Controversial, irreverent, lewd, risqué, – these descriptions can all be applied to Tauranga Musical Theatre's latest production Avenue Q.

But I would also add to that list pant-wettingly hilarious, first-class, enthralling, bold, thought-provoking, energetic, bonkers, infectious, joyous, decadent, solid, and a definite must-see.

Ashleen Fahy with Kate Monster and Brendon Weatherley with Princeton in Tauranga Musical Theatre's latest production Avenue Q which is on stage until April 30. Photo: TMT/Facebook

If you know nothing about the show then think of Avenue Q like Sesame Street, but with sex, liquor and puppets.

It blends acting, singing, puppetry and multimedia into a fascinating and engrossing musical which follows the trials and tribulations of recent college graduate Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment on Avenue Q.

There he meets Kate Monster the ‘girl next door', Rod the Republican, Trekkie the internet sexpert, Lucy the Slut, plus an array of other colourful types who help him discover his purpose in life.

Co-directed by Matthew Roderick and Marlise Hughes, if I were wearing a hat I'd take it off in tribute to them both. I don't mince my words when I say this is a ‘must-see' show, because Avenue Q is a slick production which pushes the boundaries in the most stunning way.

It features a cast of 15 local actors who are brilliant with their acting, singing, dancing and puppetry talents.

Voicing the puppets are Brendon Weatherley (Princeton/Rod) Ashleen Fahy (Kate Monster), Ethan Thorburn (Nikky/Trekkie Monster), Kaitlin Speeding (Mrs Thistletwat/Lucy the Slut) Ginerva Wohlstadt (Blue bad idea Bear), Dyllan Martin (Pink Bad Idea Bear) and Nadine Shine (company/puppeteer).

These guys have some amazing singing voices – really amazing – and they each have their moment in the spotlight where they steal the show. But trust me, once you hear them harmonising together it is bee-you-tee-full.

At the start I wasn't sure what I should be paying attention to – the actors or the puppets. But as the show progressed actor and puppet blended into one foul-mouthed living, singing, dancing entity for me which I found truly fascinating.

Ethan Thorburn with Trekkie Monster. Photo: TMT

Joining them on stage were puppetless actors David Holt (Brian) Jess Ghaemaghamy (Christmas Eve) and Elise Rhodes (Gary Coleman – that's right, the ‘what chu talkin' ‘bout Willis?' Gary Coleman).

Some of my heartiest laughs – and trust me, I laughed from beginning to end – were inspired by these three actors whose bang on comedic timing and larger than life presences on stage were wonderful to behold.

Many say they're not fans of musical theatre, but Avenue Q might just be the show that opens you up to a brand new world, especially with songs like ‘The Internet is For Porn'', ‘It Sucks to Be Me', ‘If you were Gay' and ‘Everyone's A Little Bit Racist' – my personal favourite.

I can imagine some people being offended by the content as Avenue Q deals with topics like sex, racism, homosexuality and poverty. But is that really a bad thing?

Sometimes in life the best and most rewarding lessons are those we don't want to learn, but trust me – Avenue Q is well worth the price of admission and you'll walk away not only with a wide smile on your face but plenty to think about on the car ride home too.

But if you are easily offended or decide to bring your children along to Avenue Q then a word of warning – you'll most likely end up squirming in your seat for a couple of hours or face some curly questions when you get home.

I'll say it again, this is definitely a must-see show and if you're after a hilarious evening don't be a muppet – head down to Westside Theatre and get amongst it.

Tauranga Musical theatre presents Avenue Q at Westside Theatre on 17th Avenue until Saturday, April 30. For more information visit: www.taurangamusicaltheatre.co.nz

The cast of Tauranga Musical Theatre's latest production ‘Avenue Q', backrow from left: Dyllan Martin, Kaitlin Speeding, Ginerva Wohlstadt, Nadine Shine, Ethan Thorburn and Elise Rhodes. Front from left: Ashleen Fahy, Jess Ghaemaghamy, Brendon Weatherley and David Holt. Photo: TMT