Blackfriars Theatre Welcomes Broadway's Rick Lyon

Blackfriars Theatre is thrilled to welcome Broadway's Rick Lyon to the creative process for their upcoming May production of the Tony-winning musical, Avenue Q. Mr. Lyon, who originated the role of Trekkie Monster/Nikkie in Avenue Q in the New York production, will join the Blackfriars cast for three days of puppeteering workshops. In addition, Mr. Lyon will be accompanied by the Broadway puppets, who will remain in residence at Blackfriars for the entire run of Avenue Q. That's right - Blackfriars Theatre will have the Broadway cast... well, the stuffed ones, that is.

Originally from Rochester, NY, and now based in the New York City area, Mr. Lyon studied theatre at Penn State University, and puppetry at the Institute of Professional Puppetry Arts in Connecticut and the Institut Internationale de la Marionnette in France. While he was studying in Connecticut in 1986 he met the late Jim Henson, which later led to him working for Mr. Henson as a puppeteer with the Muppets, and with Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Mr. Lyon has also worked in television and film for Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema, ABC, CBS, PBS, The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VH1, and Fox.

In addition to performing, Mr. Lyon also designs and builds custom puppets with his company, The Lyon Puppets, including the puppets for the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q on Broadway, in London, and on tour nationally. Other projects have included puppets for Comedy Central's Crank Yankers, puppets and props for Nickelodeon's Stick Stickly, television pilots for VH1, Nickelodeon, PBS, numerous industrials and home videos, and the live national tour of PBS's The Magic Schoolbus.

Blackfriars's Artistic & Managing Director, Danny Hoskins, has been working closely with Mr. Lyon over the past couple months to bring the fellow Rochesterian home for this production. "We couldn't be happier to bring Rick back to Rochester to train the cast and share his Tony-winning artistry with his hometown," Hoskins remarks. "Having Rick (along with his furry friends from Broadway) on board for our season closer will bring a level of authenticity and integrity to the show that will set our Avenue Q apart from any previous Rochester production."

Mr. Lyon will be joining the Blackfriars cast for three days of puppetry workshops on April 12, 13 and 14, 2018. The cast will begin rehearsing and training with the Broadway puppets upon Mr. Lyon's arrival. Additionally, he will be showcasing An Evening with Rick Lyon, open to the public, during his visit to Rochester. Specific dates and ticketing information for this public event will be announced at a later date.

AVENUE Q PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

• Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, May 12 at 7 p.m.

• Sunday, May 13 at 2 p.m. (Sunday Salon)

• Thrusday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, May 18 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m.

• Thursday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, May 25 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, May 26 at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m.

**Possible added shows TBA

RESERVATIONS: (585) 454-1260

WEBSITE: www.blackfriars.org

LOCATION: Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main Street Rochester, NY 14605

TICKET PRICES: $31.50 to $39.50

• Tickets are available in person at Blackfriars Theatre, online at www.blackfriars.org, or by calling (585) 454-1260. Senior and student discounts are available online or through the Box Office. If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one hour prior to performance. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. To 2:00 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover are accepted at no additional charge.

PHOTO: Rick Lyon & Trekkie Monster (Photos with permission of Rick Lyon)

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre, has entertained audiences for over 65 years in downtown Rochester, NY. Our mission is to enrich, entertain and inspire our community through exceptional theatrical arts while engaging local talent. Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, please visit www.blackfriars.org.

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