{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"MusicalTalk Mini 73: Revisiting Avenue Q","description":"Nick revisits Avenue Q at the Shaftesbury Theatre for its 20th anniversary\u2014and discovers a show that\u2019s traded shock value for something warmer, wiser, and unexpectedly nostalgic. In this episode, he explores how Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx\u2019s irreverent musical holds up in 2026, from updated references (AI, Trump, and Spotify playlists) to subtle staging tweaks and musical refreshes. There\u2019s discussion of what still lands, what\u2019s softened with time, and whether the show\u2019s once-edgy humour can\u2014or should\u2014still provoke. Along the way, Nick reflects on seeing the show through a different lens two decades on, highlights standout performances (including an impressive turn from Emily Benjamin), and considers why Avenue Q continues to resonate with both returning fans and a brand-new audience. ","author_name":"MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.musicaltalk.co.uk","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40945160\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/200998460"}