The puppet show for adults

Chattanooga Theatre Centre opens R-rated ‘Avenue Q’

It may be a puppet show, but it’s definitely not for kids.

“Avenue Q’s” raunchy puppets are taking over the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s stage beginning May 3 through May 12.

The Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows a motley group of New York 20-somethings who face life’s challenges together, struggling to find jobs, dates and their elusive purpose in life.

What is unusual about the irreverent farce is that just three actors share the stage with a group of foul-mouthed, politically incorrect puppets, who are operated and voiced by other actors in full view of the audience.

A likeness to a long-running public television children’s show is unquestionably implied, but the R-rated content — adult themes, colorful language, racy humor and a brief suggestion of puppet-to-puppet intimacy — confirms that “Avenue Q” is not intended for young audiences.

The musical follows the story of a bright-eyed college grad named Princeton (a puppet), who arrives in the city with big dreams and an empty bank account. He moves into a run-down apartment way out on Avenue Q, where he meets a host of odd neighbors (mostly puppets) who are struggling to find their way, too.

There’s Kate Monster (his girl-next-door love interest), Lucy (a promiscuous woman), Rod (a closeted investment banker), Nicky (a slacker just out of college), Trekkie Monster (a lecherous grouch who surfs the internet all day) and the Bad Idea Bears (who urge Princeton to make poor choices). Princeton soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it’s not your average neighborhood.

With songs like “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet Is for Porn,” the musical — created by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx with a book by Jeff Whitty — was an unusual fit for Broadway when it opened in 2003. However, “Avenue Q” went on to win Tony Awards in 2004 for best musical, best book and best original score.

“Avenue Q” is directed by Scott Dunlap with musical direction by Jennifer Arbogast Wilson. The cast features Jordan Bennett, Normand Caissie, Greer Caldwell, Annie Collins, Marie Dance, Brandy Johnson, Bryan Kelly, Joanna Lewis, Beth McClary-Wolford, Richard Nichols, Will Park and Christian Smith.

“Avenue Q” will be presented in a limited run of seven performances.

For tickets, call the CTC box office at 423-267-8534 or visit TheatreCentre.com.

CTC CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Bright-eyed Princeton, operated and voiced by Christian Smith, is the lead puppet in “Avenue Q.” He arrives in New York with big dreams and an empty wallet.

Nicky, voiced and operated by Will Park, is a slacker puppet just out of college in “Avenue Q.”