This is the last weekend to catch the funniest show produced so far at the Woodlawn Theatre stage. ‘Avenue Q’ is the Tony-Award winning musical that features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. There are two show times left: Saturday at 7:30p.m. for ASL Night and Sunday at 3p.m for the final matinee. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

‘Avenue Q’ is set on a fictional street in an “outer-outer borough” of New York City and begins as Princeton, who is a puppet and a recent college graduate, is feeling anxious about where his life is going. He wants to find his purpose in life, but first he must find somewhere to live and a job but he has no job experience and an English degree “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” He starts looking for an apartment on Avenue A with no luck until he gets to Avenue Q. His new neighbors include puppets like Kate Monster, a kindergarten assistant teacher, roommates Rod and Nicky and humans like Brian, an aspiring comedian and his Japanese fiancée Christmas Eve. Upon getting to know each other, they argue about whose life sucks most “It Sucks to Be Me” and the winner turns out to be Gary Coleman, the building superintendent. Kate and Princeton make a love connection and have a one-night stand after being egged on to drink by the Bad Idea Bears, two adorable but cunning troublemakers. Most of the neighbors have their own dramas but help each other when times get tough. In the end, the cycle begins again after a new college graduate comes around looking for an apartment to rent “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English? (Reprise)” and the cast reminds Princeton that in the real world, some people never find their purpose, but life goes on and everything, good and bad, is temporary “For Now.”

Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, this coming-of-age story is performed by puppets and is animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. It is both nostalgic, because it uses Sesame Street like scenery, puppets and props like dancing letters and modern, because the themes of unemployment, homelessness and racism make it relatable and a show for the times. Show highlights include “It Sucks to Be Me” when the neighbors share how much their lives suck and “The Internet is for Porn” when Trekkie Monster and the neighbors explain to Kate the reality of the Internet. Some of the songs may be uncomfortable to hear, “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude,” but they address subjects that should be discussed. There are plenty of ‘did they just say that’ moments along with ‘should I be laughing at this’ guilty pleasures, but it is definitely worth catching this production. The cast handles the puppets and the off-color humor with class and the quality of the singing is top notch as usual. ‘Avenue Q’ combines heart with tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way to make this a must-see musical. Of course, it is for adults only, so please leave the little ones home.