'Avenue Q Swings' Raises $100,000 Monday Night Thanks To Broadway Celebs

On Monday night, Avenue Q Swings, a one-night only benefit, packed The Lucille Lortel Theatre on Christopher Street. Songs were swung, money was raised, and two new Steinway grand pianos were ordered for the students at Greenwich House Music School.

The Tony Award-winning composers of Avenue Q, Bobby Lopez (who went to the school for 15 years) and Jeff Marx, hosted the event, which starred their famous and talented pals singing Q tunes in specially arranged jazz, pop and classical settings. Jazzer Billy Stritch and Glengarry Glen Ross star Tom Wopat, armed with a trombone, celebrated Gay Pride with a New Orleans jam of "If You Were Gay."

Marc Shaiman, the Tony-winning composer of Hairspray, hilariously hijacked the show, cracking, "It sucks to be the Hairspray composer at an Avenue Q concert!" then insisted on doing one of his own compositions. Then, "The Internet Is For Porn," a song sung by Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q, was re-arranged for a classical string trio as "Variations on a Pornographic Theme." Finally, when it seemed that the Piano Fund goal was $132 short, audience member/Broadway star Mandy Patinkin called out from his seat, offering to open his wallet.

Having a billfold totalling $140, the audience helped provide Mandy with $8 in change so that the $100,000 goal was met. Mandy, the cast and the proud composers received a standing ovation!