Last year I saw Avenue Q at Skokie Theatre. I enjoyed it so much, when I saw it being staged at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, I had to see it again.

It is the first production of Music Theater Works in its 43rd season. Founded in 1980, Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater in Skokie. Along with presenting classic musical theater and new works, it also helps youngsters learn their craft through YouthREACH.

Winner of the Tony for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q features a mix of puppets and people. Recent college grad Princeton rents an apartment on Avenue Q in New York, where he meets interesting characters who all learn life lessons throughout the production. It’s heart-warming, hilarious and a bit profane at times, but never offensive.

The cast of AVENUE Q from Music Theater Works, now playing through April 2 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Photo by Brett Beiner Photography.

Avenue Q explores issues including sex, drinking, surfing the web, racism and other life topics. While it is not for youngsters, parents should consider it for teenagers, as it tackles important issues in fun ways. It also features Gary Coleman as the superintendent.

Adam Ross Brody (Rod) in AVENUE Q from Music Theater Works, now playing through April 2 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Photo by Brett Beiner Photography.

Designed by Boston-based architect/developer Graham Gundand, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts opened in November 1996. The facility has an 867-seat main stage theater and a convertible 318-seat theater within 68,000 square feet of space.

(L to R) Brandy Miller (Kate Monster) and Melissa Crabtree and Andres J. DeLeon (Trekkie Bear) in AVENUE Q from Music Theater Works, now playing through April 2 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Photo by Brett Beiner Photography.

The Grand Lobby is highlighted by lighted sculptures created by artist Michael Gard. The first indoor installation by the Village of Skokie’s Public Arts Advisory Committee, the sculptures commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Center. It is beautiful and grand yet modern and comfortable.

The cast was amazing. I learned they were cast in the roles, then had to learn the puppetry. While their expressions and movements were perfectly expressive, I was impressed with how they somehow made the puppets show real emotions. I also have to mention how attentive, informative and entertaining the staff was.

The cast of AVENUE Q from Music Theater Works, now playing through April 2 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Photo by Brett Beiner Photography.

Avenue Q runs through April 2, but the fun continues all year. Next up is Pippin, followed by The Producers, Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon and Shrek.

— John Wroblewski, online writer