to see this one. It’s a mix of catchy music, clever writing, and total chaos in the best possible way. AVENUE Q reminds you that even when you’re unsure about who you are or where you’re headed, you’re definitely not alone.

  So yeah — if you’re into theatre, grab your friends, get your tickets early, and go see AVENUE Q at Hamilton Theatre Inc. It’s weird, it’s real, and it’s going to be a blast. Hopefully I can score a ticket before it sells out.

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