Naughty puppets star in ACTORS next show, the R-rated 'Avenue Q'

'Avenue Q's' musical set resembles a shabbier version of Sesame Street's neighborhood.

It is definitely not Big Bird’s neighborhood.

It has swearing.

It has puppet sex.

The cast of irreverent New York City puppets is taking over the stage at ACTORS theater for three weekends of “Avenue Q” shows.

The award-winning musical is like a ribald parody of “Sesame Street,” and with its R-rating, it’s not intended for kids.

“It tackles adult themes such as racism, sexuality, unemployment and the search for purpose in a humorous and thought-provoking manner,” said Stan Rabe, the Ames show’s producer said.

“This is a daring departure for ACTORS due to the subject matter, the outrageous staging and the puppets,” Rabe said. “ACTORS rented the New York puppets, which were conceived and designed by Rick Lyon.”

The rental cost for the East Coast puppets was $3,500, partly funded by a community grant from Discover Ames.

In the program, ACTORS has to specify that these are not the Sesame Street characters, Rabe said.

“They haven't been authorized by the Jim Henson Company or the Sesame Workshop, and they have no responsibility for the show’s content,” he said.

The ACTORS production opens on Thursday, Nov. 9 and runs each following weekend through Nov. 26.

The NYC puppets are ‘high maintenance’

“Avenue Q” is one of the most challenging shows Rabe's ever worked on as a longtime member of ACTORS. But his excitement was palpable as he provided the Ames Tribune staff with a sneak peek of the puppets.

The play is challenging for several reasons. There are props that have to be handled by the puppets. Videos have to be created for use in the show while difficult sound effects are incorporated throughout the performance.

The puppets are divas as well.

“They’re very high maintenance,” Rabe said with a smile.

They’re a lot of work, with specific guidelines for care, but he loves them.

The puppets traveled to Ames in individual, zippered plastic bags stored in large trunks. They arrived wearing hair nets to keep them perfectly coiffed until showtime.

“And their wardrobes are larger than mine,” Rabe said with a laugh.

Puppet handlers must wear white gloves to keep the characters as clean as possible. There is a separate set of puppets for rehearsals, and then for showtime, the official star puppets doff their hair nets and take the spotlight.

A crew backstage is responsible for wardrobe changes, hairdos and other puppet demands. Some of the puppets have their own accessories, such as eyeglasses and yarmulkes.

Puppets offer diversity, relatable experiences

The characters of “Avenue Q” are a diverse and relatable bunch, each struggling with their own set of challenges, embodying different facets of the human experience.

Princeton is the wide-eyed college graduate searching for his purpose. Kate Monster is a kind-hearted kindergarten teaching assistant, who dreams of opening a monster-ssori school.

They are contrasted by Trekkie Monster, an internet-porn-addicted recluse, and the Bad Idea Bears, who relent to temptation at every opportunity.

The puppet named Lucy has bright red fingernail polish and an anatomically correct torso. Her full character name implies that she’s a promiscuous puppet, but the Ames Tribune has chosen to refer to her by first name only.

The music of “Avenue Q” is both catchy and laugh-along funny, Rabe said. Songs like “It Sucks to Be Me,” “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet is for Porn,” are not only memorable, but they also serve as vehicles for the show’s social commentary and relevance, he said.

“The songs tackle these topics head-on, often leaving audiences in stitches while provoking thought and reflection,” Rabe said.

Patrick Determan is directing “Avenue Q." He last directed “Murder on the Orient Express” and is excited to be directing the endearing musical. Music director Steve Kohtz previously played Harold in “The Full Monty” and has performed professionally. Natalie Morrill is the assistant director and stage manager.

“They are all excited about a cast that is going to deliver an entertaining and memorable performance,” Rabe said.

After two decades, ‘Avenue Q’ still pushes boundaries

The satirical musical first opened 20 years ago, and over time, the language used to discuss real-world issues has changed.

“But the humanity of the show is as true as ever,” Rabe said. “It is a testament to the ability musicals have to touch hearts and make us think, all while pushing boundaries and challenging norms.”

Meet the cast of ‘Avenue Q’

The cast is led by newcomers Jordan Miyoshi as Princeton and Tatum Murphy as Kate Monster. Returning to ACTORS are Brendan Donnelly as Rod, Sam Sides as Nicky and Elise Cameron as Lucy.

New to ACTORS, but not new to community theater, is Gus Pope as one of The Bad Idea Bears and Ricky. The other Bad Idea Bear is played by returning actor Samantha Martin. Jason Prazak has moved from stage crew in “The Play That Goes Wrong” to the role of Trekkie Monster in this production. Jeffery Makinster plays the final puppet named Newcomer.

The show also includes a trio of non-puppet cast members. Joining ACTORS for the first time is Anita Smith to play Gary Coleman, a character who is almost always played by a woman, Rabe said. Long-time veteran actor Clayton Johnson is Brian. Anna Lee is returning to play Christmas Eve.

Here’s how you can get tickets to the show

ACTORS has added performances to the schedule due to the show's popularity. Opening night is Thursday, Nov. 9, and New York-style pizza from Jeff’s Pizza will be served before the show.

Evening showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 10, 11, 17, 18 and 25. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Nov. 19 and 26.

Tickets are $25 and are available at ACTORSinc.org and at Alpha Copies, 3615 Lincoln Way.

Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: With swearing and puppet fornication, 'Avenue Q' comes to ACTORS stage in Ames