The Phoenix Theatre Opens AVENUE Q

The Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis announces Avenue Q will return to the Phoenix Mainstage in the 2011-2012 previously TBA spot. Avenue Q, with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx and original story by Jeff Whitty, opened off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in March 2003, where it gained rave reviews, and was extended four times. Last season the Phoenix was the first regional, professional theatre to produce Avenue Q, winner of the 2004 Tony for Best Musical, last season with a local professional cast and crew. That same cast is coming back for performances April 19 through May 13, 2012.

The Winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt (puppets) and packed with heart. This musical tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. (He started at Avenue A, but kept looking until he found an Avenue in his price range.) There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie Internet sexpert), Lucy (the slut) and other colorful characters who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life.

"It makes perfect sense to bring back this show," says Bryan Fonseca, Phoenix Theatre Producing Director. "It fits the mission of the Phoenix because it includes all those topics that people don't like to talk about: relationships, the economy, race, sex, coming out and, most importantly, our purpose in life." Fonseca goes on to say "Avenue Q was very popular last season and although we don't usually bring shows back, this show certainly found its audience last year and we are excited to have people see the show for the first time, as well as have people come back from last year."

The Cast

The complete cast from last season is back. Ben Tebbe is Princeton; Emily Ristine is Princeton's love interest Kate Monster. In the dual roles of Lucy and Trekkie, Claire Wilcher returns, as well as Jason Gloye as Rod. Eric J. Olson is Nicky, R. Brian Noffke portrays Brian, Diane Tsao Boehm is Christmas Eve, and Da'Keisha Bryant is Gary Coleman.

Special Ticket Prices and Performance Details
Performances will be held on Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Doors open ½ hour prior to curtain for seating.

All seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis and all Thursday tickets are $20; Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are $30.

As a special reward for purchasing tickets early, all Avenue Q tickets purchased prior to December 31, 2011 are $5 OFF for any performance (Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun). (This discount does not apply to youth tickets, group tickets, etc.)

For more information about any Phoenix Productions or to purchase tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre box office at 317.635.7529. Tickets may also be purchased online. The theatre's website is www.phoenixtheatre.org.