AVENUE Q enters new decade with new home and new cast
Posted on 1 February 2010
“The best musical of the decade” - Christopher Hart, Sunday Times
After a hugely successful run at the Gielgud, the eternally popular musical Avenue Q will move to the Wyndham’s (almost back to where it started at the Noel Coward in 2005). The “Pant Wettingly Funny” show will continue performances at the Wyndham’s from March 19, booking until the end of September 2010 - marking Avenue Q’s fifth year in London’s West End. Due to the change in theatre programming Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning production of An Inspector Calls will close a week early on Saturday 13 March to facilitate the transfer of Avenue Q to the Wyndham’s.”
Avenue Q remains as fresh and funny as ever - prompting producer Cameron Mackintosh to find its third home following the announcement that ‘Hair’ will be taking up residence at the Gielgud from 1 April. Cameron Mackintosh said, “Little did I think when I fell in love with Avenue Q in New York, that it would come to London in one of my theatres. It is just fabulous that audiences are still hysterical with laughter into our fifth year, with its witty and timely songs being as pertinent as ever.”
There will also be a host of fresh talent joining the cast. Paul Spicer, (Notes from New York, Taboo, Fame) takes over from Daniel Boys as Princeton/Rod; Jacqueline Tate (Phantom of the Opera) comes in as Christmas Eve, the award-winning Delroy Atkinson (currently starring in Jihad! The Musical) returns to play Gary and Sion Lloyd who created the role of Brian in London is also returning to the show
Avenue Q ingeniously combines a cast of humans and puppets who tackle subjects such as dating, racism, internet porn, being gay and finding your purpose in life. The show has enjoyed enormous success, both on Broadway and in London, proving to be the perfect musical for our time. The combination of accessible prices and a hilarious night out has proven to be a big hit with audiences.
Avenue Q has music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; and directed by Jason Moore. The puppets are conceived and designed by Rick Lyon; musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, and choreography by Ken Roberson. Avenue Q's scenic design is by Anna Louizos, costume design by Mirena Rada, lighting design by Howell Binkley, and sound design by Acme Sound Partners.
Avenue Q is produced in London by Cameron Mackintosh, Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, Vineyard Theatre and The New Group.