‘Mature’ puppets at the Gem

By Thom deMartino
Orange County Tribune

The dirty puppets have returned to the Gem!

But once more, for the folks in the back: YES, this is a puppet show; but with its adult humor, NO, this show is definitely NOT for kids.

Following its wildly popular run at the Gem Theater back in 2022, “Avenue Q” has returned to entertain and shock the sensibilities. Directed by Damien Lorton, it’s like adult Sesame Street, but with (often hilarious) mature situations and themes.

College graduate Princeton (Matthew Rangel) is traversing the city and wondering what to do with his English B.A., as he’s looking for a place to live – so when he stumbles upon the “for rent” sign on Avenue Q, it seems like Kismet… particularly when he meets the charming neighbor, kindergarten teacher Ms. Kate Monster (Sasha Baker.)

There’s also a motley array of new neighbors for him as well, including aspiring comedian Brian (Charlie Massey); his fiancé, the colorful Christmas Eve (Evie Becerra); and then there’s the Trekkie Monster (Peter Crisafulli), and the pair of bachelors, Rod and Nicky (again, Matthew Rangel and Peter Crisafulli). Rounding out the crew is the apartment superintendent, former child television star Gary Coleman (Trevin Stephenson).

What follows are the trials and tribulations of these puppets and players, living in the city, each with their own lives and challenges: but even here on Avenue Q, there’s plenty of life lessons to be learned by all.

With the success of the 2022 production, audience demand brought back this fun, unconventional and edgy musical, and it has been worth the wait. “Avenue Q” takes on a number of contemporary topics, including racism, homelessness, sexual identity, internet porn and more. The language is spicy and often laced with profanity – which, coming from puppets, only adds to the hilarity.

The quality of the performances is outstanding: particularly when you consider that the actors are often playing multiple roles, even voicing two characters at the same time (such as the marvelous work of Baker switching seamlessly between both Kate Monster and Lucy the… um, “cabaret singer”? …as they interact with each other… or Rangel’s remarkable quick-changing between Princeton and Rod.)

The stand-out musical numbers will pleasantly surprise as well, not only for the language but for the comedic handling of the subject matter: whether it’s “The Internet Is For Porn”, “Schadenfreude”, or “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist”, themes that could never be broached a typical kids-type show get explored, with hysterical results.

Stellar work by all, especially considering how few cast members there are: there’s marvelous performances by both Baker and Becerra, excellent work by Rangel playing his double roles, and some extremely funny bits by the “Bad Idea Bears” played by Allie Kyte and Peter Crisafulli…honestly, there’s too many humorous elements to name, it’s just something you must see for yourself.

It’s a funny, over-the-top experience, reminiscent of the muppets you remember from childhood – only a little more twisted, in just the right way. It’s definitely something different for theatergoers – and even if it may not be for everyone, the adventurous viewer won’t regret taking a stroll down “Avenue Q.”

“Avenue Q”, Matthew Rangel, Sasha Baker and Peter Crisafulli star in this delightfully racy adult take on the puppet-based shows of our childhoods. Now playing through October 12 at The Gem Theater 12852 Main St, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information. Mature language and themes, not appropriate for children.