How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
If "Avenue Q," Broadway's profane puppet musical, was music to your ears, then you'll love "Stuffed and Unstrung." The improv comedy show includes new puppets that are even more debased than those of its predecessor. "Stuffed and Unstrung" may not be as interested in parodying "Sesame Street" or addressing issues of homosexual identity, but it's still relentlessly funny.
The show's home, the Union Square Theater, is a place more suited to simple entertainment than heavy philosophical messages, and that's perfect: "Stuffed and Unstrung" is pure comedy presented by a mélange of adult puppets. Disregard the notion that stuffed animals are only to be cuddled by children; instead, revisit the mindset of "Avenue Q" or "Crank Yankers." These puppets are mouthy, raunchy and jaded — and they well represent today's New Yorker.
The audience is often asked to participate by shouting out statements that must be incorporated by the puppeteers. It's an effective improv device, ensuring that the show will always be different.
The show relies heavily on the actual skills of the performers, who are extremely flexible and talented, and the imagination of the audience. This makes it basic in a pretty refreshing way. For a fun touch, Jim Henson's son Brian (who is the executive producer and a performer in the show) and director Patrick Bristow intersperse their show with remakes of classic "Muppets" skits.
These skits aren't indicative of the show at large — which is more vocal, and decidedly raunchy — but they make it something special. There is no need for words; just the actions of the puppets and the background music.
"Stuffed and Unstrung" combines the worlds of puppet and man in an artful, pleasurable way. The show is sure to make you cringe, laugh, feel embarrassed and maybe even slightly dirty. But this is the beauty and success of it. By the time you leave the theater, you'll feel as if you've been stuffed with its absurdities and unstrung from your daily stress.
