Sometimes, the best advice comes from the most unlikely of sources. In 'Avenue Q', the pearls of wisdom come via playful puppets and it makes for a riotously raunchy and riduclously funny theatre adventure.
The Tony Award-winning musical is back at Brisbane Arts Theatre by popular demand and Associate Director and Choreographer Katherine Alpert explains why.This show could be described as... Hilarious, rude, unexpected, vibrant and ingenious.
As the Associate Director and Choreographer, to nab these roles I...
have a background in acting and musical theatre. Also, I have worked previously with the Brisbane Arts Theatre, in 2014 as the lead in 'What’s New Pussycat' and in 'Pride and Prejudice', and as the choreographer of 'Disordered Action of the Heart', which had its opening night at the Arts Theatre before showing at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Is it terrifying to stage such an iconic musical? How much pressure is there to make it different and unique?
I wouldn’t say terrifying; in fact, it’s been a highly enjoyable experience. Certainly, Director John Boyce and I have worked to make various elements of this production a unique Brisbane Arts Theatre performance.
Being part of this production, I have learnt... when placed in capable hands, puppets can very quickly come to life before your very eyes!
My favourite line in the play is...
Lucy: “Oh, you’re dating a monster. I dated a monster once. But I got sick of picking the fur out of my teeth.”
Kate: “Well if your teeth are a problem, I could take out a couple.”
Kate has a feisty, aggressive side and I love seeing it revealed throughout the script.
The choreography that I love most in this show is in...
'For Now' (the final musical number). The choreography is quite intricate and the cast have handled it marvelously. The final number, in a musical context, gives the production and the storyline a great sense of closure particularly the very last moment of the song.
My advice for making big life decisions would be to...
think carefully, weigh up the pros and cons, and get a good second opinion. And if that doesn’t work, remember for next time.
A special kind of intimacy between puppets happened at a...
very exciting rehearsal where we taught the lead cast members how to get their two puppets to do some very interesting ‘intimate’ manoeuvres. Come to the show and you’ll see what I mean.
The cast is...
very talented! Each cast member has brought something unique to the show. Whether it’s the Bad Idea Bear’s hilarious giggle; Brian’s lovability; Christmas Eve’s accent; and with the puppets, well it’s safe to say “good things come in small packages”. See the show and you’ll find your own favourites.
Fill in the blanks...
Avenue Q' is an ingenious adult musical but people will think that it’s for kids; however it makes for a great evening out and won't ever let you see puppets the same way again.
Anything else readers should know about?
Don’t bring little kids! This is definitely not 'Sesame Street'!
'Avenue Q' is at the Brisbane Arts Theatre from May 10- June 21.
