Final USD performance of Tony Award-winning Avenue Q is tonight at 7 30
"Avenue Q," a Tony Award-winning production that combines puppets and live performers, addresses issues like unemployment, relationships and racism. The action focuses on Princeton (Josh Kolb of Loveland, Colo.), a recent college graduate who ventures to New York City. Unemployed, Princeton can only afford to live on Avenue Q, an unusual neighborhood and home to some extraordinary characters, including Brian (Cody Strand of Brandon, S.D.), a man who dreams of becoming a standup-comic; Christmas Eve (Jessie Atkinson of Sioux City, Iowa), Brian’s fiancée and a therapist with no patients; Kate Monster (Eleanor Petersen of Valentine, Neb.), a kindergarten teaching assistant; roommates Rod (Steve Schaeffer of Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Nicky (Tim Huggenburger of Sioux City, Iowa); Trekki Monster (Gabriel Gomez of Fargo, N.D.), a surly, computer-surfing recluse; and the building superintendent, Gary Coleman (Kendra Bolan of Lincoln, Neb.).
The cast of “Avenue Q” trained in puppet technique with two professional puppeteers: Douglas Strich, a USD alum who is employed at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in New York City; and Jennifer Barnhart, a professional actress and puppeteer who was also a member of the original Broadway cast of “Avenue Q.” Because of mature themes and strong language, “Avenue Q” is not appropriate for children.
Tickets ($15 adults, $9 K-12 & non-USD students with ID, and just $4 for USD students with I.D.) for tonight's finale can be reserved by calling the USD Theatre Box Office at (605) 677-5400 or by going online at www.usd.edu/theatre.