There's an in-depth review of Avenue Q in the October 2005 issue of the Las Vegas Advisor (now posted online for LVA members).
But to answer the question, Avenue Q is a Tony-award-winning puppet show that plays on Broadway in Manhattan and at the Wynn -- Sesame Street meets the Las Vegas Strip. Our reviewer describes it as "a witty commentary on today's human condition, especially as it relates to desperation and relationships. But it's not a downer. The underlying theme is hope and the show comes off as highly uplifting."
Our reviewer also, however, calls the show strange, given that the puppeteers are onstage and speak directly to the audience while manipulating the puppets. It's initially unsettling, he says, "but the puppets eventually become the primary focus and the show's content takes over." Also, it’s a bit risqué, covering such subjects as homosexuality, racism, and pornography, with a little puppet sex thrown in, but "none of it is over the top." All in all, we give it an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Two of the seven original New York cast members lead the Las Vegas cast (not including Tony nominee Stephanie D’Abruzzo, who continues to perform at the John Golden Theatre in Manhattan). Rick Lyon, who designed the puppets, does perform at the Wynn. The show’s creators, Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, won a Tony award for their score.
The show plays in the brand-new 1,200-seat Broadway Theatre, built especially for Avenue Q at an estimated cost of $40 million. The room has excellent acoustics and visibility, and our reviewer recommends the middle-distance seats (20th row or so) over the up-close or balcony options.
Dark Sunday and Monday, Avenue Q is performed at 6:30 and 10 pm the other five nights. Ticket pricing is $99 for orchestra and $88 for balcony seating. Tickets for Avenue Q are available by phone or online at 702/770-7000 and 888/320-7123, or at www.wynnlasvegas.com.
