AVENUE Q Welcomes Back Ann Harada 7/6, Tour Stars McClure, Larsen and Thomas Also Join Bdwy Co.

Just weeks prior to the Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q's 6th anniversary on Broadway, one of the stars of the original cast, Ann Harada, will return to the role of "Christmas Eve" starting Monday, July 6th at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street) in New York City.

On July 6th, Ms. Harada -- who created the role on Broadway and played "Christmas Eve" in the London production -- will be joined in The Broadway Cast by members of the U.S. national tour of AVENUE Q, which recently concluded a phenomenally successful two-year run: starting July 6th, Robert McClure will assume the roles of Princeton/Rod on Broadway, along with Anika Larsen as Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut, and Danielle K. Thomas as Gary Coleman.

AVENUE Q marks its 6th anniversary on Broadway on July 31, 2009. The musical began previews on Broadway on July 14, 2003, opened on July 31, 2003, and went on to win three 2004 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book of a Musical.

Having played over 2,400 performances, AVENUE Q recently became the 21st longest-running show in Broadway history, having surpassed such landmark musicals as SOUTH PACIFIC, PIPPIN, OKLAHOMA, MAN OF LA MANCHA and ANNIE.

A musical about 20-somethings, fresh out of college, who move to the city with big dreams and tiny bank accounts, AVENUE Q has music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty and is directed by Jason Moore.

AVENUE Q is produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, The Vineyard Theatre and The New Group. Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, with puppets conceived and designed by Rick Lyon, AVENUE Q has 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.

Christian Anderson, Jennifer Barnhart, and Nicholas Kohn will continue in The Cast of AVENUE Q.

Ann Harada's Broadway credits include 9 TO 5, the 2007 revival of LES MISERABLES, M. BUTTERFLY and SEUSSICAL.

Robert McClure was previously featured in The Broadway Cast of AVENUE Q in the roles of Nicky/Trekkie Monster. He takes over the roles of Princeton/Rod having played both characters on the AVENUE Q tour. He also appeared on Broadway in the 2002 revival of I'M NOT RAPPAPORT.

Anika Larsen appeared on Broadway in XANADU, ALL SHOOK UP and RENT, and played the roles of Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut in the national tour of AVENUE Q.

Danielle K. Thomas has appeared in touring productions of SEUSSICAL, BIG RIVER, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.

For performance and ticket information to AVENUE Q, visit www.avenueq.com or call Tele-charge at 212-239-6200.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.