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Avenue Q: The Book
An exclusive first look behind the scenes of the popular Broadway musical. With its cast of furry puppets, its shockingly politically incorrect lyrics, and its hilarious upending of children's television, Avenue Q took Broadway by storm. The New York Times declared it "a breakthrough musical," and after a two-year run, the Golden Theater is still selling out eight shows a week. Its success is not limited to the Great White Way, This summer, the cast will be swearing, drinking, and ennui-ing their way across the country. As smart, risqu, and downright entertaining as the show itself, Avenue Q is a must-have companion book. In addition to the complete Tony Awardwinning book and songs (perfect for those who cant get enough of the lyrics to "It Sucks to Be Me"), Avenue Q is packed with exclusive interviews with the cast and creatures, and features puzzles, connect-the-dots, and other "educational" activities to prepare readers for life after college. With a distinctive cover and chock-full of gorgeous photography and original illustrations, Avenue Q is a jam-packed thrill ride of a book.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 12, 2023
2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
I adore 'Avenue Q', so naturally I enjoyed reading about what went on behind the scenes (I always want to know the behind-the-scenes of everything, but that's beside the point).
I saw the Broadway show for my performing arts course a few years ago. It's an ingenious adult take on Sesame Street, about the perils of growing up compared to how simple life was for everyone when they're a kid.
Political incorrectness has never looked less meanspirited. That's what I love about 'Avenue Q' - it's genuinely clever and hilarious, with a lot of heart thrown in with the "it's so true" sense of humour. The songs are really catchy as well, as performed by puppets!
The book is as colourful and funny as the characters in the show. My one gripe is the cover material. While it's a cute idea, it's so messy! I can't take it out of the plastic wrapping that came with it without the fur getting everywhere.
But the inside is informative and humorous. I could tell that everyone involved in the production of 'Avenue Q' had fun whilst putting it on Broadway for the first time.
It was a risk that paid off.
Final Score: 4/5
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
I adore 'Avenue Q', so naturally I enjoyed reading about what went on behind the scenes (I always want to know the behind-the-scenes of everything, but that's beside the point).
I saw the Broadway show for my performing arts course a few years ago. It's an ingenious adult take on Sesame Street, about the perils of growing up compared to how simple life was for everyone when they're a kid.
Political incorrectness has never looked less meanspirited. That's what I love about 'Avenue Q' - it's genuinely clever and hilarious, with a lot of heart thrown in with the "it's so true" sense of humour. The songs are really catchy as well, as performed by puppets!
The book is as colourful and funny as the characters in the show. My one gripe is the cover material. While it's a cute idea, it's so messy! I can't take it out of the plastic wrapping that came with it without the fur getting everywhere.
But the inside is informative and humorous. I could tell that everyone involved in the production of 'Avenue Q' had fun whilst putting it on Broadway for the first time.
It was a risk that paid off.
Final Score: 4/5
April 8, 2021
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but when the book is covered in orange fur I believe it perfectly fine to judge the book as being quite marvellous.
This is a great companion to the great musical, going behind the scenes with how the show was created. A must read for any fan of Avenue Q.
This is a great companion to the great musical, going behind the scenes with how the show was created. A must read for any fan of Avenue Q.
June 27, 2020
Solid, entertaining history of one of my favorite shows. Lots of pictures!!
October 16, 2007
Actually, a very good how-to book for story, plotting and character development, and collaborating on a creative project.
January 29, 2017
DO I EVEN NEED TO SAY WHY THIS IS A FIVE STAR BOOK???
Plus the book is covered in orange fur. FUR.
Plus the book is covered in orange fur. FUR.
February 16, 2025
No irónicamente, Barrio Sésamo +18.
Es de 2003, pero (casi todos) sus chistes siguen funcionando. No es común encontrar una sátira que convierta temas pesados en algo más ligero sin caer en el resentimiento. Aquí, en lugar de una burla amarga, se siente más como un auténtico "me río por no llorar" y welllllllll ain't that relatable jajaja
Es de 2003, pero (casi todos) sus chistes siguen funcionando. No es común encontrar una sátira que convierta temas pesados en algo más ligero sin caer en el resentimiento. Aquí, en lugar de una burla amarga, se siente más como un auténtico "me río por no llorar" y welllllllll ain't that relatable jajaja
December 6, 2010
I still haven't seen Avenue Q, but I want to. I have one complaint - from what I can see, the play addresses the injustices of racism, homophobia, classism, etc., etc. . . . but it is unkind to Sluts! OK, I'm kind of joking, but the "villain" of the story, if she can be said to be such, is Lucy the Slut, who is bad because . . . she likes to have sex? Boo! Shame on you, Avenue Q! There are some ethical sluts out there, after all . . . it just seems weird that such a progressive play makes the girl who likes having sex into the bad guy . . . .
January 1, 2008
Very informative... seeing the musican in February so maybe I'll have more to say then. It was a definitely very funny.
October 6, 2008
The script is great, as I knew it would be. The extras aren't as cool as I had hoped.
October 13, 2008
saw performed
May 1, 2012
What makes this book extra glorious? Its covered in orange fur!!!
Also, each chapter's number is a full page illustration done in that deceptively cute "Sesame St" art style
Also, each chapter's number is a full page illustration done in that deceptively cute "Sesame St" art style
May 19, 2012
Always funny! I went through my bookshelf today and re-read all of my librettos. Avenue Q is always a good and clever little read.
December 31, 2015
The only major qualm I have with this book is that the cover sheds. I found it to be a quick read with loads of interesting trivia. This is definitely a worthwhile read for fans of the show.
January 22, 2016
Great read for anyone who loves Broadway musicals or grew up watching Sesame Street and wondered what an adult version of the show would be like
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews