Avenue Q, the little musical that could (it beat out behemoth Wicked for Best Musical and other Tony Awards in 2003) arrived at the Dio last night and it is as funny, tuneful, and filled with heart as you would expect. Produced on Broadway by University of Michigan alum Jeffrey Seller, with subsequent replacement casts and tour casts filled with UM Musical Theater graduates, it always feels like a bit of home returns every time the show is staged here locally. Whether it is your first time, or you’ve seen the show numerous times, the Dio’s production shines in production value and casting and you should get your tickets now.
Bret Beaudry is terrific playing both Princeton and Rod (sometimes at the same time!) as the puppets go through life on Avenue Q (somewhere in NYC beyond alphabet city where Flushing seems like a step up). Kennedy Vernengo plays a delightful and beautifully voiced Kate Monster and Lucy. Connor Thomas Rhoades is simply marvelous as Trekkie Monster, Nicky, and other characters, often with the assistance of Carrie Sayer to help manipulate the larger puppets. Just like Sesame Street, there are a few “real life” characters and Steve DeBruyne is appropriately tv-character-like as Brian (he also directed this slick production), Kylee Ayar is jaw-droppingly hilarious as his fiance Christmas Eve, and Jacqui Blue is particulary strong as Gary Coleman (yes, that Gary Coleman).
Despite the hilarious and, lets admit it, very cute puppets – this is not a show for the entire family. It’s great for 16 and up, but it’s not for wee monsters with its language, direct discussion of adult themes and content (including full puppet nudity).
Matt Tomich has designed a beautiful set, complete with garbage strewn stoops (this is so entirely genuine to NYC that it immediately transported me back to my first apartment on York Avenue with my horrendous 4th floor walkup – which at the time I thought was pretty nifty.)
Musical Direction is solid by Lisa Merte; Choreography is cute and peppy by Autumn Sierra; Norma Polk’s costuming is spot on (and in one case electrifyingly so); Props by Eileen Obradovich are terrific as always, and Amy Schumacher lends a hand as Assistant Director, while Vaughn Louks serves as Puppet Handler (and there are a lot of puppets to handle here, from changing outfits to looks).
By the end of the show, you’ll know why it beat out Wicked, even if the Tony audience sat in stunned silence for a few moments before erupting with applause. It truly is the little musical that could, and this production does too, and you should see it.
Highest Recommendation.
Avenue Q runs at the Dio through August 10th. Tickets at DioTheatre.com or 517-672-6009
Mostly Musical Theatre 
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