TheatreWorks New Milford's AVENUE Q Opens 9/19

On Friday, September 19, TheatreWorks New Milford will premiere the Award-winning musical comedy, AVENUE Q, with Book by Jeff Whitty and Music & Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. The curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. for a five-week run.

AVENUE Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. The show is a laugh-out-loud musical that 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, considering it's inhabited by both people and puppets. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

"At first glance, some folks might think AVENUE Q is simply a crass R-rated version of 'Sesame Street'...but it goes way beyond that," said director and choreographer Bradford Blake of Danbury. "Sure, it's edgy, but this show offers something more touching than a typical post-adolescent put-on. Beyond being somewhat bawdy and even politically correct, the show is filled with real heart, delivering tough life lessons with warmth and wit that'll disarm even the most jaded grown-up."

"The story is timeless. The music is infectious. And the puppets and cast are first-rate," said producer, co-set and co-lighting designer, Richard Pettibone. "It's so easy to see why AVENUE Q is so appealing to adults. It touches on some of the more trivial things about day-to-day life, whether it's the joy of receiving a 'mix tape' or the 'fine, fine line' between a relationship and a 'waste of time.' Plus, the show also hits the nail on the head of the thoughts and feelings that we all have, but often feel too embarrassed to admit...and it does it both hilariously and touchingly."

The production features some of the finest actors and puppeteers in the region: Jamison Daniels (Stratford), Patricia McCarthy (Bridgeport), Mike L'Altrella (Oxford), Jasmin Love Barbosa (Brewster, N.Y.), Bo Mi Yim (New York, N.Y.), Carey Van Hollen (Sandy Hook), and Glenn R. Couture (Ansonia).

Along with Mr. Blake and Mr. Pettibone, the show's crew consists of musical director Charles Smith, co-set designer Glenn R. Couture, co-lighting designer Scott Wyshysnki, and stage management by Kathy Bolster with Maya Daley and Abby Hambidge acting as assistant stage managers.

AVENUE Q made its Broadway debut on July 31, 2003 at the John Golden Theatre and ran for more than six years, making it 23rd on the list of all-time, longest running Broadway shows. The play went on to win the coveted 2004 Tony Award "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. Variety said of the show, "Of all the musicals hatched in the post-2000 age of irony, AVENUE Q has remained the freshest and funniest!"

PARENTAL ADVISORY: AVENUE Q contains full puppet nudity and other adult situations. It's recommended only for mature audiences.
AVENUE Q runs September 19,20 26,27,28 October 3,4,5 10,11,12 17,18. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on September 28, October 5, and October 12. Tickets for all shows are $28 for reserved seating. Students and Military personnel with ID will be admitted for $25.

On Thursday, September 18, Senior Citizens are invited to a free dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 25 at 8:00 p.m. is TheatreWorks' Pay-What-You-Want night. At this performance, you name the price for your ticket.

Reservations can be made online at THEATREWORKS.US or by calling the box office at (860) 350-6863.

TheatreWorks is an award-winning, non-Equity theatre company, named Best Community Theater in Connecticut for 2014 by Connecticut Magazine. TheatreWorks is located on 5 Brookside Avenue, just off Route 202 (next to the CVS), in New Milford, CT.

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