The Pennsylvania Playhouse is thrilled to present the 2004 Tony Award Winning Broadway smash-hit “Avenue Q”.
This bawdy (but loving) parody of famous children’s programming such as “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company” tells the story of Princeton, a freshly graduated and starry-eyed young man, who moves to the titular Avenue Q in New York on the eve of starting his first post-college job and hoping to (someday soon) discover his purpose in life.
He is introduced to the other residents who quickly become his friends and confidants.
There are puppets Rod (a closeted, conservative republican) and Nicky (his unmotivated, slacker roommate), the humans Brian (an aspiring, but awful, stand-up comedian) and his fiancée Christmas Eve (a highly intelligent Asian-American trying to establish herself as a therapist).
There are also “monsters” who live on Avenue Q – the sweet and intelligent Kate and the internet obsessed recluse Trekkie.
This mash-up of cultures, races, and even species, is overseen by none other than television’s Gary Coleman who, having lost his money and fame, serves as superintendent of the Avenue Q apartment. 
Both puppets and humans interact with each other and discuss challenges which would be too mature for children’s television, such as racism, depression, homosexuality, sex, love, and even drug abuse.
However, these topics are explored with humor and music so that even the most mature topics will have the audience humming along.
“Avenue Q” features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon”, “Frozen”) and Jeff Marx and book by Jeff Whitty (“Can You Ever Forgive Me'”).
The musical features an exceptionally talented cast of local actors including: Sebastian Paff (Princeton), Lexi Rastelli (Kate), Jonathan Riker (Rod), Joemichael Luciano (Nicky), Jesse Nitchkey (Brian), Christina Concilio (Christmas Eve), Catina "Peaches" Gordon (Gary Coleman), Christopher Camargo (Trekkie), Alessandra Fanelli (Lucy), Jeanie Olah (Mrs. Thistetwat), Nikola Georgievski (Bad Idea Bear 1), and Abigail Simon (Bad Idea Bear 2).
“Avenue Q” is directed by Clair M. Freeman with musical direction by Brian Foley and choreography by Joanellyn Schubert.
Set and lighting are by Brett Oliveira. Costumes by Todd Burkel. Brian McDermott is stage manager with Steven Rosenblum as assistant.
The show runs July 26 through 28, August 2 to 4, and August 9 to 11. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 6:00 PM.
This musical is suggested for ages 14 and up due to the subject matter.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.paplayhouse.org.