Princeton, a new college graduate tries to make his way in the big city after moving to the lively street of Avenue Q. Navigating the wide world of adulthood with all of its trials and tribulations, Princeton and his colourful cast of neighbours (both puppets and people) come together and learn the importance of identity, friendship, independence and the realities of the big wide world.
Who are you and what is your role in the show?:
Jack: Jack Maidment, I play Princeton.
Fiona: Fiona Brennan and I am Kate Monster
Tell us about yourselves!: Jack: I am a high school education student and I have been taking part in theatre productions since high school, playing various ensemble and lead roles across different productions from the Blue Mountains to Campbelltown and Macquarie University. Fiona: I've been doing shows since 2011, with Avenue Q being show number 9 with Blackout. Outside of the musical theatre world, I'm a hearing support teacher working with all ages of deaf/hard of hearing kids from birth to year 12. I love getting on stage and becoming another character, and especially love roles that make an audience laugh. The theatre world is such a weird little bubble full of all sorts of crazy people, and I love being part of such a fun community!
What can audiences look forward to when they come to see the show?
Jack: This show is the perfect combination of absolutely hilarious and really wholesome. Audiences are going to enjoy the irreverence of the show, but also be impressed by how it can weave more sensitive, sweet moments into the story. Plus, the entire cast looks and sounds absolutely fantastic! Fiona: I think the audience will be blown away by how the puppets take over the show in such an amazing way. Audiences can also look forward to a lot of belly laughing, and a few naughty things happening on stage too! The show is so upbeat and delightful, that audiences are definitely in for a treat.
How has the rehearsal process been? Jack: The rehearsal process has been a great learning opportunity. Working with a team I have never worked with before can be really daunting, but Jordan, Alvin, Jess and the others have made me feel at home, and like I can speak my mind and be heard.
Fiona: The rehearsal process has been so much fun, and a lot of hard work too! The cast are all so lovely and ridiculously talented, which constantly keeps the good vibes and energy up at rehearsals. For the puppeteers, it has been hard work on the arms and has also kept our brains working really hard to do about 10 different things at once whilst making it look completely natural. It's so satisfying when it all comes together though, and totally worth the bicep burn!
What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved? Jack: I think that this show is a perfect example of satire and how humour can be used to tell really human stories. I think the music is a great challenge, and getting to learn a new skill by working with puppets was really exciting. Fiona: I love this show so much, I have previously done Avenue Q (11 years ago) and it is definitely one of my favourites. I love any chance to work with puppets, and Kate Monster especially holds a very special place in my heart. I can identify with her so much, so when I heard Blackout were doing Avenue Q I knew I absolutely had to be involved, and am so lucky to have been given the chance to not only do the show again but to be reunited with Kate Monster. I also just love doing shows with Blackout, they are always too inviting and fun, and I feel so at home with this wonderful company.
Other than yourself, which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Who is really bringing it? Jack: Literally everyone! This cast is so insanely talented! But if I had to choose, I'd still cop out and say both Dylan Boniface and Jess Pearce as the Bad Idea Bears are so funny, so talented and such a blast to watch on stage!
Fiona: Everyone is bringing it and giving their all, it's really hard to pick a standout! Props to Jack who plays Princeton though, he barely leaves the stage which isn't easy when you have a puppet attached to you at all times. Honestly, though, it's a whole team effort, every character has their little quirks about them, and each cast member works as hard as the next one.
What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show?
Jack: I think the real message of this show is the idea of growing up, experiencing adulthood, and how confusing that can be for people. A lot of what the characters of Avenue Q deal with are insecurities and worries we all have on a daily basis, but the show tells us that we aren't wrong to be intimidated by these things, and like all bad things, they will pass on time and new things are always on the horizon.
Fiona: Avenue Q tackles some pretty taboo and un-PC topics, which are equally thought-provoking and hilarious. I think the takeaway is that it's OK to find humour in everything and to have a laugh about things because we're all more or less in the same boat. It's also about what matters most in life, and that things don't always work out the way we plan, but that's ok.
Be sure to catch Blackout Theatre Company's production of Avenue Q, performing from their home at the Pioneer Theatre in Castle Hill from October 4th - 13th. Ticketing and further information can be found by clicking this link. And in case you missed it, this is one puppet show that is NOT for kids.
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