AVENUE Q Opens Tonight at EPAC

It could be Sesame Street, but the neighborhood is shabbier. The residents look like the Muppets, but they're a lot more worldly. Plus, their human alter egos are very much a visible part of the zany, adult action. Welcome to Avenue Q, the runaway Broadway musical comedy that won the 2003 Tony Triple Crown of Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. Ten years later, it is still running strong off-Broadway in the intimate setting for which it was originally designed.

Tonight, May 2, this disarmingly original musical laugh-fest is opening in a likewise perfect setting, the Sharadin Bigler Theatre, home of the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, where the fearless fun is always up-close and personal.

The Avenue Q action starts when Princeton, a recent college grad who can't find a job moves in and creates an eventful new chemistry among his colorful neighbors: Kate Monster, the optimistic Girl Next Door; Rod, a closeted Young Republican; Nicky, his long-suffering roommate; Trekkie Monster, an Internet whiz (at porn!); Lucy T. Slut, a lusty lounge siren; Christmas Eve, a licensed Japanese therapist forced to work in a Korean deli; Brian, her fiancé, an unemployed caterer and failed stand-up comic; and Gary Coleman....Yes, THAT Gary Coleman, now reduced to building superintendent. Whatever you do...do NOT ask him to say "What you talkin' 'bout, Willis"!

With issues ranging from sexual identity and porn to racism and relationships, unemployment and even schadenfreude, Avenue Q packs an intoxicatingly universal punch.

The exuberant cast turned loose into this unorthodox playpen features Sean Deffley as Princeton/Rod; Katelyn Mullen as Kate Monster/Lucy/Box; Preston Schreffler as Nicky/Trekkie; Bob Breen as Brian; Lindsay Levine as Christmas Eve; Jeremy Patterson as Gary Coleman; Kathleen Harris-Brantham as Mrs. T/Bear/Box/Lucy backup; Brandon Kegerize as Men's Ensemble/Bear; and Heidi Carletti as Women's Ensemble/Box and auxiliary puppeteer.

EPAC artistic director Edward R. Fernandez, assistant director David Dierwechter and puppet trainer Roger Weaver bring it all into fantastical focus in collaboration with musicafl director Cheryl Markle, stage manager Joan Adams, technical director Steve Schelling, scenic designer Evan Hill, lighting designer Jeff Cusano, light operator Alex Bannon; sound designer Jeff Bezler; props mistress Alixe Ingoglia, and costume designer Kate Williams.

Avenue Q will be performed tonight, May 2-18 at the Sharadin Bigler Theatre, 320 Cocalico St., Ephrata, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, and 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, with a 2 p.m. pay-what-you-will matinee Saturday, May 18. Tickets are $15-$27.50 online at ephrataperformingartscenter.com or by calling (717) 733-7966, Ext. 1.

Due to adult language and situations, Avenue Q is recommended for mature audiences.