Lovers of irreverence can rejoice greatly, for the potty-mouthed puppets of
Avenue Q are bringing their song-and-angst routine to Theatre Charlotte, May 17–June 2. Recent college grad Princeton is the newest tenement tenant on this queer city block, wondering how he can parlay an English degree into a livelihood while instantly smitten — how could he not be? — by equally anxious and awkward Kate Monster. The song list is self-recommending to anyone who has ever suffered through the varnished truths of Sesame Street and Mister Rogers, including such hits as “It Sucks to Be Me,” “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist,” and the imperishable “The Internet Is for Porn.” Blue-chipper Billy Ensley is directing a formidable cast that stars Andy Faulkenberry as Princeton and KC Roberge as Kate. Genders be damned, the supporting cast includes Matt Kenyon as Lucy the Slut and Veda Covington as Gary Coleman. Yes, that Gary Coleman.
— Perry Tannenbaum