AVENUE Q to Close on the West End 3/28; Atherton Returns to Cast

Official London Theatre is reporting that Julie Atherton will be returning to The Cast of AVENUE Q on December 1st, 2008. It has been announced that the show will be concluding its three year run in the West End at the Noel Coward theatre on March 28th, 2009.

Julie Atherton originated the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut when the musical opened in June 2006. For her return, she will be replacing Rebecca Lock. Other West End credits include Mamma Mia! and Fame.

OLT states, "Also on 1 December, Joanna Ampil and Rachel Jerram join The Cast, replacing Yanle Zhong and Jacqui Sanchez. Ampil, who will play Christmas Eve, made her West End debut in Miss Saigon and went on to appear in Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables. Jerram is already part of the ensemble cast of Avenue Q and now steps up to take over the roles of Mrs T/Bear. Jerram’s previous credits include The Boy Friend at the Open Air theatre. Candy Ma and Maria Lawson will also join the ensemble of Avenue Q, while Daniel Boys (Princeton), Edward Baruwa (Gary), Mark Goldthorp (Trekkie Monster) and Christopher Fry (Brian) continue in their roles."

AVENUE Q -- which celebrated its 5th anniversary on Broadway earlier this summer -- is a musical about 20-somethings who move to the city with big dreams and tiny bank accounts. It will be replaced at the Noel Coward with CALENDAR GIRLS.