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September 7, 2007
Avenue Q Is Not Funny
Last night was the Los Angeles premier of the Tony Award winning musical, Avenue Q at the Ahmanson Theatre. It has been praised from here to heaven during its successful run in Gotham City, where people loved its irreverent and raunchy style.
The New Yorker called it "splendid", USA Today said it was "witty", and the New York Times called it "savvy, sassy and eminently likable".
Avenue Q follows a group of rag tag Muppet-like characters in an eclectic and downtrodden New York City neighborhood. They curse (ha), they have sex (ha!), they get depressed (ha ha), they talk about masturbating (ha! ha !), drinking and marriage (hahahahaha).
Here's the thing: It's not funny.
Musicals are not unique to the arts. Like painters and bands, musicals rely on a singular medium to get across their message. But, like an uninteresting painting or, say, a Keane song, Q's musical numbers are at best not catchy and at worst culturally irrelevant.
Take two of its biggest numbers: "The Internet is For Porn" and "Everybody's a Little Bit Racist." While these may have been funny when the show first premiered in 2003, neither seem relevant today. People masturbate to online porn? No shit. The internet was basically created for porn. Is it still funny and shocking enough to sing about this? Apparently.
And racism? Yes, racism is still a problem in this country. One look at New York City's Burroughs Washington DC's two half's or many of the culturally divided neighborhoods in Los Angeles will tell you that racism still abounds.
However, in light of news stories that we come across everyday about a cultural clash between societies that are squaring off on the international stage for religious, political and ideological supremacy, it would have been more interesting and funny to see a show push the boundaries a bit. How about an Arab Muppet? How about one that wears a Burqa? That's funny.
Maybe it's the fact that we live in a time of existential war. In as much as we are in a constant state of war, it seems, we are battling not a country, per se, but a cultural ideology (even if President Bush denies it). Tackling racism, though worthy, seems overly stale.
The protagonist, an annoyingly peppy and high-pitched voice of an actor named Robert McClure just graduated from college. Which one? His name is Princeton. Funny! He moves to Avenue Q because it's cheap and quickly endears himself to this vibrant community that includes an Asian, a gay Republican, a hipster, a dirty old man, a fat white man and a cute teacher. Oh, and Gary Coleman, or an actor that plays him.
Look, I like child actor jokes as much as the next, but have we not run the gamut on Gary Coleman humor? Is it still funny and cutting edge to laugh at the former Different Strokes kid and current Cash Call spokesman? Plus, if it is, can't the writers come up with a smarter line of jokes than simply just saying his name to try and elicit some laughter?
As I looked around at all the people who had paid very good money to watch this show, I wondered why laughter was in such abundance. And then, as one of the not-Muppets said "Fuck" and then "Shit," it donned on me: It's not Q's perceived wittiness that left people in stitches, but the bad words and so called adult themes that the cast sprinkles in like salt on a flavorless dish.
Yes, curse words are funny. Yes, Muppets cursing is even funnier. Really, it's comic gold. But, there has to be something more. There has to be some real comedy mixed in with the guttural comedy. During one scene (spoiler alert), a not-Muppett drops a penny off the empire state building and kills a passerby, who just happens to be the person her lover is having sex with. She realizes what she's done and says "Shit." Ha!
In another scene, two not-Muppets have wild, raunchy drunken sex. The best part was watching the actors maneuver their puppets to perform a 69 and ride someone doggy-style. The next best part was watching everyone's reaction. 'Look, they're having sex! Ha ha ha!'
The best plays and musicals are the ones that challenge, transport and entertain. If our senses, our norms our challenged when watching a show, or we are transported to another place and time where we can completely escape our current reality, or, at the very least, if we come away with a few well-earned laughs, then the creators and actors have done their job.
Through its stale humor, its unflappably tedious songs and cultural irrelevancy, Avenue Q utterly failed.
In the interest of full disclosure, Avenue Q is running through Oct. 14 at the Ahmanson Theatre.
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Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking about getting tickets for that show. Instead, I'm going to definately get tickets for Clay (that hip-hip play).
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#1, ignore the critic who was obviously in a bad mood. I've seen Q a number of times and loved it every time. It's incredibly entertaining and well worth seeing. It's Sesame Street for adults.
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Where can I get porn on the internet?
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Dear guest #2. Thank you for your response. I am in a great mood, actually. The sun is out, the heat isn't oppressive and the Dodgers won last night. Life is great. And Avenue Q still sucks.
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Avenue Q is pointless. If you want puppet-styled irreverent, adult humor infused with real wit and intelligence, just watch THE MUPPET SHOW. If you want it with real raunchiness and cursing and way over the line humor, there's WONDERSHOWZEN, which is equally brilliant.
Both shows kick the crap out of Avenue Q.
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Wow, I just am not sure how to respond. Just to admit in advance, I have not seen the LA production, but I have seen the Broadway production.
This musical is fantastic. It's unique (how many musicals have you seen with Muppets, basically?), edgy and doesn't hold back. It discusses subjects that, while not unique, are presented in a very blunt and honest matter. How often do you get that in a musical?
I don't understand critics who hate everything. Why even bother with your job?
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I am not a critic and I thought it was overrated and pretty dull when I saw it in NY a few years ago.
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Some of the songs and themes of 'Avenue Q' are clunky, but the clunkiness is one reason people like it -- it's a slapdash show that became an unexpected hit 4 years ago because its goofy approach contrasted favorably with the top-heavy, over-produced style of many other Broadway shows.
Yes, some songs are better than others -- but the good ones -- like "It Sucks to Be Me" and the instant classic "If You Were Gay," as well as the 'Avenue Q' theme itself -- are quite good indeed.
Also, I'm not sure what the review meant to say when it said the Princeton puppet 'engenders himself to this vibrant community.' Engender means to give rise to, or procreate. I'm not sure how this puppet was procreating himself to the entire community -- but it sounds like a basis for a sequel.
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Maybe he's saying Boo-urns?
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I haven't seen the LA show, but saw the Broadway one earlier this year. Loved it. Very funny. It's too bad if the LA show doesn't do the musical justice, but generally, the success of Avenue Q is on point - it's a great show.
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This seems to be a telling quote: "As I looked around at all the people who had paid very good money to watch this show, I wondered why laughter was in such abundance."
I laughed my ass off myself. Strange, then, that the show isn't funny -- so why was everybody laughing?
Spamalot wasn't funny to me, but I wouldn't go so far as to say Spamalot isn't funny. I'd just say "Spamalot isn't funny ... to me." It's a matter of taste, I suppose.
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Well, yes, LAer, clearly this is my opinion and not anyone else's. There are plenty of movies and bands I like that other's don't. But, I think there are bigger issues of economics and race at play here. How often does a more well-off theater goer come across someone saying 'Fuck' or anyone talking about masturbation and 69s?
In putting on a play for the established elite of Broadway and, subsequently, doing their part to smash that elititst attitude, Q made sex and cursing available to everyone. That is great. It just wasn't funny or all that witty. (Just having puppets do these things, by the way, though inventive, is not enough to be called witty.)
The audience laughed, I felt, not because the writing was smart, but because some people could, for one night, be a part of vulgarity and crudeness. In my opinion.
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" but because some people could, for one night, be a part of vulgarity and crudeness."
I do believe that was one of the things they were trying to accomplish...and that is the reason they chose puppets. I'll admit its not the greatest broadway show but it sure isn't as bad as you make it out to be.
Not to mention the Ahmanson show is cheaper than the one on broadway.
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it is quite clear to me that the person reviewing Avenue Q is simply taking a non-conformist approach in order to appear more intelligent and in better taste than EVERYONE ELSE who has reviewed this musical. Furthermore, note how the author uses a variety of intellectual ideas and words in order to seem smart and insightful, when indeed, he has no idea how to use these words in their proper sense, e.g. saying we are fighting a "existential war" -- what???
Avenue Q is a thought-provoking show, even a prescient one (Larry Craig, anyone?), as well as being very funny and tuneful.
I urge people to ignore this review, or at the very least listen to some iTunes samples of the cast recording to see how much fun the music is, and judge for yourself.
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While I usually ignore such comments as yours, number 14, the sweeping generalizations you make about me must be confronted:
#1) This review is my opinion. I have not considered what others have said and formed my words around their opinions. If someone disagrees with the mainstream then their "non-conformist" views can only be the product of disagreeing for disagreements sake? Seriously, for the sake of your (future) children and, really, everyone living, I should hope not.
#2) I did not invent the term 'existential war' but I do subscribe to its meaning in as much as it describes our current situation. We are supposed to live in a constant state of fear from Iranian nukes, or terrorists who want to kill us, etc. This is a never ending war over 'evil doers' that is dreadful and absurd. While I thank you for calling me 'smart' and 'insightful,' I use the term not to curry favor with you, but to accurately describe our situation.
#3) I too encourage everyone to listen to the show, see the show, talk about the show and ignore this review, if you want. I am not a Reviewer, just a reviewer and, in this case, I voiced my opinion about a show that is over-hyped. Feel free to do the same for anything you read, see or listen to. This is a forum, not a soapbox.
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Comment by reviewer:
"Maybe it's the fact that we live in a time of existential war. In as much as we are in a constant state of war, it seems, we are battling not a country, per se, but a cultural ideology (even if President Bush denies it). Tackling racism, though worthy, seems overly stale.'
"I did not invent the term 'existential war' but I do subscribe to its meaning in as much as it describes our current situation. We are supposed to live in a constant state of fear from Iranian nukes, or terrorists who want to kill us, etc. This is a never ending war over 'evil doers' that is dreadful and absurd. While I thank you for calling me 'smart' and 'insightful,' I use the term not to curry favor with you, but to accurately describe our situation."
This reviewer must have had a lot on his mind when he saw Avenue Q. I mean...how do these comments above even end up in a review about a light hearted comedy ? Seriously..I think you need to realize Avenue Q wasn't created to solve our world problems..its just a comedy for a good
night out. How President bush, the war, terrorists, la gangs..etc...have anything to do
with a light hearted comedy is beyoond me.
Sounds like you wanted Avenue Q to solve all
our world problems.
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I too, having seen the original Broadway cast, and listened to the soundtrack several times, found the show less entertaining then normal. The out-burst of laughter at every lyric every line clearly came from people who have not heard or are familiar with the production at all.
Therefore, I would suggest those who have not SEEN the stage production to see it.
However, I'm curious to know Jeremy, you commented a lot on the actual content of the play, but there wasn't much comment about the actors, the puppetry, etc. The ability for 7 actors to portray over a dozen character on stage, even at times conversing with themself, was amazing. The fact that put the puppet and puppeteer are in clear sight in now way distracts from the artistry of this performance. As an audience member I often find myself focusin on the puppet believing every moment that they have their own character and their life. And seeing the puppeteers actions, expressions projected through that puppet.
For simply that, I'd say Avenue Q is a ticket worth purchasing. Although the content is a bit out-dated with it's pseudo-SNL humor.
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16: Ave Q talks about such lofty issues as racism, depression, etc. I don't know that the creators would agree with your assessment that it was 'just a comedy for a good night out.' My comments about terrorism and what not were meant as suggestions for ways to improve the relevancy of the show, to make it a fresher, more inviting comedy. There is a great comedy in Canada called Little Mosque on The Prairie, in which a small Muslim community in Canada live side by side with a largely white community. On a prairie. Hilarity ensues. Now that is fresh, timely comedy.
17: Yes, the maneuvering was quite a feat. I thought that the actors being in plain sight would take away from the puppet experience. But, truly, they were just an extension of the characters. When one not-Muppet was sad, the actor was sad, etc. That part was exceptional. Especially that sex scene where half the fun was watching the two actors maneuver their not-Muppet's into different sexual positions. I have to give my props to them for that.
Addressing your last comment about the humor, that's exactly what I'm saying. I called it culturally irrelevant, but 'pseudo-SNL' and 'outdated' are great ways of putting it.
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hmm Can I ask why you removed my post?
I did not say anything offensive...maybe
it was that my point was so on the mark
you had to remove it?
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hmm ok i take that back..I dont think it even
went through to post..ugh
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I saw Avenue Q back in 2003 in New York. I thought the show was an insult to my intelligence. The topics were stale even then. I could not figure out why people were laughing. I guessed that it may have been because not laughing, admitting that the show is not very funny, would have been too depressing to deal with considering that they just blew $150 bucks for a pair of tickets. Some people just don't get out enough to know that something is not that good. And that usually isn't their fault with kids or work or what-have-you. Because I think that Avenue Q is crap, I am surprised that it is still running anywhere. I am surprised that they have not updated it. I wasn't so impressed by the puppets either. I don't remember them being very complex -- a human hand makes the puppet mouths work and another hand moves the little sticks connected to the puppet limbs. And lastly, I get the impression that many people laugh during live performances just to be polite. Does anyone remember Bukowsical? Or Little Egypt? Or even Zorro in Hell? Or that Edward Scissor Hands dance thing? All four were loved by the big reviewers. All four had audiences that laughed. But all were stale and insulting to human intelligence.
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I went to see Avenue Q last night. My friend watched me sinking down into my seat as the first hour wore on and told me that she couldn't stand to see me suffer. I left after finishing my cocktail during intermission.
IT WAS EXCRUCIATING!
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Jeremy, big guy. You're a damn good writer and a smart guy to boot. But let me give you a heads up here. I'm sorry I have to do it in a posting instead of privately, but I think the secret is already out. Your review makes you sound like a very unhappy, even bitter, person. Even if I hadn't actually seen Avenue Q here in town, I would have picked up on that loud and clear. But wow, after seeing Avenue Q, I haven't seen a review so wildly off the mark since "Dewey Defeats Truman."
Maybe the fact that everyone was laughing hysterically around you during the play should have tipped you off that something is awry in the humor center of your brain.
Of course I wish you well in your search for happiness. Forget happiness, how about your ability to just lighten up for a couple of hours? Regardless of which you might be shooting for, I don't think you're in a "good place" to be reviewing plays (or anything comedic) right now. And I'd like to tell the handful of people who might stumble across my humble posting, if you believe in love, don't take yourself too seriously, or just appreciate a saucy comment on Family Guy, Crank Yankers, or the Simpsons, then this show will really make you laugh and think and just take you away from your troubles for a little while. That's all it is, a funny play with puppets, some good singing, good messages.
But I wonder for you Jeremy, in all earnestness, does anything make you laugh, and if so, what is it? Kicking puppies?
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ok hooollldddd up.
I 've seen avenue q here in london TWENTY TIMES. its my DREAM to be in the show. this... is HILARIOUS. As a fellow puppeteer.. I find lots of other things others might bypass very funny also!
yes of course.. puppets swearing, its funny! The audience laughs cos its something out of the ordinary. Gary coleman? lol! most people just look at him and find him funny.... whether its them laughing at him NOT doing telly anymore or if they're just reminiscing on his good old diffrent strokes days.... hes a character in his own right.
Avenue Q is about LIFE in general. everyone who watches it should either be able to say.. "oh my god.. thats me.. " or " i know someone JUST LIKE THAT."
ive learnt many things from Avenue Q... the line "you've gotta go after the things you want while you're still in your prime" is a motto i live by... and has gotten me through some TOUGH TIMES!
I dont have the space to write everything that i've learnt but it has helped me out so so much.
i know friends who've come to terms with their homosexuality after watching this show.
Anyway.. the long and short of it is.. if Avenue Q isnt funny to YOU... then fine. but dont go writing reviews like its the worst thing ever made because in my (and alot of other people's) opinion... its the greatest thing to bless this earth.
Ayesha
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23: You crack me up! Can we hang out some time? Really, I'm not being sarcastic, that was hilarious!