The hilarious, modern musical “Avenue Q” which focuses on a group of unique 20-somethings and features puppets is opening at the Paris Community Theatre this week.
Avenue Q runs January 22-25 and January 28-31. All times are at 7:30 pm (there are no matinees for this show).
The cast includes: Rheston Sills, Danbri Erwin, Tyaisha Allen, Christine Sheehan, Lauren Cook, Lisa Martin, Steven Pyles, Joshua Maxwell, Clay Weineke, Cody Rice, Dalton Smith, Kelly Tuner and Riley Collard. It is directed by William Walker with Music Director Phil Briggs.
PCT Board President Sydney Young explains the show, “In Alphabet City, Avenue Q is only two blocks up from Sesame Street. Bobby Lopez and Jeff Marx, the creators of Avenue Q started out like any of us. Bobby Lopez was a recent college graduate and Jeff Marx was a recent law school graduate when they first wondered what it would be like if the Muppet characters with whom they grew up had become adults along with them, and were now themselves recent graduates trying to find love, a job, and an apartment – way out on Avenue Q, the only street where they could afford a place. There’s something about us as human beings that resists actors bursting into song on the stage. But when puppets do it, we believe it.”
Young continues, “The creators of “Avenue Q” must have had second sight or something, because their 2003 musical resonates today, touching on jobless college grads, gay issues, race and sexual impulse control. Adults who aren’t easily offended can savor the pungency of every rude, raunchy, politically incorrect line as “Avenue Q” jauntily douses the “Sesame Street” glow that people 50 and younger basked in as kids. ”
Versions of the show were launched in Las Vegas, in London, on national tour, and all over the globe, including Sweden, Finland, Australia, Mexico, Israel, the Philippines, and Italy. The Broadway run of “Avenue Q” grossed $117 million.
The denizens of “Avenue Q,” most in their 20s and 30s, can barely make their rent. Part flesh (human), part felt (puppets) and packed with heart. A recent college grad (Princeton, the shows protagonist, moves into a shabby NYC neighborhood and soon discovers life is hard, when he loses his new job before he even starts. He sings about finding his “Purpose” in life. He begins a tentative romance with Kate Monster, a winsome assistant kindergarten teacher who hopes to start a school for minority monsters, a.k.a. “people of fur,” like her. But Princeton listens to the Bad Idea Bears and some rather iffy decisions are made, and succumbs to the temporary lure of Lucy the Slut. He and his neighbors struggle to find decent jobs, stable relationships and a purpose in life, but ultimately realize the real world isn’t so bad after all. This truly unique show addresses humorous adult issues.
WARNING: Adult themes, strong language & full puppet nudity. Discretion advised.
There will be two talk back sessions for this show on January 22 and January 28 immediately following the show, where audience members can stay and ask questions and visit with the puppets and their humans. Price for tickets is $12.00. You can purchase tickets by calling the Paris Community Theatre Box office at 903-784-0259 or order online at http://pctonstage.com/tickets/ordering-tickets/
The PCT production of Avenue Q is sponsored by Pools & More, Turner Industries, Dr. Richard Grossnickle and the Law Offices of Sydney Young.