Photo Flash: First Look at AVENUE Q at Bainbridge Performing Arts

Join Bainbridge Performing Arts for the laugh-out-loud racy hit Avenue Q May 9 - 25, a hilarious envelope-pushing modern musical focusing on a group of unique 20-somethings making their way in the big city to seek their purpose in life. 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. Scroll down to see some pictures from the production!

With music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx and book by Jeff Whitty, BPA's production features a dynamic directing duo and beloved cast members from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Shrek: The Musical, as well as some who are new to the BPA stage. Director Ken Michels joins Musical Director Josh Anderson for a raucous romp showcasing Ryan Bohannon as Princeton, Kylee Gano as Kate Monster, Justin Lynn as Brian, Shannon Dowling as Lucy, James Sgambati as Rod, Ryan Patrick O'Donnell as Nicky, Corinna Lapid Munter as Christmas Eve, Michelle Abad and Luke Walker as Bad Idea Bears, Jesse Smith as Gary Coleman, Gregory Conn as Trekkie Monster, and Kayla Teel as Thistletwat and Newcomer.

Charming and touching might not be the first words to come to mind for a musical with with graphic depictions of puppet sex and song titles such as Everyone's a Little Bit Racist and The Internet Is for Porn, but Avenue Q turns its raunchy, parodic premise into a musical with real heart. Avenue Q is the winner of the Tony "triple crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book and produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Avenue Q may be inappropriate for 12 years of age and under: Adults love Avenue Q, but they seem a little, er, fuzzy on whether it's appropriate for kids. Avenue Q is great for teenagers because it's about real life. It may not be appropriate for young children because Avenue Q addresses issues like sex, drinking, and surfing the web for "explicit content." It's hard to say what exact age is right to see Avenue Q - parents should use their discretion based on the maturity level of their children. But BPA promises you this - if you DO bring your teenagers to Avenue Q, they'll think you're really cool.

Avenue Q appears at BPA May 9 - 25, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m., and Monday, May 19 and Thursday May 22 at 7:30 p.m. A special Pay-What-You-Can Preview is Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m., and the Opening Night Reception is Friday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, $27 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $19 for students, military, and teachers, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance.

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