“Avenue Q”: different street, same neighborhood

“Sesame Street” was a fundamental component of our childhoods.  They taught us arithmetic, basic social skills and that cookies are as addictive as any illegal drug.

“Avenue Q,” both a spoof of and homage to “Sesame Street,” stars seven puppets that tell the story of life in their New York City neighborhood. There’s the Cookie Monster-inspired “Trekkie Monster,” his addiction being porn, instead of cookies.  The two roommates, Rod and Nicky, a grown-up Bert and Ernie, deal with sexuality issues, rather than shapes and numbers.  These raucous, cursing characters employ sarcasm, clever humor and some brief puppet nudity to keep the audience in cahoots for the entirety of the show.  From searching for a steady job to singing about not wearing underwear, they never fail to entertain.  “Avenue Q,” the Tony award-winning musical, is not one to miss.
The University News had the opportunity to chat with Brent Michael DiRoma, who plays the roles of Princeton and Rod- through two $6,000 puppets. Fresh out of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, DiRoma was fortunate enough to land this job just four months out of college.

“I was born into the theatre… [My grandma] had me on stage, singing in a flounder costume, when I was four,” he said.

DiRoma’s main character, Princeton, is a bright-eyed, optimistic college grad whose mission is to find his purpose in life, as well as what the heck to do with his BA in English.

“When I got the job, I was definitely Princeton,” DiRoma said.

This 21-year-old actor describes the audition process as “very different.”

“For our final callback, we were asked to work with the puppets,” he said.

When he was finally hired, DiRoma, who had no prior puppeteering experience, underwent “intensive puppet training,” where he learned the art of controlling and acting alongside puppets.

DiRoma describes this new art as “really freakin’ hard.”

“It’s definitely a toll on your body… it never stops hurting,” he said.

But while most people might see acting through puppets as an intimidating roadblock, DiRoma describes it as a great instrument.

“The naivety of the puppets balances out the raunchy lyrics of the songs… I don’t think an actor singing about racism would be accepted quite as well,” he said.

DiRoma, who has been on the tour since September, does not expect “Avenue Q” to finish any time soon.  Although touring is hectic, DiRoma is enjoying the experience.

“The show carries itself because, through all the vulgarity and humor, it has a big heart,” he said.

DiRoma describes the target as “college kids or recent grads.”

“It’s uplifting– it doesn’t scare you into real life,” he said. “It’s a good way to forget all of your college and class troubles for a little while.”

“Avenue Q” will be playing at The Fabulous Fox Theatre from April 30 – May 2.

For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.