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.

WICKED On Sale Saturday, August 1

BROADWAY'S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER IS READY TO TAKE KANSAS BY STORM

WICKED, the most anticipated musical production of the 2009 – 2010 season, flies into Wichita October 21 – November 8, for its premiere Kansas engagement. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday, August 1; tickets will be exclusively available at the Wichita Tix box office, 225 West Douglas at 8:00 a.m. Beginning at 11 a.m., any remaining tickets will be available for purchase online at wichitatix.com or by calling the box office at 316.219.4849. There is an 8-ticket limit per patron.

Due to pre-existing sales to subscribers and groups, there is a limited inventory of WICKED tickets to start with. It is likely that the Wichita engagement will sell out in record time. Patrons are urged to purchase their tickets to WICKED early. The on sale event will feature hot air balloon rides provided by HAVNFUN…Hot Air Ballooning, games, breakfast, beverages and radio remotes provided by KZSN Kissin’ 102, B98 FM and Channel 963, WICKED merchandise and the chance for a lucky few to “fly to the head of the line” as well as a chance to win a hot air balloon ride for two.

WICKED has been seen by millions of people all around the world, but this Wichita engagement marks the first time it has been presented in Kansas. “The cultural and economic impact of WICKED will be significant,” said Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson, “It will employ hundreds of local theater professionals, generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales tax revenues and create an economic impact of millions of dollars. I want to thank Theater League, Inc. for bringing such a critically acclaimed work to the home of Dorothy and Toto.”

Tickets start at $57 and can be purchased beginning at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1 at the Wichita Tix box office. Online and phone purchases can be made for all remaining tickets beginning at 11:00 a.m. For more information on WICKED, visit wickedthemusical.com

Special Father's Day Offer - Toledo

MAMMA MIA! Celebrates Dad this Father's Day.

Bring your "Pappa" to see MAMMA!

This week only save $10 on tickets to the Blockbuster Broadway Hit MAMMA MIA! Live at the Stranahan Theater through June 21.

Use the code: DAD and save $10 off Orchestra and Balcony tickets for the 2:00 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, June 21. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/65569/804014?brand=theaterleague&camefrom=CFC_THL_WEB

or by calling 800.745.3000.

Visit http://www.theaterleague.com/shows/?id=25
for show information and for a video preview.

Tony Recap

The most glamorous night on Broadway, The Tony Awards®, was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris Sunday, June 7 on CBS. Sir Elton John opened the show in grand fashion, accompanied by cast members from each of the nominated shows.

BILLY ELLIOT led the pack with nine Tony wins including Best Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Best Direction, Best Choreography and in a Tony first, a Best Lead Actor award was shared by the show's three young stars, David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish. HAIR received the award for Best Revival, Best Theatrical Event went to Liza Minnelli for LIZA’S AT THE PALACE and Best Lead Actress went to Alice Ripley for NEXT TO NORMAL. WEST SIDE STORY received one Tony win with the award for Best Featured Actress presented to Karen Olivo.

At the end of the evening the winners, of the 52nd presentation of the Tonys, took their places alongside the very best of Broadway. The list of individual acting nominees read like a “who’s who” of American film and theater with the likes of Jane Fonda, Jeff Daniels, Raul Esparza, Stockard Channing, Allison Janney, Angela Lansbury, Marc Kudisch, James Gandolfini and Geoffrey Rush. A past American Idol finalist even made the grade with Constantine Maroulis’ nomination in the Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical category.

For more information, a complete list of winners and video from Sunday night’s telecast, visit www.tonyawards.

In Other Tony News

The Tony Awards recently announced that three touring productions will be featured in Sunday evenings Tony broadcast. MAMMA MIA! is one of the featured productions with the current tours three Dynamos (Michelle Dawson, Kittra Wynn Coomer and Rachel Tyler) performing Dancing Queen during the evening. The actresses were plucked from the current tour to perform live at Radio City Music Hall.

Catch the MAMMA MIA! preview Sunday and remember tickets to the show are still available at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo (June 16-21) and The Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend (July 24-26). Visit theaterleague.com for tickets and additional information.

Theater League On Broadway

Theater League not only promotes the arts in each of the communities it serves, but it also works within the Broadway community to bring the best and brightest new musicals to the stage. From fan favorites CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY to last season’s Broadway hit NOVEMBER, Theater League supports new and established producers and directors.

This season, Theater League is enhancing Broadway by supporting 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL. With music and lyrics by the legendary Dolly Parton, book by original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and direction by Tony Award Winner (and WICKED director) Joe Mantello, this hilarious story is based on the 1980 hit film which starred Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL began life as a staged reading in 2007 before moving into a week-long workshop. The show opened at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles the following year, winning two Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle awards. 9 TO 5 opened on Broadway April 30 and was nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Original Score and Best Performance by a Leading Actress (Allison Janney). Critics and audiences have fallen in love with this story of revenge, friendship and “girl power.”

The 2009 Tony Awards

The most glamorous night on Broadway, The Tony Awards®, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and featuring performances by Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli and Elton John, takes to the airwaves Sunday, June 7 on CBS.

The nominees in this the 52nd presentation hope to take their place alongside those Broadway legends. The list of individual acting nominees read like a “who’s who” of American film and theater with the likes of Jane Fonda, Jeff Daniels, Raul Esparza, Stockard Channing, Allison Janney, Angela Lansbury, Marc Kudisch, James Gandolfini and Geoffrey Rush. A past American Idol finalist has even made the grade with Constantine Maroulis’ nomination in the Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical category.

The field is tight in the 2009 Best Musical category with nominees BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL, NEXT TO NORMAL, ROCK OF AGES and SHREK THE MUSICAL. The Best Revival of a Musical category brings back some of the best of Broadway: GUYS AND DOLLS, HAIR, PAL JOEY and WEST SIDE STORY.

A long list of Broadway luminaries will present the awards in each of the 27 categories. Presenters include Lucie Arnaz, Kristen Chenoweth, Carrie Fisher, Jessica Lange, Susan Sarandon, Kevin Spacey and Frank Langella.

This is the 42nd year for the televised Tonys. The first broadcast took place in 1967 and was hosted by Mary Martin and Robert Preston and featured performances from CABARET, THE APPLE TREE, I DO! I DO! And WALKING HAPPY. The evening lasted for only one hour, but it set the stage for what was to become one of the finest award shows on television.

While the 60s marked the first television broadcast of the awards show, its history dates back 20 more years to 1947. The very first Tony Award dinner took place on April 6, 1947. This black-tie optional event was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and included performances by Mickey Rooney, Herb Shriner and David Wayne. The winners that night were to become Broadway legends--Arthur Miller, Helen Hayes, Ingrid Bergman and Agnes de Mille--to name but a few.

The Tonys have come a long way from the hour-long broadcast more than 40 years ago. This not-to-be-missed theater event begins on CBS at 8:00 p.m. Eastern/ 7:00 p.m. Central. For great background information on everything Tony, or to catch a video glimpse of all the nominees, visit www.tonyawards.com.