Key West Florida Weekly

Set your GPS to ‘Avenue Q’ at the Waterfront Playhouse




 

 

The long-running hit “Avenue Q” is being presented at the Waterfront Playhouse through March 25.

One of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals, “Avenue Q” won the Triple Crown of Tony Awards: Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical, besting the musical theater phenomenon “Wicked.” 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, 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.

With music and lyrics are by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon”), and book 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” and “I Wish I Could Go Back to College.”

Originally intended to be a TV show, “Avenue Q” first received rave reviews Off Broadway, prompting 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, the play has won every major theater award, including a GLAAD Award and a Grammy nod for Best Show Album.

“I’m thrilled we are finally doing this very special musical,” says director Danny Weathers. “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 are 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 Chaperon” & “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 who come 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.

Michael Boyer has created 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 serves as stage manager.

This is NOT a children’s show. It is rated “R” for audiences 18 and older due to adult language and themes and full frontal puppet nudity and sex. ¦


“Avenue Q” comes to Waterfront Playhouse.

“Avenue Q” comes to Waterfront Playhouse.

 

 

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