New Blog for Theater League Insider

We wanted to make you aware that we have a new blog for our Theater League Insider that can be located at http://theaterleague.wordpress.com. We will be updating that blog regularly and this current blog is no longer in use. Please make sure you change your bookmarks to the new blog URL. Thank you.

Avenue Q FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avenue Q about?
Avenue Q tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone's looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a "purpose." Eventually, Princeton learns to embrace the ups and downs of city life and realizes that "the real world" isn't so bad, after all!

Is Avenue Q just a grown up version of Sesame Street?
No. There should never be a comparison between Sesame Street or Jim Henson’s Children’s Television Workshop and Avenue Q. Rather, Avenue Q is homage to all children’s television teaching life lessons for adults such as paying bills, getting a job and finding love.

Is Avenue Q a puppet show for children?
Due to adult situations (like full-puppet nudity), Avenue Q may not be appropriate for kids under 13. Parental guidance is suggested.

Who lives on Avenue Q?

• Princeton – a recent college graduate who moves to Avenue Q to find his purpose in life
  
• Kate Monster – a kindergarten teaching assistant who wants to find a boyfriend and start a special school for Monsters
  
• Nicky – Rod’s roommate, a slacker


• Rod – Nicky’s roommate, a Republican investment banker who won’t admit he’s gay


• Trekkie Monster – a reclusive porn addict


• Lucy The Slut – a sexy cabaret singer


• Gary Coleman – the former child star from the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes and superintendent on Avenue Q


• Christmas Eve – Brian’s fiancée, a feisty Japanese therapist


• Brian – Christmas Eve’s fiancé, a 32-year old aspiring comedian


• The Bad Idea Bears – Princeton and Kate’s inner devils


• Mrs. T. – Kate’s boss, an elderly kindergarten teacher

How long is Avenue Q?
The show is 2 hours and 10 minutes including a 20 minute intermission.

Who is starring in the show?
Avenue Q is an ensemble show with many talented actors. The show features new, young and gifted performers.

What awards has Avenue Q won?
TONY AWARDS (2004)
WINNER! Best Musical
WINNER! Best Book of a Musical, Jeff Whitty
WINNER! Best Original Score, Jeff Marx
NOMINATED! Best Performance by a Leading Actress, Stephanie D’Abruzzo
NOMINATED! Best Performance by a Leading Actor, John Tartaglia
NOMINATED! Best Director of a Musical, Jason Moore
DRAMA DESK AWARDS (2003)
NOMINATED! Outstanding New Musical
NOMINATED! Outstanding Leading Actress, Stephanie D’Abruzzo
NOMINATED! Outstanding Book of a Musical, Jeff Whitty
NOMINATED! Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics (Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx)
NOMINATED! Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music (Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx)
GRAMMY AWARDS
NOMINATED! Outstanding Broadway Soundtrack

…AND MANY MORE!

Who created Avenue Q?
Avenue Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; and is directed by Jason Moore; puppet design by Rick Lyon, musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, choreography by Ken Roberson, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Mirena Rada, lighting design by Howell Binkley, and sound design by Acme Sound Partners.

Where can I learn more about Avenue Q?
Please check out our website, http://www.AvenueQonTour.com/ for more information and fun online content!

WICKED Comes home to Kansas

WICKED opened this past Wednesday at Century II Concert Hall in Wichita, KS to much fanfare. This Broadway Blockbuster coming to Wichita is a really big deal. This is the first time a show of this size has ever graced the stage at Century II, a fact not lost on City leaders. On Tuesday, the Mayor presented Theater League with a proclamation declaring Wednesday, October 21 as WICKED day. He and convention and tourism leaders understand all to well what a show like this can do for my hometown.

Thousand's of room nights in area hotels have been sold. Local stage hands, artists and backstage staff have been hired to work with the massive production. 75 cast and crew will be staying in Wichita during the three-week run and theater patrons from all over the region will enjoy this amazing show from now until November 8.

As a Wichita native, this makes me smile. I remember a time when the arts in Wichita were an afterthought. Now, the arts are center stage and have become more of a focus to City leaders as well as residents and visitors. I remember when downtown Wichita use to be the heart of not just the city, but a large portion of the state. It is wonderful to see the city I love embrace its downtown and the arts. It feels as though Wichita has made a bold new statement and WICKED has become that statements exclamation point.

The musical WICKED speaks to what is possible as well as looking beyond the surface. I for one am thrilled at the possibilities this big beautiful show has brought to my hometown. There is a feeling of excitement in Wichita, a feeling of awe and of anticipation. I am thrilled to be a part of this feeling and I am excited to see what happens next.

WICKED ANNOUNCES LOTTERY FOR $25 SEATS

A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats will be held daily for WICKED at Century II Concert Hall. Each day, 2 1/2 hours prior to show time people who present themselves at the WichitaTIX box office will have their names placed in a lottery drum and then thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, located at 225 W. Douglas, with a limit of two tickets per person. Metered parking is available in and around Century II and the Expo Hall.

It's Not Easy Living Green

Theater League was recently awarded a $5000 grant from the Broadway League to further promote it's educational programs in Wichita. This grant is awarded annually to theaters across the country to support programs like ours, giving students an opportunity to experience touring Broadway, not just as a form of entertainment, but also as an educational tool.

Theater League's program, "It's Not Easy Living Green" focuses on the newly formed green initiatives now in place on Broadway and in many touring Broadway shows. The inspiration for the grant was a small high school in a very small town in Western Kansas.

On May 4, 2007, Greensburg, Kansas was virtually wiped from the map after an E5 Tornado tore through the town of 1500. The devastation in its wake challenged the residents of this small town to rebuild or move on. Those who decided to stay came to the decision early on to rebuild a better and "greener" town. This decision brought this small town and it's very private residents into the spotlight. Greensburg and its efforts became an example of how to build and live in an environmentally friendly way.

A portion of the grant looks at Greensburg High School’s efforts to rebuild in a green fashion and how their “Green Club” has influenced its students. Theater League will work with Wichita High School West’s drama department, Greensburg High School, Greensburg City leaders and members of the touring company of WICKED to further the cause of the growing “Green Movement.” Through workshops, field trips, question and answer sessions and attending a performance of WICKED, students from both Greensburg and West High School will see major moments of the production come to life, while gaining a deeper understanding of our world and how to sustain it.

Jim Brickman's Beautiful World Holiday Concert

Jim Brickman, a longtime supporter of public television, will make a very special appearance Monday, September 14 in Wichita during the KPTS Fall membership drive. Brickman will be on hand to discuss and preview his newest DVD release, BEAUTIFUL WORLD. This spectacular celebration of friendship and peace was inspired by Brickman's travels around the world. He is joined by many special guests, Latin singing sensation Jon Secada and American Idol alum Melinda Doolittle to name but a few.

Theater League is thrilled to bring Brickman back to Wichita for a very special one-night-only holiday concert, November 23 at Century II Concert Hall. In an effort to support public television and the performing arts in Wichita, Theater League has donated a block of tickets to be used during the pledge drive as part of valuable gifts offered KPTS/PBS members.

For more information about the Beautiful World tour and Jim Brickman CLICK HERE. To find out about all of the shows in the 2009-10 Broadway Series at Century II, which kicks off October 21 with the blockbuster WICKED, CLICK HERE.

Get Your 80s On!

Remember when popped collars, mall bangs, hair bands and Madonna were cool? Did you morn the cancellation of the Dukes of Hazzard, or the apparent death of Bobby Ewing. Were you a fan of Prince, Tina Turner, Van Halen (before Sammy Hagar) and the Culture Club...then you are a true child of the 80s!

This season, Theater League is bringing back the 80s with the Tony® nominated Broadway hit THE WEDDING SINGER. Based on the hit film which starred Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, THE WEDDING SINGER tells the story of lead singer and wannabe rock star Robbie Hart. He is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer, until he is left at the altar by his success-crazed, social climbing girlfriend. He falls in love with Julia, who happens to be engaged to a Wall Street womanizing hot shot. Robbie has to pull off the performance of a lifetime to get the girl before she is gone forever.

THE WEDDING SINGER celebrates the fun of the 80s and this tour is also celebrating the fun on the road. The cast is offering a great behind the scenes look at a National Broadway tour with their WEDDING SINGER BACKSTAGE PASS and is keeping fans updated on their exploits on the road with their official Facebook site.

The aspect of this show that makes it fun for the audience, is how much fun the cast is having on stage. Joy and laughter are contagious and the actors who make up the cast of THE WEDDING SINGER are definitely sharing the joy!

Catch THE WEDDING SINGER this fall when it hits the stage in Toledo, OH October 1-4 and South Bend, IN October 9-10. And watch for it later this season in Phoenix & Mesa, AZ, Santa Barbara & Thousand Oaks, CA and Wichita, KS.