Entr'Acte Theatrix's AVENUE Q Raises Funds for Compass and BC/EFA Tonight

The cast and crew of Entr'Acte Theatrix will be 'passing the hat' at tonight's performance of Avenue Q. As an homage to the gay community, and in honor of Pride Month, the company will be raising funds for Compass (the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Palm Beach County) and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Avenue Q's central theme is that of young adults facing the realities and challenges of life in the 'real world'. Using a unique combination of humans and puppets, the musical chronicles its characters' struggles to find decent jobs, stable relationships, and their purpose in life. The show also touches on racism, pornography, and acceptance of gays. The musical is currently playing at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts' Crest Theatre to full houses.

Avenue Q was directed by Darrick Penny, with puppetry instruction by Carlo-Rufino Sabusap. The cast includes Christian Ortega (Princeton), Sahid Arnaud-Pabon (Nicky), Luis Herrera (Rod, Bad Idea Bear), Seth Trucks (Trekkie), Joanna Mandel (Kate Monster), Greg Halmos (Brian), Elaine Flores (Christmas Eve), Kalli Courakos (Lucy the Slut), Samantha Streich (Mrs. Thistletwat, Bad Idea Bear), and Chasity Hart (Gary Coleman).

Based in Lake Worth, Compass' aim is to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

They accomplish this by "emboldening our youth, promoting pride in our community, and acting as an educator, advocate, health service provider, and focal point for community."

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the theatre community's response to the AIDS crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the theatre community, on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and across the country, the organization raises funds for AIDS-related causes. Since its founding in 1988, it has raised well over $175 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, or HIV-related illnesses.

Avenue Q will run through June 29th at the Crest Theater at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts Crest Theater at Old School Square. The theater is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444. Tickets are on sale now, and are available by calling 561-243-7922. Tickets are $20; $15 for groups of 15 or more with the 16th ticket free and are on sale now. $10 Student Rush tickets will be available ½ hour before curtain only, with valid ID. (Not suitable for children under the age of 15) Tickets can be purchased on line at:
http://delraycenterforthearts.org or by phone at: 561-243-7922, ext. 1.

Avenue Q has adult themes, and 'full-frontal puppet nudity', so parents are advised that this production may not be suitable for young children.

For more information about Compass, visit: www.compassglcc.com ; for more information about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids visit: www.broadwaycares.org.