Avenue Q brings Valley grown-up fun with puppets
SHANA SCHWARZ ~ SPECIAL FOR THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS ~ 3/16/2011

Looking for an awesome date night in the Valley? Got a quirky sense of humor and high tolerance for adult-themed content, partially acted out by puppets? If so, “Avenue Q” at Phoenix Theatre is the show for you. Located on the grounds of the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Theatre is a fun and intimate venue where there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.
I saw this show last year at Gammage and had decent seats by that auditorium’s standards, but enjoyed seeing the show so much more this time around, thanks to my close up view of the actor’s faces and expressions.
Be warned, though: “Avenue Q” is not for the easily offended, as songs like “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” push the limits of propriety to the brink. Heck, they pretty much shatter any preconceived notions most theatre patrons have about what is acceptable to do on stage, which I personally love, but unless you are comfortable with swearing, innuendo, and straight-up simulated puppet love-making, find another show to see. Whether or not you see “Avenue Q,” though, do be sure to check out Phoenix Theatre’s lineup of shows each season, as the venue and variety of plays and musicals is truly worth the drive to downtown. With lots of restaurants nearby or a short Light Rail ride away, you’ll find it’s a great place to take a friend or a date for an exceptional evening of entertainment.