“Avenue Q” Comes Back to Key West

One of the most celebrated productions in the Waterfront Playhouse’s history of celebrated productions, returns next week for a three week run. The Broadway phenomenon, “Avenue Q,” will open on March 29th and run until April 14th. Two low-priced previews are on March 27th and 28th.

The entire run of “Avenue Q” last season sold-out, receiving critical accolades. The Key West Weekly said, “Waterfront Playhouse has once again brought Broadway to Key West!” KONK Life said, “Outrageously entertaining…not to be missed!”

One of the most honored musicals in recent history, “Avenue Q” won the Triple Crown of Tony Awards – Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical, beating out that other musical theater phenomenon, “Wicked.” “Q” is still running Off-Broadway in New York and has had hundreds of productions all over the world.

“Avenue Q” is the story of a group of young Manhattanites, who have recently graduated from college and live all the way down in the shabby (and fictional) neighborhood of Avenue Q. Together, the group struggles with finding decent jobs, dates, sex and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

The musical is done through a combination of actors and puppets and has been called a “Sesame Street” for grown-ups. Indeed – this is not a children’s show! It’s rated R for audiences 16 and up due to the adult language, themes and full frontal puppet nudity and sex. It’s hilarious, but not for kids or prudes.

The music and lyrics are by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon”), and the book is by Jeff Whitty. The witty and gorgeous songs include “It Sucks To Be Me,” “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist,” “The Internet Is For Porn,” “I Wish I Could Go Back To College” and much more. Originally intended to be a TV show, “Avenue Q” began Off Broadway where it received rave reviews. This prompted the move to Broadway in 2003, where it ran for 2,556 performances.

Director Danny Weathers says, “I’m thrilled we are bringing back this wonderful production. Even if you saw it last year, it’s the kind of show you can see again and again. It’s such a smart, hilarious and ultimately touching musical. And it’s a joy to be working with this incredible cast. Every one of them is a quadruple threat – great singer, actor, dancer and puppeteer. “

Michael Fauss is the musical director, and Penny Leto is the choreographer. Along with Weathers, this is the same team behind such hits as “The Producers,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Xanadu,” “Spamalot” and many others.

The entire 2017 cast has returned, including: Brian Hall (“Xanadu” & “Spamalot”); Kristen Michelle (“The Drowsy Chaperone” & “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”); Susannah Wells (“Noises Off” & “The Producers”); Justin Ahearn (“Leading Ladies” & “Spelling Bee”); Jeremy Zoma (the recent hit “Hand To God” and “Forever Plaid”) and imported actors with incredible resumes, Juanita B. Green and Lora Nicolas.

The orchestra includes Michael Fauss (conductor/keyboards), Nancy 3 Hoffman (keyboards), Celicia Slafter (reeds), Gary Rivenson and Joe Dallas (bass) and Daniel Carter (percussion).

Opening night of March 29th includes a gala reception following the production. The catered party will be sponsored by Renay and Bill Regardie. Previews are on March 27 & 28, and tend to sell out. All shows begin at 8 PM. The production is sponsored by KONK Life, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.

Michael Boyer will create the onstage neighborhood of “Avenue Q.” Professional lighting designer, Kim Hanson, has been imported for the lighting design. Carmen Rodriguez is the costumer. The puppets have been rented from Character Translation/MTI International and are based on the original Broadway designs. Trish Manley acts as Stage Manager.

Tickets are $55 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015. Memberships, subscriptions and gift certificates are available on our website. Also, check out our Friday Night Date Night deal, as well as other discounts on the website.