'Avenue Q' irreverent look at society

'The most fabulous thing about 'Avenue Q' is that it dares to say out loud what other people often are thinking, but does it in such a hilarious way that no one is offended," says Kerri Brackin, speaking from a hotel room in Connecticut, where the show's touring company was performing that evening.

However, the actress notes that you probably want to leave the kids at home.

"This is definitely not a show like 'Sesame Street' for children," she says. "It's an adult comedy that points out the foibles of society in a totally crazy but sophisticated way."

The show that "wowed" audiences when it opened in 2003 with signs on the marquee saying, "Warning: Puppet Nudity," will be presented Wednesday and Thursday in the Best of Broadway season at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

"I think people will leave feeling better about everything," she says.

A native of Oklahoma, Brackin toured for a year in the musical "Hairspray" but thinks she hit the big time with this "little" musical that unexpectedly beat out such giants as "Wicked" for the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical.

However, getting a role in "Avenue Q" wasn't easy.

"I had to audition, then attend callbacks for three months and finally take a puppet workshop," she adds.

Brackin explains that the show's title is symbolic of a neighborhood situated at the lowest end of the subway stops, where characters of assorted races and educational levels reside, just to have a roof over their heads.

The main character is a puppet named Princeton, an unemployed Ivy League graduate who plaintively sings, "What Can You Do with a B.A. in English?"

"Using a hand puppet, I get to play characters such as Nicky, who was once homeless but now shares an apartment with Rod, a young investment banker who is afraid to admit he's gay," says Brackin. "Nicky is not gay, but he doesn't mind that Rod is, and attempts to let Rod know by singing, 'If You Were Gay, I'd Like You Anyway.' "

Brackin also portrays one of the Bad Idea Bears and Mrs. T., a bossy kindergarten teacher.

She notes that the subtext of racism is introduced with the "monster" puppets who are covered with fur and considered "different," and when a Japanese therapist (not played by a puppet) can't seem to attract any clients. The ensemble comforts her by singing, "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist."

Some of the lyrics have been adapted over time. For example, in the tune "Everything is Only for Now," one of the temporary personas or situations named was "George Bush," but in January, this was changed to "Fox News."

"The 'Fox News' line didn't go over well in the South and Midwest, so 'Swine Flu' replaced it," says Brackin. "I guess in Charleston, we'll definitely use 'Swine Flu'!"

"Avenue Q" features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx with a book by Jeff Whitty.

The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the performing arts center. Tickets are $30, $50 and $60 and may be purchased by visiting the North Charleston Coliseum advance ticket office, calling 800-745-3000 or going online to www.ticketmaster.com.

The show is rated R and not recommended for those younger than 14.

'Season to Celebrate'

Highlighting the Robert Ivey Ballet's 2009 fall performance, which opens Friday with the theme "A Season to Celebrate," will be a lavish, new ballet, "Concerto," danced to the music of Shostakovich.

Jointly choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Ivey and Associate Director Ashley Stock, "Concerto" will feature the entire company of 30 dancers.

"Ashley and I were both inspired by this work because it represents a period in Shostakovich's life when he finally outlasted the political demons that tormented him most of his career," explains Ivey. "It is his later music that shows the elegance and whimsy that made his piano concertos so popular."

Stock, who has taught dance at the College of Charleston for a decade, says, "We designed this work in three sections so that students with a range of abilities can perform."

The program also includes "The Hive," choreographed by Ivey and staged by Lori Hull and Douglas Smoak. It is based on a ritual depicting the desire and anguish of the Queen Bee. Also, a pas de deux from "Swan Lake" will be danced by Angela Agudo and Tony Roe. New works will be staged by Gretchen McLaine, Eliza Ingle and Stock.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. next Sunday at the Sottile Theatre. Jazz and modern dance will be performed by the Ivey Youth Ballet as part of Sunday's program.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for senior citizens and students and may be purchased by calling 556-1343 or at the door.

Dottie Ashley is a freelance writer in Mount Pleasant. Reach her at dottieashley@gmail.com.