Published: 09:47 AM, Fri Nov 13, 2009
Hilarious Broadway smash, 'Avenue Q,' comes to UNC-Pembroke
By Brian Dukes
Staff writer
"Avenue Q" ain't your father's puppet musical.
The hilarious and irreverent Broadway smash didn't win three Tony Awards in 2004 for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book for its shiny, happy, "Sesame Street" outlook on life.
Nope, "Avenue Q" is a show where puppets curse, get nude and lament - through song, no less - that "It Sucks to Be Me" and how "The Internet is for Porn."
"Yeah, the message here is that life is going to suck," said Tim Kornblum, who portrays "Brian," one of the non-puppet characters of "Avenue Q."
"But it's OK; you'll get past it," Kornblum added. "You have to enjoy everything in the moment, because you never know what's going to happen."
Kornblum is part of a multi-talented cast, several of whom take on multiple roles, that sings, dances, and laughs its way through the story of "Avenue Q," which is set in New York City and follows "Princeton," a puppet who is new to the city fresh out of college and searching for his purpose in life.
Princeton's miniscule bank account, however, leads him to find an apartment on "Avenue Q," where he encounters a variety of characters - people and puppets - who are trying to reach their own goals and make it big, in their own ways, in the big city.
Kornblum spoke with Weekender about the show, which is very adult-oriented (be warned, parents), touring and performing, and some of the odd audience reactions to "Avenue Q."
Weekender: How would you describe "Avenue Q" to someone who'd never heard of it?
Kornblum: It's the staged version of a kids TV show that utilizes life lessons to teach kids. Except, it's really a send up of all those shows. It's really for adults and deals with adult themes.
Weekender: The show uses puppets, so some might think it's for kids. But then the puppets curse and sing about some really adult (and hilarious) subjects, like porn, for instance. How do you reconcile that?
Kornblum: Well, most people know what they're getting into. For those who don't and get offended, they usually leave half way through. Intermission is always a good way for us to judge how an audience is enjoying the show.
Weekender: How so?
Kornblum: We look for the number of empty seats. But everything that happens in the play is relatable to everyone on Earth. I'd just tell people to lighten up; everything that's being taught on stage are genuine life lessons.
Weekender: How long have you been touring with this show?
Kornblum: We started back in September, and it's been an amazing experience. But I saw "Avenue Q" on Broadway five times before getting cast in the show. I've loved this show for years.
Weekender: How demanding is it, compared to other shows you've done?
Kornblum: Vocally, its very demanding. The place you have to put this music is very much higher - like for a kids show. It takes a toll on your throat. The show is much more demanding for the puppeteers, though. It takes a lot out of them and requires a lot of stamina.
Weekender: Do the puppeteers get mad at you because you've got it comparatively "easy"?
Kornblum: They'd better not, they get paid more!
Weekender: Do you have a favorite puppet and song in this show?
Kornblum: "Rod" is the Bert-like character of the show. He makes me laugh every time. And, I've have to say that "It Sucks to Be Me" is always a nice way to start the show and welcome the audience - it lets them know, right off the bat, what they're in for.
What: "Avenue Q"
When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
Where: Givens Performing Arts Center, UNC-Pembroke
Tickets: $12 to $35
Info: Visit www.uncp.edu/gpac or call (910) 521-6287
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.