“Avenue Q” Comes to The Waterfront Playhouse

“Pedigree” is defined as “distinguished” and “excellent.” Boy, does “Avenue Q” have pedigree! One of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals , “Avenue Q” won the Triple Crown of Tony Awards – Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical, winning over that other musical theater phenomenon, “Wicked.” Now, the long-running smash hit is coming to the Waterfront Playhouse for a four week run beginning February 28 with two low-priced previews and opening on March 2 (already sold-out.) Entertainment Weekly called it “one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see!”

“Avenue Q” is a “Sesame Street” for grown-ups with puppets and humans interacting effortlessly – and hilariously. The musical tells the story of Princeton, a recent college grad who moves into a shabby NYC apartment in the only neighborhood he can afford, all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon makes friends with his wacky neighbors, including Gary Coleman. Yes, that Gary Coleman. Together, Princeton and his new friends struggle with finding decent jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Ultimately they realize the real world isn’t so bad after all.

The music and lyrics are by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon”), and the book is by Jeff Whitty. Songs in this adult-themed musical include “It Sucks To Be Me,” “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist,” “The Internet Is For Porn,” “I Wish I Could Go Back To College” and much more. Originally intended to be a TV show, “Avenue Q” began Off Broadway where it received rave reviews. This prompted the move to Broadway in 2003, where it ran for 2,556 performances. It then moved back to Off-Broadway where it is still running. In addition to the Tony Awards, it won every major theater award, including a GLAAD Award and a Grammy nod for Best Show Album.

Director Danny Weathers says, “I’m thrilled we are finally doing this very special musical. I’ve seen it four times, and yes, it’s raucous and hilarious, but it’s also very smart, relatable and packed with heart. One minute you’re howling with laughter and then a love song is tugging at your heart strings. Audiences are in for a treat with this amazing cast of fabulous young talent.”

Joining Mr. Weathers will be Michael Fauss as musical director and Penny Leto as choreographer, the same team behind such hits as “The Producers,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Xanadu,” “Spamalot” and many others.

The cast consists of newcomers and familiar faces: Brian Hall (“Xanadu” & “Spamalot”), Kristen Michelle (“The Drowsy Chaperone” & “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”), Susannah Wells (“Noises Off” & “The Producers”), Justin Ahearn (“Leading Ladies” & “Spelling Bee”) and newcomers Juanita B. Green, Lora Nicolas and Jeremy Zoma, all with impressive credits.

The orchestra includes Michael Fauss (conductor/keyboards), Nancy 3 Hoffman (keyboards), Celicia Slafter (reeds), Gary Rivenson (bass) and guest drummer, Max Zemanovic.

Opening night of March 2nd includes a gala reception following the production. The catered party will be sponsored by Kevin Melloncamp and Scott Mason. Previews are on February 28 and March 1, and tend to sell out. All shows begin at 8 PM. The production is sponsored by Preferred Properties Realty, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.

Michael Boyer will create the onstage world of Avenue Q. Professional lighting designer, Kim Hanson, has been imported for the lighting design. Carmen Rodriguez is the costumer and J. B. McLendon is the props master. The puppets have been rented from Character Translation/MTI International and are based on the original Broadway designs. Trish Manley acts as Stage Manager.

AUDIENCE ADVISORY: This is NOT a children’s show! It’s rated R for audiences 18 and up due to the adult language, themes and full frontal puppet nudity and sex.

Tickets are $50 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015. Opening night tickets are $60 and include the after party. Preview tickets are $25. Memberships, subscriptions and gift certificates are available on our website. Also, check out our Friday Night Date Night deal, as well as other discounts on the website.

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