ATP Stages Tony-Winning Musical AVENUE Q, Now thru 2/28

Winner of the TONY "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score (not to mention puppets), Avenue Q is a truly unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children's show; a place where puppets are friends, Monsters are good and life lessons are learned.

The vast majority of the actors from ATP's 2013 production of Avenue Q are returning for this production. They are Michelle Alexander as Gary Coleman, Isaac Arietta as Princeton, Matthew Charles Burnett as Rod and one of the Bad Idea Bears, RMichael Clinkscales as Brian, Marett Hanes as Kate Monster, June Julian as Christmas Eve, and Eric Meo playing both Nicky and Trekkie Monster. The "original seven" will be joined by Kate Clark as Lucy T. Slut and the second puppeteer for Nicky and Trekkie. Laura Galt also joins the cast as Mrs. Thistletwat and the other Bad Idea Bear.

Avenue Q is directed by Barbara Schuler (based on the 2013 staging by Marco Bazan) and music direction is by David Blackburn. Lighting design is by James Jennings and sound design is by Sam Kokajko. The Avenue Q set is designed by David Blackburn and Jim Schuler, who is also the production's technical director. The stage manager is Katie Butler and Renata D'Elena will serve as the show's puppet wrangler.

Avenue Q opens tonight, February 13 and plays through February 28. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday performances are at 3:00 p.m. There will also be a Saturday matinee on February 21 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will take place at the new Ground Floor Theatre located in the former US Foods distribution center at 979 Springdale Road (at the intersection of Airport Blvd).

Tickets for Avenue Q are now on sale at www.austintheatreproject.org or by calling the ATP 24-hour ticket hotline at 1-800-838-3006. Premium VIP tickets (front two rows, reserved) are available for $35 and General Admission seats are $30. Seniors (55+) and students with ID can receive a discounted General Admission ticket for $25 and group rates for parties of ten or more are available at $20 per person.

NOTE: This production contains adult themes and language and is not recommended for children under the age of 14. Children under the age of 14 should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.

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